United News of Bangladesh

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking World Cup career came to an end on early Tuesday as Portugal were eliminated by Spain with a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 16, marking the six-time World Cup participant's final appearance at football's biggest tournament. The 41-year-old Portugal captain left the field quietly after the final whistle, acknowledging supporters with a brief wave before reflecting on the end of an era. "I've given everything, I've given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience," Ronaldo said after the match. "This is football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose." Ronaldo had confirmed before the match that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, and reiterated that decision afterward, although he declined to discuss his broader international future. "I'll have time to think about everything else, be with my family and make decisions calmly," he said. Portugal's all-time leading scorer came close to finding the net in the first half, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon produced an outstanding save to deny him. Ronaldo registered three shots during the match, two of them on target. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez paid tribute to the veteran forward, describing him as an inspiration for future generations. "He is an example and a football icon. There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos. We need to thank him for everything he has given to Portuguese football," Martinez said. Ronaldo leaves the World Cup as the only player to have scored in six consecutive editions of the tournament. He also remains international football's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals. Although Portugal won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 during Ronaldo's career, the World Cup remained the one major trophy that eluded him. His best finish came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals. Ronaldo scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, taking his overall tournament tally to 11 goals, placing him among the competition's top all-time scorers. Spain's victory sends them into the quarterfinals, while Ronaldo's departure marks the end of one of the most celebrated World Cup careers in football history.

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a strong message to his critics after scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, declaring, “I’m back! I’m back!” while celebrating a historic World Cup milestone. The 41-year-old forward scored two goals as Portugal cruised past Uzbekistan, becoming the first player in history to score in six different editions of football’s biggest tournament. Visibly emotional after the match, Ronaldo celebrated the achievement and responded directly to criticism that had followed Portugal’s earlier 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group K match. Ronaldo had been under pressure after that result, especially as other global stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr and Harry Kane had impressed early in the tournament. However, the Portuguese captain made a rapid impact against Uzbekistan, opening the scoring within six minutes with a sharp half-volley from a Joao Cancelo cross. He added his second goal before half-time after finishing a precise through-ball from Bruno Fernandes. He came close to a first-half hat-trick but was denied by a goal-line clearance from Abdukodir Khusanov. After the match, Ronaldo said his “I’m back” celebration was aimed at those who had doubted him. “It’s only so they [his critics] don't forget - 23 years [doing so] like this,” he said. “I’m very happy but the most important thing is the work the team did and the confidence it gives us,” Ronaldo added. “Personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives.” He said the team had gone through a difficult week but managed to respond strongly. “It’s been a difficult week, a dark week without kicking a ball, but we dealt with it as we always do because we believe in our work. It was difficult, but we’re back,” he said. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo’s leadership, saying the captain played a key role in lifting team morale after their opening draw. Former England captain Wayne Rooney also praised Ronaldo’s performance, saying his ability to respond to criticism with goals has defined his career. “He’s taken a bit of criticism and this is how he responds,” Rooney said. “He has done that his whole career.” The win also saw goals from Nuno Mendes, an own goal from Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, and a late strike from Rafael Leao, giving Portugal a dominant victory. Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro said Ronaldo’s performance showed his continued quality even at 41, describing him as “part of the history of the World Cup.” Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane also praised Ronaldo’s hunger and determination, calling him a “doubted genius” who continues to set an example with his work ethic and scoring ability. With inputs from BBC.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Congo in their opening match of the World Cup on Wednesday. Congo, making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, earned an impressive result against European opposition, becoming the second African team to make a strong start to the tournament after Cape Verde's goalless draw against Spain on Monday. "The World Cup is a tournament where this happens," Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said. "At times the performance is not up to the challenge." Playing before a crowd of 68,777 at NRG Stadium, largely made up of Portugal supporters, Congo secured the first World Cup point in its history after losing all three of its previous matches at the tournament. Many Congolese supporters were unable to travel to the United States because of restrictions related to Ebola concerns. "There was not enough blue in the stands, but the players are tough and they know how to overcome challenges," Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said. "I'm sure many Congolese people are proud of their team today." Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Neves headed home a cross from Pedro Neto. However, Congo equalised deep into first-half stoppage time as Yoane Wissa headed in a cross from Arthur Masuaku, sparking celebrations among the Congo supporters present. It was Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. "It's crazy," Wissa said. "Fifty-two years later we are here, we are back. It's been long, it's been difficult. Scoring that goal means a lot for all Congolese people, for me, my family and the fans." Congo's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire and lost all three group-stage matches against Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil. "The goal changed things," Martínez said. "We almost felt the fear of not losing the game." Portugal struggled to find a winner despite several chances. Ronaldo missed opportunities in the 68th and 73rd minutes, sending both efforts wide of the right post. Asked whether he considered substituting Ronaldo, Martínez dismissed the idea. "It makes no sense to take off the world's top scorer when you need goals," he said. "Cristiano's experience in the box is important, and the way he attracts defenders is important." Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, surpassing the mark set by Canada's Atiba Hutchinson four years ago. The Portuguese star also joined Lionel Messi as the only players to appear in six World Cups. Messi, who scored a hat trick for Argentina on Tuesday, and Ronaldo are now the only players to have played in six editions of the tournament. Ronaldo still has the opportunity to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. Portugal came close again in the closing stages, but Bruno Fernandes sent a shot wide in the 90th minute. João Cancelo thought he had restored Portugal's lead in the 55th minute with an acrobatic bicycle kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. At the other end, Cédric Bakambu nearly put Congo ahead, only to see his effort strike the near post. Among those attending the match were the parents of Diogo Jota, the Portugal international who died alongside his brother in a car accident last summer. They watched the game from a luxury suite at the stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo walks into what is widely believed to be the final FIFA World Cup of his legendary career, and once again, the football world stops to watch. At 41, the Portuguese icon is preparing for what many are calling his “Last Dance”, as Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Group K at Houston’s NRG Stadium, kicks off at 11:00 PM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST). Despite age no longer being on his side, Ronaldo remains the central figure of Portugal’s golden generation, a player whose legacy already includes over 965+ career goals, five Ballon d’Or awards, and international dominance across Europe and Nations League triumphs. Yet one trophy still defines the missing chapter of his career: the FIFA World Cup. The final chase for football’s biggest prize Ronaldo’s World Cup journey began in 2006, where Portugal finished fourth. Since then, he has scored in five different World Cups, a record, but the knockout stage has often remained a barrier. In total, Ronaldo has scored 8 World Cup goals and provided 2 assists in 22 matches, while maintaining one of the longest international careers in football history. Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a decisive figure for Portugal and continues to feature among the top performers in the Saudi Pro League, where he finished as the third-highest goalscorer for Al Nassr (RSL) in the 2025/26 season. Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup with arguably their most balanced and complete squad in recent memory under coach Roberto Martínez, blending experience, form, and European dominance across positions. Built for glory? This time, however, Portugal arrive not just as contenders, but as one of the most balanced squads in the tournament. Under Spanish Coach Roberto Martínez, the team blends experience and youth across all departments. Vitinha, João Neves, Gonçalo Ramos and Nuno Mendes, all UEFA Champions League winners this season. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s most in-form player in the 2025/26 season. Bernardo Silva, former Manchester City is a consistent creative force. Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto, key attacking outlets offering pace and direct threat, and finally up front the captain and focal point: Cristiano Ronaldo The squad’s depth across midfield, defence and attack has placed Portugal among the favourites heading into the tournament. Portugal, ranked among the world’s top five, also enter the tournament as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, strengthening belief that this could finally be their golden generation’s breakthrough moment. Their group campaign includes DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, with the opening fixture against DR Congo expected to set the tone. Portugal are widely seen as favourites to top the group, but analysts warn of unpredictability from their opponents. DR Congo arrive with physical strength and counter-attacking threat, Colombia bring experience through James Rodríguez, while Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro. Still, all attention remains fixed on one man, Ronaldo. Ronaldo himself has indicated this tournament could mark his sixth and final World Cup appearance, an unprecedented milestone shared only with Lionel Messi in modern football discussions. Even at 41, he remains decisive, a record international goalscorer with 143 goals for Portugal and the first player to score in five World Cups. But the World Cup trophy is the one honour missing from his otherwise complete legacy. The last dance begins For Portugal, this is more than a campaign. It is a carefully balanced attempt to turn generations of talent into global glory. For Ronaldo, it is something more personal, a final chance to complete his legacy in football. Whether 2026 becomes a fairytale ending or another heartbreak, one reality is certain. The world will be watching every step of Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance on football’s biggest stage.

