Sports

Ronaldo opens up about retirement plans, family priorities

Published

3 months ago

November 6, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo opens up about retirement plans, family priorities

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his retirement from professional football is approaching, marking the beginning of the end for one of the sport’s most illustrious careers. Speaking candidly on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old Al Nassr striker admitted that stepping away from the game will be “very, very difficult,” but emphasized that he has long been preparing for life beyond the pitch.

“I think I will be prepared,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. “I have prepared my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. Nothing will compare to the adrenaline of scoring a goal, but everything has a beginning and everything has an end.”

Ronaldo, who holds the record for most goals scored in football history — 952 goals for club and country — has set his sights on reaching 1,000 before retiring. Despite the emotional weight of his decision, he expressed optimism about spending more time with his family and raising his children.

The former Manchester United forward also reflected on his ties to the English club, where he enjoyed two separate stints. Though his second spell ended on a sour note three years ago, Ronaldo said he still follows United’s results and remains emotionally connected to the team.

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“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important in the world and a club that I still have in my heart,” he said.

United’s recent struggles have been stark. Last season, the club finished 15th in the Premier League — its worst top-flight result since the 1973–74 relegation. Ronaldo criticized the club’s lack of structure and direction, noting that its vast potential remains untapped.

“They are not on a good path,” he said. “It’s not only about the coach and players… He [manager Ruben Amorim] is doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles are impossible.”

Ronaldo’s career has spanned over two decades, with legendary spells at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr. His accolades include multiple league titles, Champions League trophies, and international honors with Portugal.

As he nears the twilight of his playing days, fans around the world are bracing for the farewell of a generational talent whose impact on football will be felt for years to come.

Ronaldo opens up about retirement plans, family priorities

Sports

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Sports

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already taking shape, with Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé emerging as early front-runners for football’s most prestigious individual award. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now past their peak, the field is wide open for new stars to claim the coveted Golden Ball.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice tops early rankings thanks to his influential performances in club and international competitions, particularly his leadership in Arsenal’s title push. Close behind are Harry Kane, who continues to score prolifically for Bayern Munich, Erling Haaland with his lethal finishing for Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappé, maintaining his form for Real Madrid and France.

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Rising star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, also features prominently among early favourites, while other notable contenders include midfield dynamo Vitinha and reigning 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Analysts note that the race is still early and that Champions League and World Cup performances will heavily influence the final outcome.

The early rankings provide a snapshot of the competition, highlighting a mix of established stars and emerging talents who could define the next era of global football.