Latest news with #JoãoFelix
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Strong Personal Message on Thursday
Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Strong Personal Message on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines once again on Thursday night after scoring a hat-trick in Al-Nassr's dominant 4-0 win over Rio Ave in a preseason match. But beyond the goals, it was the message he shared afterward that truly stood out. "Keep pushing, there's more to do. 🟡🔵," Ronaldo posted on Instagram, along with photos from the match. At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to show the same hunger and drive that made him one of the greatest soccer stars of all time. Al-Nassr vs. Rio Ave Ronaldo's first goal came late in the first half after a sharp one-two combination with new teammate João Felix. The ball dropped near the edge of the box, and Ronaldo didn't hesitate, firing low into the near post. After halftime, he gave up a chance to score from the penalty spot. When Nelson Abbey handled the ball in the box, Ronaldo passed the responsibility to Sadio Mané. But the Senegalese forward's shot was saved. Less than 20 seconds later, Ronaldo made up for it, heading the ball home after a cross from Wesley. His final goal of the night came in the 68th minute. Felix was brought down in the area, and this time Ronaldo took the penalty himself. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, completing the hat-trick and sealing the win for Al-Nassr. The three goals mark another highlight in Ronaldo's long career. He now has 22 goals in 26 matches across all competitions for club and country in 2025. Cristiano Ronaldo's Leadership Thursday's game also marked a strong showing from Ronaldo's fellow Portuguese teammate, Felix. Felix's arrival adds new power to Al-Nassr's attacking line, which already includes Sadio Mané. Coach Jorge Jesus is aiming to build a title-winning squad around these stars, with Ronaldo at the center of the plan. Despite his continued excellence, Ronaldo was left off the 30-player shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. The award, given to the best soccer player of the year, has been won by Ronaldo five times in his career, second only to Lionel Messi. He broke the Saudi Pro League's single-season goal record in 2023–24 with 35 goals and finished last season with 25. His form this year shows he's still among the world's top scorers, even if award voters look elsewhere. What's Next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr? Al-Nassr's preseason campaign continues, and with Ronaldo in peak form, the team is expected to be a strong contender for domestic and regional honors. For Ronaldo, every game is another chance to prove he's still at the top. And if his words on Thursday are any sign, he's not planning to slow down. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Guardian
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Football transfer rumours: Chelsea and Manchester United battle for Kolo Muani?
It is very difficult to find a top quality No 9 in the game and with Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani available, a fun three-way battle could be heading the way of rumourmongers. Juventus have already had a bid rejected, although they are expected to return with a second offer. While they are crunching the numbers, Manchester United and Chelsea may sneak in with a superior financial package and steal the France international from under the Old Lady's nose. João Felix is on his way out of Chelsea after making absolutely no impact at the club for a second time, leaving many to wonder why they bothered signing him in the first place. It looked as if he was heading back to his boyhood club Benfica but Al Nassr have stepped in with a €50m bid to lure the benchwarmer to Saudi Arabia, where he will join his international colleague Cristiano Ronaldo at the club. Even though James Trafford is readying himself for a Manchester City medical, there is a rumour swirling that Pep Guardiola might even fancy a third new goalkeeper of the summer, with Marcus Bettinelli already in the building. The latest name to be linked with the Etihad Stadium is Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain. If City are in fact interested in the Italian, they might need to battle bitter rivals Manchester United for his services, as Ruben Amorim really needs a new face between the sticks. It will cost someone absolutely nothing – bar wages, etc – to bring in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which might explain why Aston Villa, Milan and Newcastle are all rather keen on snapping up the striker. Xabi Alonso is looking to perform a clearout at Real Madrid. At most clubs, this means getting rid of some right carthorses but when it comes to the Spanish giants, the list would make most people weep. Rodrygo is top of the list, and the latest team interested in the Brazilian winger are Tottenham, having missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White. Arsenal and Liverpool might also be convinced to make an offer for him. If Rodrygo does not float your boat, Endrick, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are also set to be made available. All the talk was of a West Ham move for Leicester's Mads Hermansen but supposedly the East Midlands club want too much cash to part with the stopper. It leaves Graham Potter in a bit of a pickle but there is a plan B on the horizon, coming in the form of Sheffield United's Michael Cooper, who proved his quality in the Championship last season and might be confident he can step up tothe Premier League. One potential incoming at Bramall Lane is the Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. Rubén Sellés is eager to add some extra quality in the middle of the park and the former Aston Villa man might be keen on playing more regularly. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion And staying in the second tier, Stoke City could sensationally bring Steven Nzonzi back to the club for absolutely nothing after he left the Iranian club Sepahan. The former France international spent three years playing in the Potteries during a glorious Premier League era and, aged 36, wants to relive those days.
