Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo sent shock waves across the sporting world last month by announcing he would be leaving European soccer after his stint at the renowned Manchester United club for the little-known Al-Nassr team in Saudi Arabia.
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Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabia era begins, fans set for first look at star
The player is to be formally presented to fans at the club’s home ground, Mrsool Park, which has a capacity of 25,000, at 7 p.m. local time (11 a.m. Eastern) on Tuesday, the club said. Tickets cost around $4, with proceeds going to a charity, it added. Spectators may see Ronaldo don the club’s yellow and blue uniform and pose for photographs; new players also sometimes exhibit their soccer tricks and skills during such events.
Posting on his Instagram account late Monday, the Portuguese star shared a short video of himself on a private jet telling his fans: “Hi, guys, see you soon!”
Images later showed him and his family arriving at a Riyadh airport and being greeted with flowers from fans.
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In November, the Saudi national team notched a historic upset victory in group play over eventual World Cup winner Argentina in neighboring Qatar. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund owns the English Premier League team Newcastle United, as foreign nations continue to pour money into European clubs. Human rights advocates have criticized what they deem “sportswashing” by the oil-rich state, and the United Nations has long urged the country to improve its human rights record.
“History in the making,” Al-Nassr club said in a tweet announcing Ronaldo’s signing last week. “Welcome Cristiano to your new home.”
The Portuguese forward said in a statement that he was “excited to experience a new football league in a different country.” He added: “I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.”
Now 37 and nearing the end of his career, Ronaldo will play for the Saudi club until 2025, Al-Nassr said. It did not disclose financial details, but media reports said his contract would pay about $75 million a year, making him one of the highest-paid soccer players in history.
The world’s top soccer players often spend their twilight years in the game outside Europe, usually opting for the United States or China. The Saudi club is coached by Rudi Garcia of France, and Ronaldo will join other notable players from Brazil, Colombia and Cameroon on the team.
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During his storied career, Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or award five times as the men’s soccer player of the year, and, in Qatar, he cemented his legacy by becoming the first man to score in five World Cup tournaments.
He has played in Europe’s top leagues, for Spain’s Real Madrid and Italy’s Juventus, as well as two stints at Manchester United. However, the mercurial player left the northern England club acrimoniously in November, becoming a free agent, shortly after blasting its American owners and its manager in an interview with the British journalist Piers Morgan.
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Osimhen breaks Odegbami’s Eagles goal record
Osimhen breaks Odegbami’s Eagles goal record
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has eclipsed legendary striker Segun Odegbami on the country’s all-time leading goal scorers list after scoring his 24th and 25th goals against Rwanda in Nigeria’s critical 2026 World Cup qualifying game on Friday.
Ademola Lookman’s soaring free kick found the Galatasaray striker, who turned the ball home with a superb touch at the far post to give Nigeria the lead in the game.
With the goal, Osimhen moved into second place on Nigeria’s goal-scoring table, trailing only the late Rashidi Yekini’s 37-goal total.
Osimhen, who is playing his debut game in the 2026 World Cup qualification series, scored his 25th goal in the 45th minute of regular time against Rwanda in his 39th appearance for Nigeria.
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He tied Odegbami’s record last November during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in a 2025 AFCON qualifying encounter.
This season, the 26-year-old has been in excellent form, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists in 20 Super Lig games for league leaders Galatasaray.
He has also scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 games across all competitions.
Osimhen breaks Odegbami’s Eagles goal record
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2026 WCQ: Super Eagles move up to third place with 2-0 win in Rwanda
2026 WCQ: Super Eagles move up to third place with 2-0 win in Rwanda
Nigeria breathed life into their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, thanks to a 2-0 win in Rwanda on Friday night.
It was the Super Eagles first game under new head coach, Eric Chelle.
Victor Osimhen continued his hot streak in front of goal with a brace in the first half.
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The striker who has shone this season for Galatasaray, opened the scoring with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.
Osimhen doubled the Eagles’ advantage after stealing the ball on the halfway line and dinking it over the goalkeeper.
The result takes the three-time African champions up to third place in the group, following South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho.
Chelle’s men will face Zimbabwe next on Tuesday.
2026 WCQ: Super Eagles move up to third place with 2-0 win in Rwanda
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Newcastle stun Liverpool to secure Carabao Cup victory
Newcastle stun Liverpool to secure Carabao Cup victory
Newcastle United clinched their first domestic trophy in 70 years with a stunning 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed a historic win, igniting celebrations among the club’s passionate supporters.
Defender Burn put Newcastle ahead just before halftime, powering in a header from a corner to send the black-and-white-clad fans into raptures
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Buoyed by their lead, Newcastle doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Swedish forward Isak coolly slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Premier League leaders Liverpool pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Federico Chiesa, but it was too little, too late as Eddie Howe’s side held firm to lift their first major domestic trophy since 1955.
Newcastle stun Liverpool to secure Carabao Cup victory
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