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Saudi Arabian officials are in “difficult” talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.
“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.
“First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source added.
Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” overnight Monday, hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.
A special transfer window opens from June 1-10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup to sign players.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week said “there are discussions” over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the enlarged tournament in the United States starting on June 14.
Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United and his contract expires at the end of next month.
“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source added.
[Guardian]
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has said that he sees himself as a full-blooded Nigerian.
The Rangers of Scotland striker made this comment while expressing delight at his return to the national team.
He said his mirror always reminds him of his roots, adding that he is looking forward to helping the West African giants secure more victories.
Dessers, who qualified to play for Nigeria because of his Nigerian mother, made his senior international debut in October 2020.
The Belgian-born attacker scored for Nigeria in the 2-1 win over Ghana in the Unity Cup clash at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on Wednesday.
“When you look in the mirror, you see Nigeria,” he told the Super Eagles media team.
“At the moment I got the call, I didn’t have to think about it for long. When you get the call, you want to go, I went.”
He said he hopes to represent Nigeria in major tournaments.
[DailyPost]
A key judge in the trial of late Argentine football superstar Diego Maradona’s medical team stepped down on Tuesday, amid a scandal that has thrown the future of the high-profile case into doubt.
Julieta Makintach, dubbed the “judge of god,” recused herself after it emerged she had been shooting a racy miniseries about the months-old trial, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules.
Maradona died in November 2020, at age 60, while recovering from brain surgery.
His seven-person medical team is on trial over the conditions of his home convalescence, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent.
After a series of police raids and a one-week suspension of the case, 47-year-old Makintach was on Tuesday accused of violating her impartiality, of influence peddling and even bribery over her role in the documentary miniseries “Divine Justice.”
A trailer for the feature was played in court showing Makintach stalking the halls of justice in high heels as grim details of the footballing legend’s demise were relayed.
According to a script, the miniseries would follow Makintach as she “reconstructs the death of Maradona and certain painful milestones of his life related to abandonment.”
Footage appeared to contain unauthorised recordings allegedly made inside the courtroom, a violation of court rules.
Tuesday’s hearing was marked by insults, recriminations, shouting and tears.
In a bitter exchange, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge.”
As the trailer was played, defense lawyer Rodolfo Baque jumped out of his chair to shout “trash!” at the judge.
Daughter Gianinna Maradona tried to calm him, before she and Maradona’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda, both began sobbing uncontrollably.
Makintach sat with her head bowed, biting her lip and eventually said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself as one of the case’s three justices.
– ‘Dark, ugly and lonely’ –
Her removal is an embarrassment for Argentina’s judicial system and could yet derail a trial being watched by football diehards around the globe.
Maradona — considered one of the world’s greatest ever players — died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema.
Those responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.
The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.
Gianinna Maradona has claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.
The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will go ahead or be scrapped and then restarted.
Some of the plaintiffs have called for a new trial, saying they felt proceedings have been tainted by scandal.
“Everyone now feels that this is compromised,” said Mario Baudry, the lawyer for Maradona’s ex-partner Ojeda.
“It’s healthiest to start over from scratch,” he added.
AFP
Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have founded a new fourth-tier Division D Uruguayan soccer club named Deportivo LSM. The former Barcelona teammates and current MLS players unveiled the project on social media, beginning a new chapter of their historic footballing careers.
“Today I want to offer Uruguayan football, which I love and grew up with since I was a kid, the opportunities and tools to help all teenagers and children grow. That’s why, with the club, we want to begin competing in the AUF (Uruguayan Football Federation) world, which is something that excites us enormously and is a huge step forward for me and my family in a project we believe in,” said an emotional Suarez.
The name of the club, LSM, is a representation of the two footballers names.
“This dream doesn’t end here, sharing it with our family, friends, and close friends,” added Messi. “We’ve experienced many things in common since we were kids; we’ve shared so many experiences at the top of football, and that’s why today I’d love to introduce a friend, a teammate. This project is the perfect place to continue sharing our vision of football and to have the same vision since our beginnings.”
The team will train at the Luis Suarez complex, a nearly 20-acre facility with a synthetic turf stadium that has a capacity for 1,400 spectators as well as a 7-a-side pitch with room for 620 fans.
Ahmed Musa, Iheanacho, 18 others begin training in London
Yesterday, Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle explained that he decided to choose 10 home-based players in the squad billed to play in the Unity Cup, and the international friendly against Russia because he wants to make the national team more competitive.
