Sport
Ronaldo Will Miss Al Nassr Game as Coach Gives Him Rest for Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of Al Nassr’s squad as they take on Damac in their upcoming Saudi Pro League match. The 40-year-old captain has been left out of the 20-man list, with the club choosing to rest him ahead of their important AFC Champions League fixture.
Ronaldo’s absence is a strategic move by head coach Stefano Pioli, who is focusing on keeping his key players fresh for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos. The decision marks only the second time this season that Ronaldo has missed a league game, the first being back in October 2024 when Al Nassr played out a 3–3 draw with Al Kholood.
Sadio Mané will also miss the Damac game due to suspension. In their absence, Colombian forward Jhon Durán will step up to lead the attack.
With big games ahead in the Champions League, Pioli is clearly putting long-term goals first, prioritizing fitness and form over short-term league fixtures.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has spoken about the club’s signing of Enzo Fernández from Chelsea and why he is excited about the move.
Fernández completed his move to Manchester City from Chelsea on deadline day, with the midfielder joining the club for a British record-equalling £125 million.
Maresca said “Enzo Fernández… we’ve signed a winner. Enzo has a winning mentality, he knows how to win – World Cup, Club World Cup. And the main thing is that he’s a winner.”
“I can promise you in the last four or five days, four or five players were asking if he’s coming or not, because they wanted him with us!”
PSG manager Luis Enrique has shared his thoughts on who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying he believes the award should go to one of his players.
He said, “The Ballon d’Or should go to a PSG player, We have players who have won the Champions League. We have Fabián, who won the World Cup as well. We have Ousmane, who won the Ballon d’Or last season. That’s my opinion, but I’m not interested in individual awards.”
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, with the shortlist set to be revealed on September 8.
British broadcaster Piers Morgan speaks on the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate and shares who the actual GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is.
He determined the GOAT by the number of goals they have scored for their countries after retirement.
“Lionel Messi quits international football, having scored 125 goals for Argentina, the second-highest number in football history.
“@Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for Portugal, the highest in football history. This settles the (GOAT) debate.”
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