All posts by h716a5.icu

USMNT leged Clint Dempsey believes that the 2024 Copa America could either be the peak or end of boss Gregg Berhalter's tenure.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dempsey gives exclusive Berhalter interviewBelieves Copa America is make-or-break for USMNT bossSays 'questions' will come about if bad performances arriveWHAT HAPPENED?

On the set of with CBS Sports Soccer, Dempsey spoke to the Daily Mail about Berhalter's current form with the USMNT. The ex-striker believes, now, that the next year will define the American's time with the USA – NOT – the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The result of that tournament is in the past, and this is a new era for his squad, meaning they can only look forward.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Berhalter's performances of late have put him under the scrutiny of many after falling to Germany in an international friendly in October, and then suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League in November. Now, with the biggest tournament of 2024 upon him, Dempsey believes that Copa America could define his tenure with the USMNT.

WHAT DEMPSEY SAID

"I think Copa America is truly how you're going to be graded for the team,' Dempsey told Mail Sport, 'And, you know, for the coaches, are we doing the right thing? Because you're not gonna get another bigger opportunity to do well in the World Cup on home soil in 2026. So if you do well in [the Copa America] and you're building towards something, then that's great. But if you're not, I think there's still time to change things if you need to.
"You don't do well, then you're always on the chopping block,' Dempsey added. "That's what comes with every job, right? If you're not performing, the question starts to be asked. So I think there's still time to show what you can do. But I think Copa America is going to be a huge test for this team and for this coach in terms of where we're going."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The USSF have scheduled an international friendly against Slovenia for January 20, with the first test of the year for Berhalter and co. being against the EURO 2024 side. For now, though, Berhalter will be having his eyes on his player's club performances, especially that of Ricardo Pepi, who notched a stoppage-time winner for PSV in the Champions League Wednesday.

Luis Rubiales could have been hit with a more severe sanction than the three-year ban he was handed for kissing Jenni Hermoso, FIFA has confirmed.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Rubiales banned from football for three yearsRFEF president kissed Hermoso without consentFIFA considered even more severe punishmentWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president was hit with a suspension from the governing body after he kissed the Spain star without her consent during their World Cup final celebrations. Rubiales consistently denied any wrongdoing and initially refused to step down despite pressure from within the RFEF and around the football world.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rubiales, who insists Hermoso consented and still refuses to apologise, was hit with an initial temporary suspension by FIFA and eventually stepped down before his full three-year ban was confirmed in October. FIFA published the details of its ruling on Wednesday and heavily criticised the 46-year-old, adding that it was tempted to hit him with an even greater punishment.

WHAT FIFA SAID

A document released by FIFA said: "First of all, the Committee pointed out that the behaviour of the Respondent [Rubiales] was particularly indefensible in relation to the incidents at stake, specifically considering the extent of his experience in the football world, but also in view of his positions as (i) President of one of the most prestigious member associations, (ii) member of the UEFA Executive Committee and (iii) one of the UEFA vice- presidents.

"In other words, in such a context, it was absolutely and categorically expected of him to maintain and embody the highest levels of professionalism, beyond the usual standards, especially at a moment where his country was at the apex level of women's football. In this regard, the Committee could not stress enough that – regardless of the emotional state he was in during and after the Match -the Respondents behaviour was inexcusable and unacceptable, especially considering his high rank within the football ecosystem at the time."

The statement added later: "In this context, the Committee wished to stress that it was tempted to impose more severe sanctions in view of the seriousness and gravity of the incidents at stake as well as of the profound negative impact that the Respondents actions had on the image of FIFA, women's football and women's sport in general. However and even with strong hesitations, the Disciplinary Committee was satisfied that the imposition of such a measure would serve the necessary deterrent effect upon the Respondent given his established (prohibited) behaviour(s), but also the category of the competition in which the incident(s) had occurred and the significant impact of those. In fact, the Committee was hopeful in its outlook that such sanction, as previously mentioned, would serve to have the necessary deterrent effect upon the Respondent in order to avoid the occurrence of any similar incident(s) in the future."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR RUBIALES?