Nigeria will feature in the Unity Cup, which also involves Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The competition, which begins today, ends on May 31, at the Gtech Stadium, in London.
Twenty Super Eagles’ players and their officials, as well as backroom staff, are already in London ahead of the match aimed at keeping the national team in tip-top shape for the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
At the team’s training session yesterday were Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, Igho Ogbu, Wilfred Ndidi.
Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Nduka, Sadiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi. Others include Papa Mustapha, Saviour Isaac, Collins Ogwueze, Sikiru Alimi, and Abubakar Adamu.
Thenff.com said that goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie, as well as Chrisantus Uche, Samuel Chukwueze, and Tolu Arokodare, were expected to join their mates in London yesterday.
Speaking on his project, Chelle said the many talented players available for selection has made his job exciting, but a bit difficult, adding that the avalanche of stars will make the team more competitive.
“We have many players in Nigeria and we need to give all of them the chance to show what they can bring to the team. We are focused on our project… we want to build a group, create an identity, and put in the players who can fit into the project quickly,” he said, adding: “The Unity Cup is a great tournament and part of the process to try these new players and build on the new system.”
Chelle said he scouted the new players after watching some Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) games, and “I think that they have qualities that can change our game. These 10 players will bring new intensity to the system. You know Ahmed Musa, who is a great player. He can bring his quality and experience to the group.”
The coach said he sees some similarities between his former side, Mali and Nigeria, saying: “In Mali, we were strong in the midfield; the Nigerian team are also strong in the midfield but very strong in attack.”
The Unity Cup, which aims to foster cultural ties and footballing excellence among African and Caribbean nations, will be held at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, United Kingdom.
The Super Eagles will kick off their Unity Cup tournament with an opening game against rivals Ghana on May 28, which is a semifinal match, and meet the winner/loser in the second game between Trinidad and Jamaica in the final or third place game on May 31.
[Guardian]
Cristiano Ronaldo has ignited widespread speculation about his future at Saudi club Al Nassr with a cryptic message posted on X.
“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” he posted late Monday night.
This statement comes as Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr approaches its end this summer.
The timing of his message has fueled rumors about a potential departure from the club.
So This Happened (EP 304) Reviews Man Arrest After Dumping Household Trash On Lagos Roadside| Punch0:00 / 0:00
So This Happened (EP 304) Reviews Man Arrest After Dumping Household Trash On Lagos Roadside| Punch0:00 / 0:00
PUNCH Online reports that this might be connected to a pivotal Saudi Pro League clash on Monday, May 26, 2025, where Al Nassr’s aspirations for AFC Champions League qualification were dashed following a 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 25th goal of the season, bringing his tally to 99 goals for Al Nassr, but his efforts were insufficient to secure victory.
Despite leading at one point, Al Nassr’s defense faltered, allowing Al Fateh to capitalize and clinch the win.
This loss, coupled with Al Hilal’s triumph over Al Qadsiah, eliminated Al Nassr from Champions League contention.
Their remaining hope for continental competition hinges on Al Ittihad winning the King Cup, which would grant Al Nassr a spot in the secondary AFC tournament.
The defeat marks a significant setback for Ronaldo and his team, who now face an uncertain path forward
Ronaldo’s illustrious career includes stints at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, as well as a record-breaking international tenure with Portugal.
His recent achievements, such as reaching 900 career goals and playing his 1,200th professional match, underscore his enduring impact on the sport.
While Ronaldo has previously used similar language to signal transitions in his career, the current message leaves fans and analysts eager to see where his journey will lead next.
Whether it’s a return to European football, participation in the upcoming Club World Cup, or another venture, the football world awaits his next move with anticipation.
As Ronaldo himself puts it, “The story? Still being written.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Al Nassr have yet to release an official communication of the duo’s relationship and future
The Saudi Arabian government is set to provide the necessary funds for Al-Hilal to complete the signing of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in a deal worth up to €50m, with the player in advanced talks over a permanent move from Napoli.
Sky Sports Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri reports that Osimhen is in direct negotiations with Al-Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel, with personal terms close to being agreed on a contract that would see the 26-year-old earn an annual salary of up to €17.5m, including bonuses.
However, the completion of the transfer hinges on approval from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, with the so-called ‘financial viability’ committee yet to give the green light to release the necessary government funds required to finalise the transaction.
