Former Real Madrid star Luis Figo has come to the defense of current manager Carlo Ancelotti, calling him the most successful coach in the club’s history.

Figo’s comments came after Ancelotti faced criticism following Real Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal. The team was defeated 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, prompting questions about Ancelotti’s future at the club, even though his contract runs until the summer of 2026.

Speaking to Gazzetta, Figo expressed his surprise at the backlash, noting that people often forget the bigger picture after a single result. “I know this world has a short memory. It’s hard to see beyond the most recent game,” he said, emphasizing that this is especially true in Madrid.

Figo also found it odd that, after the defeat to Arsenal, discussions focused solely on Ancelotti’s future. “It seems absurd to me that his ability would be questioned,” he added. “In football, you can’t win all the time, and that’s true even for Real Madrid.”

Brazilian football icon Cafu has highlighted Rodrygo as the driving force behind Real Madrid’s attacking success, placing him above the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham in terms of influence on the team’s play.

In a recent chat with SPORT, Cafu emphasized how crucial Rodrygo has become, stating that the team struggles creatively when the 24-year-old isn’t at his best. He noted that when Rodrygo is on form, it positively affects other key players like Vinícius, Valverde, Mbappé, and Bellingham.

Cafu described Rodrygo as a central figure in the squad’s dynamics, someone who helps Real Madrid connect and move forward effectively on the pitch. With 13 goals and 10 assists so far this season, Rodrygo’s impact is clear.

Having joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, the Brazilian winger continues to grow into one of the most vital players in the team’s setup.

Former Greek footballer Georgios Karagounis has expressed his desire to see Cristiano Ronaldo play for Panathinaikos once his time at Al-Nassr comes to an end. Ronaldo, whose contract with the Saudi club is set to expire at the end of the season, has yet to agree to a renewal.

In a chat with Spin Genie, Karagounis shared his thoughts. He said, while he isn’t sure Ronaldo would ever play for Wrexham, he would love to see him in Greece with Panathinaikos. He described the club as a big name in Greek football.  And he pointed out that Ronaldo has already worn green before with Sporting CP, so a move to Panathinaikos wouldn’t be far-fetched.

Karagounis believes Ronaldo’s fame would match well with the stature of Panathinaikos, and though the future remains uncertain, he’s hopeful the football legend could one day turn out for the Greek side.

Now 40, Ronaldo is nearing the end of a decorated career that has seen him represent clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Sporting CP. Whether he ends up in Greece or somewhere else remains to be seen.