Latest news with #RioAve
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Confirmed: Barcelona secure important boardroom addition
La Liga giants Barcelona have early this week secured a fresh addition to the club's backroom staff. That's according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, who points towards the reinforcement as having come in the scouting department. The individual to have agreed to the terms of a contract with the reigning Spanish champions? João Amaral. Amaral, for his part, is a Portuguese director, who most recently spent time on the books of Rio Ave in his home country. The 38-year-old spent the 2024/25 campaign plying his trade at the Estádio dos Arcos. And along the way, Amaral evidently did enough to pique the attentions of those in a position of power at the aforementioned Barcelona. This comes amid confirmation that, following a personal recommendation on the part of Blaugrana chief Deco: 'Barcelona complete appointment of João Amaral as new Head of scouting with immediate effect. Former Rio Ave director has full trust from Deco as they share very close relationship.' Conor Laird – GSFN
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.
Saudi Gazette
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Cristiano Ronaldo denies role in Félix transfer, hails Saudi Pro League
Saudi Gazette report LISBON — Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed suggestions he played a role in persuading compatriot João Félix to join Al Nassr, stressing that recruiting players is not part of his job. Speaking after Al Nassr's 4-0 friendly win over Rio Ave on Thursday, the Portuguese star said: 'I don't do that, I don't talk on the phone. That's not my job. You said it, but my job is to train and play.' On Félix's arrival from Chelsea, Ronaldo rejected speculation of any wrongdoing in the move from Benfica, adding: 'Stealing is a bad word. Nobody stole anything from Benfica. Everyone knows João, he's very talented and I believe he'll help us a lot in the Saudi league.' The Al Nassr captain also praised the league's competitiveness, citing the level seen at the FIFA Club World Cup: 'The Saudi Pro League is very competitive. You don't know — you're far from the pitch — but we've seen it.' Ronaldo said moving to Saudi Arabia was a smarter career step for Félix than remaining in the Portuguese league.'It was a better choice than playing in Portugal. Look at the number of stars in Saudi. Even without the Champions League, it was a very wise decision,' he to Al Nassr's preparations, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner emphasized the importance of preseason fitness: 'The most important thing is fatigue, good training, and getting back to full fitness. We want to be ready for our first official match on the 19th in Hong Kong in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al Ittihad.'Ronaldo, who found the net against Rio Ave, added: 'Scoring goals is always good. I'm happy, and preseason is going well.'On the start of the Portuguese league season, he concluded: 'I hope it's competitive. I always wish the best, and I hope Sporting Lisbon can win the title again.'
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Business Standard
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Which player has scored the most career hat-tricks in football so far?
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a masterclass in front of goal as he fired a hat-trick to lead Al-Nassr to a commanding 4-0 victory over Portuguese outfit Rio Ave in a pre-season friendly. The veteran forward, now 40, looked sharp and in top form, while new signing João Félix also impressed, linking up brilliantly with Ronaldo to set up one of the goals. Ronaldo scores pre-season hattrick It was defender Mohamed Simakan who opened the scoring for Al-Nassr in the 15th minute. However, the spotlight soon shifted to Ronaldo, who stole the show with a sensational hat-trick. His first goal came following a slick one-two with Félix, his fellow Portugal international and the Saudi club's latest high-profile addition. Ronaldo's second strike followed some chaos in the Rio Ave box after Sadio Mané saw his penalty saved by Cezary Miszta. The ball fell kindly for Al-Nassr, and Ronaldo rose high to head in Wesley's pinpoint cross. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute, confidently converting from the spot before being substituted to a warm reception. His performance not only thrilled the crowd but also sent a clear message that he's still a force to be reckoned with, even in the twilight of his career. Who has scored the most career hattricks in football? Most career hattricks in football Rank Player Hat-tricks Country 1 Pele 92 Brazil 2 Cristiano Ronaldo 66 Portugal 3 Lionel Messi 59 Argentina 4 Robert Lewandowski 33 Poland 5 Luis Suarez 30 Uruguay 6 Harry Kane 24 England 7 Erling Haaland 24 Norway 8 Neymar 21 Brazil 9 Zlatan Ibrahimovic 20 Swedan 10 Kylian Mbappe 20 France What's next for Ronaldo? Al-Nassr will play their final pre-season friendly against Spanish side Almeria on August 10. They will then shift focus to competitive action, beginning their 2025/26 campaign with a Saudi Super Cup semi-final clash against domestic rivals Al-Ittihad on August 19.
NDTV
08-08-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Hat-Trick For Al-Nassr, Leaves Fans Stunned
Cristiano Ronaldo was at his sublime best as the Portuguese superstar scored three goals to guide Al-Nassr to a 4-0 victory over Rio Ave in a pre-season friendly at Estadio Do Algarve on Thursday. Mohamed Simakan opened the scoring for Al-Nassr before Ronaldo left the fans in a frenzy with a brilliant hat-trick. The star footballer combined brilliantly with Joao Felix in the penalty area before coming up with a thundering finish. Sadio Mane missed a penalty for the Saudi side but sixteen second later, Ronaldo headed in their third goal. The hat-trick was completed five minutes later from the penalty spot. Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick today against Rio Ave #CristianoRonaldo #AlNassr — Robert Hala Madrid🇵🇹 (@RobertRMCF) August 7, 2025 Earlier, Ronaldo ended months of speculation over his club's future by signing a contract extension with Al Nassr that will keep him at the Saudi Arabian club until 2027. CRISTIANO RONALDO WHAT A FINISH! — TC (@totalcristiano) August 7, 2025 The Portuguese icon made the announcement official on Thursday with a post on the social media platform X, declaring, 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' Al Nassr soon followed with a confirmation: 'Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.' Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in late 2022 following a high-profile exit from Manchester United, has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 93 times in 105 appearances across competitions. His move to Saudi Arabia marked a significant shift in global football, drawing international attention to the Saudi Pro League and setting the stage for a wave of star arrivals in the region. The extension comes after weeks of speculation regarding a potential departure.