After being banned from all sporting activities for three years, which he plans on appealing, it has been reported that Rubiales is under a legal investigation over accusations that he sexually assaulted Hermoso by kissing her without the player's consent.

Harry Kane says there will be “no hiding” at Bayern Munich, with a run of three successive defeats leaving his trophy aspirations hanging by a thread.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

England striker desperate to land silverwareMove to Germany was supposed to end barren runIn danger of ending season empty-handedGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The England captain severed career-long ties with Premier League side Tottenham in 2023 after coming to the conclusion that he needed to leave north London in order to land major silverware. A switch to Bundesliga champions Bayern was expected to deliver the tangible success that the prolific frontman craves.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane did, however, suffer Super Cup heartache on debut for Bayern. He has since seen them slip out of the German Cup and eight points off the pace in the Bundesliga title race. Thomas Tuchel’s side are also trailing 1-0 in their Champions League last-16 encounter with Lazio, as a rare sequence of setbacks threatens to undermine collective efforts.

WHAT KANE SAID

Kane is in danger of ending his debut campaign at the Allianz Arena empty-handed, but he will not be running away from the challenge and is backing himself and a star-studded collection of club colleagues to play their way back into form. Kane has posted on Instagram: “No hiding from a tough week with performances and results not at the level we expect from ourselves. Got to pull together as a group and push forward – big run of important games coming up to turn it round.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

After suffering a costly defeat to table-topping Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern then came unstuck against Lazio in European competition. Another shock reversal was then endured during a trip to Bochum, with Kane left frustrated despite taking his goal tally for the season to 29 in just 30 appearances.

England star Mary Earps is driving her Manchester United team-mate Phallon Tullis-Joyce to get even better, Red Devils boss Marc Skinner believes.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Earps and Tullis-Joyce both praised by SkinnerEngland's No.1 firmly first-choice at Man UtdBut is also driving her team-mate to new levelsWHAT HAPPENED?

Tullis-Joyce joined the club in September after shining in the NWSL with the Seattle Reign but has found it difficult to usurp the Lionesses' No.1 for opportunities. The American did start all four of United's Continental Cup games but Earps was preferred for the clash with second-tier Southampton in the FA Cup last week, a game many thought she would be rested for.

AdvertisementWHAT SKINNER SAID

Asked about the competition between the two goalkeepers on Thursday, Skinner praised both – Earps for the standards she sets and Tullis-Joyce for her desire to meet them. "I recently had a meeting with with Phallon, just to catch up really and just to reiterate the quality she has. She's a fantastic goalkeeper – but she's also behind the world's number one goalkeeper. That's the level," Skinner said.

"The beauty of Phallon is that she wants to raise her game to try and get to Mary's standard. Mary's difference is in the mind, the way she thinks, the way she moves, the way she prepares. She almost sees the danger before it comes. I'm in that fortunate but unfortunate position of having to not play one of them but Mary is at the highest of levels and Phallon wants to get there. I think she understands the journey, I think she understands what she has to do."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Tullis-Joyce could well inherit the first-choice role at United later this year as Earps is out of contract at the club and is attracting interest from several parties. There is still a chance that the England star could stay and sign a new deal, though.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Only Manchester City teenager Khiara Keating (6) has kept more clean sheets in the Women's Super League this season than Earps (5).

Who has coach Shui Qingxia selected in China Women's World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…

The China national women's team will be playing in their eighth FIFA World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Shui Qingxia's troops are the reigning Asian champions and qualified directly for the tournament.

In 1999, they finished as runners-up, which is their best performance to date and in this edition, they would like to create history by lifting the World Cup.

In the 2023 Women's World Cup, they have been drawn in Group D with Denmark, England and Haiti.

Who has made Qingxia's final 23-player World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…

(C)Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS

Xu Huan is the undisputed number one for China between the sticks. The 24-year-old keeper of Jiangsu LFC is the most-trusted lieutenant of Qingxia under the bar and should have the gloves in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yu should be the second-choice keeper. She was given an opportunity to impress against Sweden and claim the No. 1 spot but conceded four goals in that match which saw Xu brought back against Ireland.