The enormous earnings of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continue to highlight the vast financial gap between elite athletes and ordinary professionals. According to estimates, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward earns around $200 million a year from his club contract in Saudi Arabia alone. In Bangladeshi currency, that amounts to roughly Tk 2,400 crore annually, or about Rs 1,600-1,700 crore in Indian currency. Based on a season of around 55 matches for club and country, Ronaldo earns nearly Rs 30 crore every time he steps onto the field. That means a single 90-minute match brings in more money than many companies spend on salaries in an entire year. The comparison becomes even more striking when measured against the income of an average professional. Someone earning Rs 12 lakh a year would need around 2,500 years of work to make what Ronaldo earns from just one match. Ronaldo's wealth extends far beyond his football salary. His estimated net worth is believed to exceed $1 billion, with some estimates placing it at around $1.2 billion, or roughly Rs 10,000 crore. The fortune has been built through more than two decades of top-level football, including club salaries, bonuses, sponsorship agreements, image rights, business investments and income from his massive social media presence. Using the same comparison, a professional earning Rs 12 lakh annually would need more than 83,000 years of income to accumulate wealth equal to Ronaldo's current net worth. Even over a 40-year career, such an employee would earn only a tiny fraction of Ronaldo's fortune. Matching his wealth would require more than 2,000 full working lifetimes. The figures underline the extraordinary financial rewards available at the highest level of global sport, where a single match can generate earnings that would take ordinary workers thousands of years to achieve. Source: NDTV

Cristiano Ronaldo finally celebrated his first major trophy with Al-Nassr after scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Damac FC to secure the Saudi Pro League title on Thursday. The 41-year-old Portuguese star played a key role in helping Al-Nassr win its first major title since he joined the club more than three years ago. After the celebrations, Ronaldo shared a video on social media showing him and his teammates celebrating with the trophy. The post included the message: “It means so much to us,” along with the phrase “Yalla Nassr,” a popular chant among the club’s supporters meaning “Come on, Al-Nassr!” The title triumph came just two days after Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, which could become his record sixth appearance in the tournament. The win helped Al-Nassr finish at the top of the league table, two points ahead of city rivals Al-Hilal, who ended the 34-match season unbeaten but finished second. Ronaldo scored his 27th and 28th league goals of the season in the second half. Earlier, Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman had scored on either side of halftime to give Al-Nassr control of the match. With Al-Nassr leading 2-1, Ronaldo extended the advantage shortly after the hour mark with a curling free kick from the left side that went through a crowd of players and into the net. He scored again eight minutes before full time from close range to confirm the victory as celebrations erupted around the stadium. Ronaldo, visibly emotional, received a standing ovation when he was substituted with three minutes left. The title is Al-Nassr’s 11th league championship and its first since 2019.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second straight match for Al-Nassr as questions continue over his future at the Saudi club. Al-Nassr beat rivals Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, scoring two late goals through former Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel. Ronaldo was not included in the squad for the match. During the game, some home supporters showed their backing for the Portuguese star by holding yellow cards with his name and number seven in the seventh minute. Ronaldo, now 41, also sat out Al-Nassr’s 1-0 league win over Al-Riyadh on Monday. Portuguese outlet ‘A Bola’reported that Ronaldo refused to play after becoming unhappy with the way the club is being run by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). In response, the Saudi Pro League told BBC Sport that Ronaldo has played a key role in raising the club’s profile and goals, but added that “no individual  however significant determines decisions beyond their own club”. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United and became the highest-paid footballer in history, earning about £177 million a year. The club, which has won the Saudi Pro League 10 times, described his signing as “history in the making”. Cristiano Ronaldo turns 41: How the superstar built a brand beyond football However, since joining, Ronaldo has won only one trophy  the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. He signed a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr in June 2025. Both Al-Nassr and league leaders Al-Hilal are owned by the PIF. BBC Sport reported that Ronaldo may be frustrated by Karim Benzema’s recent move to Al-Hilal. Benzema scored a hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 win on Thursday. After 20 matches, Al-Nassr sit second in the table, just one point behind Al-Hilal.  

Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s all-time leading goal scorer, celebrates his 41st birthday today on Thursday, as much a global brand as a football icon. Beyond league titles, Ballon d’Ors, and Champions League triumphs, Ronaldo has crafted a self-sustaining commercial empire that could thrive even after he retires. His CR7 brand spans footwear, apparel, fragrances, gyms, and hotels. Partnerships include CR7 Crunch Fitness in Portugal and Spain, CR7 Pestana hotels across Madeira, Lisbon, Madrid, Marrakech, and New York, and a fragrance line with Eden Parfums. Ronaldo hints at retirement in “probably one or two years” Ronaldo’s social media reach is unmatched: in September 2025, he became the first person to reach 1 billion followers across all platforms, with 671 million on Instagram alone. His online presence provides unmatched visibility for sponsors, including Nike, Herbalife, Clear, Binance, Tag Heuer, Armani, and Jacob & Co. In the twilight of his career, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr offered enormous commercial gains. His 2025 contract extension pays £492 million over two years, including a 15% stake in the club worth £33 million, ensuring a lavish post-playing career. Experts say Ronaldo’s strategy—building digital and tangible assets while active on the pitch—offers a model for athletes worldwide, including India, to grow personal brands alongside sporting careers.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo hinted that he will retire within the next two years, confirming that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage. “I will be 41 years old and I think will be the moment in the big competition (World Cup),” Ronaldo told CNN’s Becky Anderson in an interview at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. As for when he’ll retire from the sport, the all-time leading goalscorer in international football history said, “I’m enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon because I gave everything for football. “I’m in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams. I’m really proud, so let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.” Ronaldo has scored 143 international goals and is the first-ever male player to score at five World Cups. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is hoping to play at a sixth World Cup next year. He came closest to lifting the trophy on debut in 2006, when Portugal lost to France in the semi-finals. The expanded 48-team tournament, the largest in history, kicks off June 11, 2026, in the US, Mexico and Canada. The World Cup draw is scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Portugal have yet to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but can secure their spot if they beat Ireland on Thursday.

Portugal were denied an early ticket to the World Cup after Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time goal earned Hungary a 2–2 draw in their Group F qualifier in Lisbon on Tuesday, despite another record-setting night for Cristiano Ronaldo. Attila Szalai gave Hungary the lead early on, but Ronaldo struck twice before halftime to put Portugal in front. However, Szoboszlai slid in at the far post in added time to snatch a dramatic point for the visitors. Ronaldo’s first goal made him the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 40 goals, one ahead of Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. The Portuguese captain now boasts 143 international goals in 225 appearances — both world records. Portugal dominated the opening stages, with Ronaldo missing narrowly in the fifth minute before Diogo Costa denied Roland Sallai. From the ensuing corner, Szalai headed home to give Hungary a surprise lead. Bangladesh’s Asia Cup dream almost over with 1-1 draw against Hong Kong Ronaldo equalised in the 22nd minute, converting Nélson Semedo’s low cross, and headed in again in first-half stoppage time from Nuno Mendes’ delivery to make it 2–1 at the break. After halftime, Portugal squandered several chances to seal victory. Semedo’s shot was kept out, while Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes were both denied by the woodwork and the goalkeeper. Substitute João Félix also went close with a header. Hungary continued to press late on, and Szoboszlai’s last-minute finish from Dániel Lukács’s cross ensured a share of the spoils. Portugal remain top of Group F with 10 points from four matches, followed by Hungary on five. Ireland climbed to third with four points after beating 10-man Armenia 1–0, who stay bottom with three. Messi scores twice, assists once as Inter Miami crush Atlanta United 4-0 In Group I, Italy secured at least second place with a 3–0 win over Israel, taking their tally to 15 points from six games — three behind leaders Norway, who have a perfect 18 points and a +26 goal difference compared to Italy’s +10. Gennaro Gattuso’s side must win big in their final match to overtake them.