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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Middle East’s best player award again

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Dubai: Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Middle East’s Best Player award for the third consecutive year, reaffirming his dominance in the region’s football scene.

Ronaldo clinched the honor at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on December 27. The 40-year-old forward used the occasion to reiterate his strong determination to reach the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ronaldo said he wants to continue playing at the highest level, win more trophies, and achieve the 1,000-goal mark. “You know my goal. I want to keep playing, win more trophies, and reach 1,000 goals. I will get there, God willing, if I stay injury-free,” he said.

Following his recent two-goal performance for Al-Nassr against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo’s career tally has now reached 956 goals, leaving him just 44 goals away from the unprecedented 1,000-goal landmark—an achievement no footballer has officially accomplished to date.

Ronaldo’s latest accolade further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history and highlights his continued impact even in the later stages of his illustrious career.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins fans’ hearts with kind acts and skill

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Cristiano Ronaldo

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo, the famed Portuguese footballer, is admired worldwide not just for his incredible talent on the field but also for his generosity and warm-hearted personality.

Reports indicate that a video of the Saudi club Al-Nassr player has been circulating on social media, which was even reposted by Al-Nassr’s official X account.

In the video, Ronaldo can be seen gently placing his scarf around a young girl standing in front of him during the team lineup, displaying a tender and caring gesture. The girl’s expression of surprise and joy is clearly visible.

Previously, Ronaldo also amazed fans with an extraordinary overhead bicycle kick goal that went viral on social media. The 40-year-old scored this remarkable goal in the 96th minute, a time when most players are exhausted, showcasing his exceptional fitness and dedication.

This goal marked the 954th of his illustrious career and is being hailed as one of the best goals of the current season.

FIFA reduces Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban following meeting with Trump

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FIFA reduces

International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has issued a special ruling for Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, reducing his suspension to one match after receiving a red card, just days after the striker met with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ronaldo, 40, was initially facing a three-match ban for violent conduct during Portugal’s recent match against Ireland, which would have sidelined him for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.

However, FIFA cited that this was the first red card of Ronaldo’s international career spanning more than two decades, leading to the shortened suspension.

The striker had already served his ban in the subsequent match against Armenia, making him eligible for Portugal’s opening World Cup fixture.

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez previously defended Ronaldo, arguing that his on-field outburst did not constitute violent conduct.

FIFA clarified that if Ronaldo commits a similar offense during the probationary period, the remaining two-match suspension will be enforced immediately.

The special ruling comes shortly after Ronaldo’s high-profile meetings with President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the latter’s visit to the United States.

Cristiano Ronaldo stuns fans with spectacular bicycle kick goal at 40

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, even at the age of 40, continues to outshine younger players with his exceptional skill and fitness.

Ronaldo, who has become one of the world’s most popular footballers due to his mastery, speed, and precision, has further boosted his fame since joining the Saudi Arabian league.

In a recent match, the star forward scored a stunning overhead bicycle kick goal, leaving fans in awe.

Remarkably, Ronaldo executed this brilliant goal in the 96th minute, a time when most players are usually exhausted, showcasing his extraordinary fitness and endurance.

Brazilian Star Vinícius Júnior becomes most popular athlete online

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Brazilian Star Vinícius

Brazilian football sensation Vinícius Júnior has emerged as the most popular athlete online, surpassing Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to international media reports.

Vinícius gained 1.5 million Instagram followers in a single month, with over 314,000 media reports published about him during the same period. His hashtags on Instagram reached a total of 1.4 million mentions.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked second in online popularity, while he remains the richest athlete in the world according to Forbes.

In global football rankings, Vinícius Júnior is currently 46th, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot.

The report also highlighted that footballers dominate the list of the world’s most popular athletes, with five footballers featured in the top 10, including Kylian Mbappé of France, who ranks third.

Portugal qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 after crushing Armenia

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Portugal qualify

Portugal secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 9–1 victory over Armenia, despite the absence of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The emphatic win also ensured Portugal finished at the top of their qualifying Group F.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves were the standout performers, each scoring a hat-trick to lead Portugal to direct qualification for the World Cup.

The triumph came just days after Portugal suffered a 0–2 defeat to Ireland on Thursday, a match in which captain Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card and subsequently suspended, ruling him out of the Armenia clash.

Reacting to the team’s qualification, Ronaldo celebrated the achievement on social media, writing: “We are in the World Cup! Vamos Portugal!”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded lineup of 48 teams.

With this qualification, Portugal have booked their place in the World Cup for the ninth time overall and the seventh consecutive edition.