Meanwhile, the fight for the third spot should go to experienced keeper Zhao Lina of Shanghai Shengli.

Name Club

Xu HuanWuhan Jianghan UniversityZhu YuJiangsuZhao LinaShanghai ShengliAdvertisementGettyDEFENDERS

Qinxia sets her team up with a four-woman backline. They generally play deep to keep things tight at the back.

Their efforts paid dividends in the 2022 Asian Cup as they conceded just five goals in the entire tournament. It would not be surprising if they defend with two banks of four to frustrate the likes of England and Denmark.

Paris Saint-Germain's Li Mengwen, on-loan from Jiangsu, should be the first choice at right-back. And if Mengwen is unfit, Gao Chen can slot in her place.

The likes of Duo Jiaxing, Yao Wei and Wang Linlin are among the first-choice centre-backs.

Chen Qiaozhu should be fielded in the left-back position.

Name Club

Wu HaiyanWuhan Jianghan UniversityYao WeiWuhan Jianghan UniversityWang LinlinShanghai ShengliGao ChenChangchun Dazhong ZhouyueChen QiaozhuMeizhou HakkaLi MengwenParis Saint-Germain (on-loan)Dou JiaxingJiangsuLou JiahuiHenan Jianye(C)Getty ImagesMIDFIELDERS

It is primarily a four-woman midfield with Yao Lingwei entrusted with the responsibility to break down attacks and act as a defensive screener. She is supported by Zhang Rui, who has the license to go forward and join the attack.

Yang Lina is another option who can sit back and absorb the pressure. She will be useful against offensive teams when China will most likely sit deep and maintain their shape, with Zhang Linyan usually deployed on the left.

The likes of Wu Chengshu and Shen Mengyu add further depth in midfield.

Name Club

Zhang RuiShandong Sports LotteryYao LingweiWuhan Jianghan UniversityGu YashaWuhan Jianghan UniversityZhang XinShanghai ShengliYang LinaLevante Las Planas (on-loan)Wu ChengshuCanberra UnitedZhang LinyanGrasshoppersShen MengyuCelticENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesFORWARDS

China's veteran forward Wang Shanshan is the key player of the squad. The forward has close to 150 caps and scored over 50 goals.

She is one of those rare players who can play at both ends of the pitch with aplomb. In the 2022 AFC Asian Cup she was fielded as a centre-back in the semi-final and final, and yet she came out with flying colours.

Shanshan was named as the Chinese Women's Footballer of the Year in 2022, and her presence will be key in what will be her third World Cup.

Wang Shuang has over 120 international caps and has scored 43 goals for China. Her scathing pace along with her dribbling abilities make her a potent threat in the wide areas.

Tang Jiali can be the X-factor in the Chinese team as she boasts of having spent the previous 18 months in Europe with both Tottenham and Madrid CFF, becoming the first female Chinese player to play in England.

She has the vision to split open defences and is strong on both feet, making her an exceptional talent in attacking.

Name Club

Wang ShuangRacing LousvilleWang ShanshanTianjin ShengdeTang JialiShanghai ShengliXiao YuyiShanghai Shengli

How to watch Everton against Tottenham in the Premier League in the USA, as well as the kick-off time and team news.

Evertonwill host Newcastle Unitedin aPremier League fixture at Goodison Park on Thursday.

▶ Watch Everton vs Newcastle live on Sling TV today!▶ Watch Everton vs Newcastle live on BT Sport today!

The hosts have won just one of their last six Premier League games against Newcastle. The Toffees find themselves in trouble as they are winless in five matches and are currently in the 18th spot with 28 points from 32 matches.

They are desperate for points but to crack Eddie Howe's Newcastle will be a tough challenge for them. However, they can look for inspiration from the exact fixture in the previous season where they staged an upset by beating the Magpies with 10 men, courtesy of Alex Iwobi's 99th-minute winner.