“While personal terms are close to being reached between Osimhen and Fahad bin Nafel, Al Hilal cannot yet validate this transfer. Indeed, the Saudi club is waiting to receive the total amount expected from the Saudi government in order to finalise the transaction, and thus contact Napoli to conclude the agreement between the clubs,” Tavolieri reports.
“The so-called ‘financial viability’ committee within the Ministry of Sports has not yet given the green light to release the necessary funds. Without this, it will be impossible to finalise the transfer.
Despite the bureaucratic hurdle, all parties involved remain confident that the move will be completed, with Osimhen having personally expressed his desire to join the Saudi Pro League champions to bin Nafel.
Should the transfer materialise, the Nigerian striker is expected to sign a three-season contract.
The development represents a dramatic shift in Osimhen’s summer transfer saga, with the former Lille striker having been linked with a string of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Juventus before his wage demands proved prohibitive for European suitors.
Osimhen’s move towards Saudi Arabia comes after growing frustration with Manchester United’s lack of concrete interest in securing his services. According to Foot Mercato, the Nigerian forward opened discussions with Al-Hilal following what sources describe as an underwhelming pursuit from the Premier League side.
Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli until 2026, with the Italian club holding an option to extend until 2027 if no suitable offer materialises this summer. However, with the striker’s determination to secure a permanent move and Al-Hilal’s financial muscle, supported by government backing, a resolution appears increasingly likely.
Nigerian sprint hurdler, Tobi Amusan, stormed to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Rabat Diamond League on Sunday, setting a new meet record of 12.45 seconds.
Amusan’s performance eclipsed the previous meet record of 12.51 seconds set by American Brianna McNeal in 2018, making it a standout achievement for the 2022 World Champion and record holder.
The race, which took place just before the main broadcast of the meet, saw Amusan dominate the field, pulling away decisively from the rest of the competitors. Her time of 12.45 seconds also stands as her season’s best (SB).
Close behind was Nadine Visser of the Netherlands, who clocked a season’s best of 12.67 seconds to finish second. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska came third with a season’s best of 12.69 seconds.
Other athletes who recorded impressive performances include Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji (12.71s SB), Italy’s Giada Carmassi (12.81s PB), Elena Carraro (12.89s), Destiny Huven of the USA (12.93s), France’s Sacha Alessandrini (12.96s SB), and Austria’s Karin Strametz (13.08s SB). The wind reading for the race was +1.2.
New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Monday he has the energy and excitement to deliver success worthy of the Spanish giants as he was presented as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement.
Alonso will lead the team at the Club World Cup this summer and has signed a three-year deal until June 2028, after Ancelotti departed to take charge of the Brazil national team.
Madrid failed to win a major trophy this season, losing their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, who also beat them in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.
Real were dealt a heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal as their European trophy defence also fell short.
“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential, (capable of) a very good present and a very good future,” Alonso said at Real Madrid’s training ground.
“That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team…
“(I have) the conviction that we can achieve big things, worthy of Real Madrid, worthy of all these European Cups, of all these accomplishments made over so many years.”
Alonso, a technically gifted central midfielder in his playing days, made 236 Madrid appearances between 2009-2014, winning six trophies including the Champions League in his final season at the club.
That was Madrid’s 10th European Cup – La Decima – and they have gone on to win five more in the past decade for a record 15 Champions League triumphs.
The 43-year-old coach led Bayer Leverkusen to a superb unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023-24 campaign, making him a target for Europe’s top clubs.
Alonso, who was coached by Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho among other managerial greats, said it was a “special day”.
“It’s a day I will have marked in my calendar for life,” continued Alonso.
“I have been away from here for a few years, but I think the link with Madrid and the fans has never ended, it’s always been there.
“And today, when I walked into Valdebebas (the club’s training ground) an hour and a half ago, it was reborn… I have the feeling that it’s the start of an era, as the president said.”
– ‘One of our own’ –
Madrid chief Florentino Perez gave an introductory speech welcoming Alonso back to the Spanish capital.
“This is a very special day for those who love Real Madrid, it will be the start of a new era filled with excitement and intense emotions,” said Madrid president Perez.
“A coach arrives who is one of the best in the world, and who knows what this badge and this shirt means…
“Today we welcome one of our own — Xabi Alonso. Welcome back to your home, Real Madrid.”
Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder Alonso also won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain before starting his coaching career.
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign starts against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18, which will be the first look at Alonso’s project.
[Vanguard]
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi is set to leave Portuguese club, FC Porto this summer.
