FIFA explains why Croatia’s dramatic late equaliser against Portugal was ruled out

July 3, 2026 4:03 PM

FIFA explains why Croatia’s dramatic late equaliser against Portugal was ruled out

FIFA has clarified why Croatia's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 was disallowed, saying Connected Ball Technology detected a crucial touch from striker Igor Matanovic that resulted in an offside offence. Croatia appeared to have forced extra drama when Josko Gvardiol bundled home after Mario Pasalic collected a long ball inside the box and squared it for the defender in the 103rd minute. However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out ...

Ronaldo missed match due to frustration with Saudi’s PIF

February 3, 2026 9:52 AM

Ronaldo missed match due to frustration with Saudi’s PIF

Frustration about Al-Nassr's quiet transfer window motivated Cristiano Ronaldo to sit out of the club's 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Monday, multiple media outlets reported. The Portuguese superstar forward decided to recuse himself from head coach Jorge Jesus' squad because Al-Nassr, the second-place team in the Saudi Pro League table, had not made a significant addition before the closure of the window Monday. Al-Nassr won its fifth consecutive league match to move one point behind unbeaten ...

Ronaldo scores with epic bicycle kick as Al Nassr swamp Al Khaleej 4-1

November 24, 2025 10:13 AM

Ronaldo scores with epic bicycle kick as Al Nassr swamp Al Khaleej 4-1

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from an incredible bicycle kick to help Al Nassr to a 4-1 win over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday (November 23).  Al Nassr were up 3-1 and well on their way to winning when Nawaf Al-Boushal put up a lofty cross that Ronaldo latched onto for a spectacular leaping goal to seal it for the home side. After an earlier Joao Felix goal was disallowed, the Portuguese international was finally on target at in the 39th minute to put Al Nassr on the board.  ...

Portugal held 2-2 by Hungary despite Ronaldo double

October 15, 2025 9:57 AM

Portugal held 2-2 by Hungary despite Ronaldo double

Portugal were forced to delay punching their World Cup ticket after being held to a 2-2 home draw by Hungary in Tuesday's qualifier as Dominik Szoboszlai struck a stoppage-time equaliser after two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo had put the hosts ahead. Portugal could have sealed a place at next year's finals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico with a victory that would have clinched top spot in Group F. But they will now have to wait until November, sitting on 10 points from four matches, five ahead ...

Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for third year in a row

May 16, 2025 10:14 AM

Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for third year in a row

Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his career. Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's estimated total earnings are around $275 million. The Portuguese forward increased his income by $15 million through off-field endorsements as well as lucrative sponsorship deals backed by his large social media followers: 939 million in total as of May. Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors guard St...

Ronaldo strikes late to give Portugal win over Scotland

September 9, 2024 10:49 AM

Ronaldo strikes late to give Portugal win over Scotland

Portugal substitute Cristiano Ronaldo struck a late winner as his side came from a goal down to beat Scotland 2-1 and continue their strong start to the Nations League on Sunday. After Bruno Fernandes had fired in Portugal's equaliser, Ronaldo pounced in the 88th minute for his 901st career goal. Scotland were given hope of a first win against Portugal since 1980 as they took a shock lead through Scott McTominay's bullet header in the seventh minute. But the visitors ended up with nothing to ...

End of an era: Ronaldo and Messi absent from Ballon d’Or nominations for the first time in over 20 years

September 5, 2024 10:47 AM

End of an era: Ronaldo and Messi absent from Ballon d’Or nominations for the first time in over 20 years

For the first time in over two decades, football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not feature in the Ballon d'Or nominations. Messi has won this prestigious award a record 8 times, including last year. The Portuguese superstar has received the award 5 times. Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while Messi is in the United States, playing for Inter Miami, where he helped the club lift their maiden trophy. Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 while pla...

Soccer-Portugal coast into Euro 2024 last-16 with 3-0 victory over Turkey

June 23, 2024 10:53 AM

Soccer-Portugal coast into Euro 2024 last-16 with 3-0 victory over Turkey

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez described Ronaldo's decision to provide an assist rather than go for goal himself as "a pure moment of Portugese football". "That's an example that should be shown in every academy," he added. The game petered out even after Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella introduced teenage star Arda Guler, who had scored the decisive goal in Turkey's opening game but started on the bench due to concerns over his fitness. Turkey pressed late on for a goal that would not have cha...