Meanwhile, Newcastle head into this fixture brimming with confidence after beating Tottenham 6-1 at the weekend. They will take a major step towards Champions League qualification if they pick up three points on Thursday as they are third on the table with 59 points from 31 matches.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has scored six goals in his last five Premier League games against Everton and will definitely look to better that record. Whereas, in Miguel Almiron (11), Wilson (11) and Alexander Isak (10), this is the first time that Newcastle have had as many as three different players reach double figures for goals in a Premier League season.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S., as well as how to stream it live online.

GettyKick-off timeGame:Everton vs NewcastleDate:April 27, 2023Kick-off:3:45pm EDTVenue:Goodison Park

The game is scheduled for April 27, 2023, at Goodison Park. It will kick off at 3:45 pm EDT in the USA.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow to watch Everton vs Newcastle online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.USA Network, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, UNIVERSOFubo, Sling TV, NBC Sports App/website

In the United States (USA), the game can be watched live on USA Network (English-language), Telemundo Deportes en Vivo (Spanish-language), Fubo, Sling TV and NBC Sports App/website.

(C)Getty ImagesTeam news & squadsEverton team news

Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Amadou Onana should start after recovering from their respective injuries.

Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Doucoure should also return after serving his three-match ban.

However, Mason Holgate remains suspended after he was sent off against Crystal Palace.

Seamus Coleman (thigh), Bamidele Alli (groin), Andy Lonergan (knee), Ruben Vinagre (calf) and Andros Townsend (knee) remain unavailable for Everton.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Pickford, Begovic.

Defenders

Tarkowski, Mina, Godfrey, Coady, Keane, Mykolenko, Patterson

Midfielders

Onana, Doucoure, Davies, Gueye, Iwobi, Garner.

Forwards

Calvert-Lewin, Maupay, Simms, Gray, McNeil.

Newcastle United team news

Newcastle have a couple of injury woes in Allan Saint-Maximin and Fabian Schar.

However, the centre-back might be included in the matchday squad if he passes a late fitness test before the match after injuring his hamstring against Spurs.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Pope, Dubravka, Karius, Gillespie.

Defenders

Botman, Burn, Lascelles, Targett, Lewis, Dummett, Trippier, Krafth, Manquillo, Ashby.

Midfielders

Guimaraes, Willock, S. Longstaff, Ritchie, Joelinton.

Forwards

Gordon, Fraser, Almiron, Murphy, Isak, Wilson.

Head-to-head record

Date Result Competition

20/10/2022Newcastle 1-0 EvertonPremier League18/03/2022Everton 1-0 NewcastlePremier League9/02/2022Newcastle 3-1 EvertonPremier League30/1/2021Everton 0-2 NewcastlePremier League1/11/2020Newcastle 2-1 EvertonPremier League

In their last five meetings, Newcastle United have won four times whereas Everton emerged triumphant on one occasion.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesUseful links

Everton team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Tottenham team page

Lionel Messi scored a second-half winner against Toulouse on Saturday to lift the Ligue 1 leaders in the absence of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Lionel Messi lurked for most of Paris Saint-Germain's contest against Toulouse. He floated around, enjoyed a few touches, and served as an unnerving presence, more a warning than an attacking threat.

But then, he came to life. As he always does. With PSG locked at 1-1 with the mid-table side, Messi drifted towards the top of the box, and whipped a loose ball into the bottom corner.

Messi has scored that goal countless times. And on this occasion, it lifted PSG to a vital Ligue 1 win.

Toulouse took the lead inside 20 minutes, with Branco van den Boomen sweeping a free kick past a wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG struggled for a creative spark in the fitness-related absence of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, with Lionel Messi a peripheral figure in the early goings. Achraf Hakimi provided a moment of magic, though, firing into the bottom corner from 20 yards out to equalise.

Things changed in the second half, with Messi inevitably popping up with the goal to put his side ahead. Hakimi laid the ball off to the World Cup winner just outside the box, who curled his shot past a helpless goalkeeper.