According to Portuguese news outlet, A Bola, FC Porto are willing to listen to offers for the left-back.
Sanusi suffered an ACL injury in February 2024 and only returned to action in the second half of the current campaign.
The 27-year-old made just two appearances for Porto in the 2024/25 season.
The player reportedly has suitors in Portugal and Europe.
Sanusi linked up with the Dragons from another Portuguese club, Santa Clara in 2020.
[Leadership]
More...
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford are “fantastic players” amid speculation the Spanish champions are interested in signing one of them.
This season Raphinha has excelled on the left wing and on Thursday signed a contract extension until 2028, but Barca are looking to add another option to their squad for that position.
Sporting director Deco admitted he liked the Premier League duo earlier in the week on Spanish radio and Flick confirmed he is of a similar opinion.
“Normally I don’t want to speak about players that are not in my team, but of course both of them are fantastic players,” Flick told a news conference Saturday, a day before Barca’s final La Liga match at Athletic Bilbao.
“I like them and we will see what happens — but of course they are fantastic players.”
England international Rashford is out of favour at Manchester United and spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa.
Colombian winger Diaz is a regular for Premier League champions Liverpool and could cost around 80 million euros ($91 million), which would represent a significant financial outlay for a Barca side still struggling in that regard.
This season they had to battle La Liga through the court system to allow Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to play after they were not registered in time because of economic issues.
Barca winger Ansu Fati is linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Monaco, having played just six La Liga matches under Flick this season.
“(Ansu leaving) is not my decision, he has a contract and will make the decision,” said Flick.
“When he wants to speak with me he can do that, it’s not a problem, but for me it’s his decision.”
Flick renewed his Barca deal until 2027 this week after a season in which the Catalans won a domestic treble, adding the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup to their league triumph.
The German coach said he thought things might be trickier in the coming season but that Barca would look to raise their level further still.
“We also want to improve next season, I know it’s not easy, the next season may be tougher than this season,” added Flick.
“But of course we have confidence, we know how good we can play football, but we also have to work on this level… (and the staff) also have to work hard and give the players more options.”
AFP
Mohamed Salah has been voted Premier League player of the season for the second time after inspiring Liverpool’s march to a record-equalling 20th English title.
Salah earned the prize after scoring 28 league goals — five more than anyone else — and producing 18 assists for Liverpool so far this term.
Heading into Sunday’s final game against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, the 32-year-old Egyptian superstar is two assists off the single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
This award is decided after votes from the public are combined with those from a panel of football experts. He also won it in the 2017-18 campaign.
He has broken the run of Manchester City players winning the award for the past four seasons.
Salah’s teammate Virgil van Dijk was the last non-City player to win the award in 2018/19.
Van Dijk — who like Salah signed a new contract with Liverpool earlier in the campaign — was one of the players Salah beat in the voting.
The others were Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo, and Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest.
Earlier this month, Salah was named the Football Writers’ Association player of the year, securing almost 90 percent of the votes, marking the biggest winning margin this century.
AFP
Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool talisman, has explained that this is his “best chance” to take home the Ballon d’Or.
Salah has enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Reds as they lifted the Premier League title.
So far, the 32-year-old has recorded 28 goals and 18 assists. The Egyptian also leads the race for the league’s Golden Boot.
The Ballon d’Or winner for this year will be announced on September 22 and Salah remains one of the favourites to win.
“I would say I never had a season like this and winning big trophies.
“So I would say this is my best chance to get it right now while I’m in the club because it’s been a crazy year, a crazy season with a trophy,” Salah told Sky Sports.
Salah is facing competition from Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified six registered athletes from competing at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.
In a statement on Tuesday by Kehinde Ajayi, NSC media director, the commission said the athletes’ disqualification was due to “doping issues”, which is “in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA) code.”
The disqualified athletes are Ogunsemilore Cynthia representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing, Omole Dolapo Joshua representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing, Ayabeke David Opeyemi representing Bayelsa state in Gymnastics, Kareem Shukurat representing Lagos state in kickboxing and Animashaun Sofia representing Lagos state in para powerlifting.
Bukola Olopade, the director-general of NSC, advised all the participating states to take note of this and reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes very clean.
“The issue of anti-doping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions,” he said.
“We are happy now that the National anti-doping law has finally been passed by our Sports-loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our Sports, starting with the current Sports Festival.”
The 22nd National Sports Festival holds in Ogun state from May 16 to 30.