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Luis Suarez Retires from Uruguay National Team After 17 Years
Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has officially announced his retirement from international football with Uruguay.
The 37-year-old striker revealed the news during a press conference on Monday, stating that he would step down from the national team after Uruguay’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday.
Suarez leaves behind an illustrious legacy as Uruguay’s all-time top scorer, having netted 69 goals in 142 appearances over the course of a 17-year international career.
The former star of Liverpool and Barcelona expressed pride in his decision, emphasising the importance of knowing when to walk away on his own terms.
“There is no greater satisfaction than recognising the right moment to retire, and fortunately, I am at peace with my choice,” Suarez said. “I want to step aside from the national team now, while it’s my decision, not due to injury or because I’m no longer being called up.”
Suarez admitted that at 37, the prospect of competing in another World Cup would be challenging. He explained that his decision allows him to retire with dignity, rather than being forced out by physical limitations. The striker noted that he’s grateful for the opportunity to bow out on his own terms.
Suarez made his international debut for Uruguay back in February 2007, in a 3-1 win over Colombia. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in Uruguay’s successes, including their Copa América triumph in 2011, and has been a key figure in numerous World Cup campaigns.
His contributions to the national team will be remembered as some of the most significant in Uruguay’s football history.
French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.
Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.
Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.
“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”
Former Manchester City player David Silva has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or and revealed who he believes could win the prestigious award.
During a recent interview, the former midfielder was asked who he thinks will win the award, and he named Fabian Ruiz.
Silva’s choice sparked reactions from fans, especially as he did not mention Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as one of his picks.
“For me, teamwork is the most important thing, because without it you cannot win. If I had to give the Ballon d’Or to someone, it would be Fabian, because he has won the most titles in the last two years.
“He does not get enough recognition, I do not know why, because he is a wonderful player. I admire him a lot.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team remains uncertain following his sudden departure from the squad ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old forward left the national team camp after he was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and was informed that he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo later said he would explain his decision to leave the camp at a later time.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has since said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to the national team. Jesus said the decision ultimately rests with Ronaldo, while the Portuguese Football Federation has also described the situation as a misunderstanding.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and his next decision could determine how his international career ends.
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