Toulouse had one clear chance late on, but Donnarumma equaled a scrappy effort after a scramble in the box. And it was all about Messi in the end, the Argentine stepping up in the absence of Mbappe and Neymar, dragging PSG to the finish line.

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Achraf Hakimi:

On a day where PSG lacked creativity from their attacking players, Hakimi stepped up. He scored PSG's equaliser, cutting onto his weaker left foot before curling his effort into the far corner. Hakimi often found himself the furthest man forward, pushing down the right wing and stretching the Toulouse back-line. It was never likely to be a tricky defensive game for the Morocco international, and he made sure to impact play at the other end.

Lionel Messi:

Inevitable, wasn't it? Everything seemed primed for one of games for Messi. Neymar and Mbappe out, the team struggling to create, a dogged defensive opponent. And so it continued, with Toulouse keeping Messi quiet for long stretches. The goal, predictably, came. It was a vintage Messi strike, curled into the far corner from just outside the box, with no space to work with. The World Cup winner had little further impact on the game, but it didn't really matter. Their Argentine magician had done it. What a player.

Warren Zaire-Emery:

Rarely is a player so young so composed. Zaire-Emery became PSG's second-youngest ever Ligue 1 scorer with a calm finish midweek, and he built on that on Saturday. Yes, PSG have midfield injury problems. But the 16-year-old Zaire Emery was brought on for the misfiring Carlos Soler with 15 minutes remaining in a tight game — a clear indication of his manager's trust. This wasn't a flawless performance from the youngster – he looked a bit lost in more advanced positions – but every minute on the pitch is crucial for a player who looks increasingly ready to fulfil his potential as one of the world's best teenagers.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Renato Sanches:

PSG manager Christophe Galtier really seems to like Sanches. The Portuguese midfielder played under him at Lille last year, and he's started to show signs of the midfielder many expected him to be when he burst onto the scene as a teenager. His PSG career, though, has been marred by time spent on the sidelines. The injury bug reared its head again on Saturday. Sanches seemed to clutch his thigh and was in tears as he walked off the pitch after just 11 minutes. At the very least, it's encouraging that Sanches could help himself off. But he could face more time off the pitch.

Carlos Soler:

In a way, Soler is tasked with a near impossible job. Although PSG change their style without Neymar, Soler is asked to do a similar thing: make runs forward and create in the final third. The issue is, Soler is not Neymar. Galtier, of course, knows this. But the expectation that the Spaniard should make something happen seems to weigh on him. Soler frequently tries to do too much, and some of his quality in the final third is lacking. He was better Saturday than sometimes in the recent past, especially when the game became more stretched. But in the early goings, Soler looked like a weak link. He has been agreeable, if unspectacular, since coming into the side due to a litany of injuries. The dropoff from any of PSG's front three to Soler is glaring, though.

Getty ImagesPSG Ratings: Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

Wrong footed for Toulouse's opener, but redeemed himself with an impressive save late on.

Achraf Hakimi (8/10):

A memorable showing. Scored the first and assisted the second, and was often the furthest PSG player forward.

Marquinhos (7/10):

Some nice blocks, reliable passes.

Danilo Pereira (6/10):

Solid at the back, even better when moved to the no.6

Nuno Mendes (5/10):

Still working his way back to full fitness. Could've been sent off for a rash challenge when already on a yellow.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesMidfield

Carlos Soler (6/10):

Fine, but not Neymar. Which is tricky when you're supposed to be doing the stuff that Neymar does.

Renato Sanches (5/10):

Substituted within the first 15 minutes. Another injury blow for a player who just can't seem to stay fit.

Fabian Ruiz (5/10):

Followed a masterclass with an anonymous showing. A thoroughly strange footballer.

Vitinha (6/10):

Offered much-needed energy, got into the box quite a bit.

Alexi Lalas has warned that there is “always going to be baggage” between Gio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter despite differences being put aside for now.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Reyna back in USMNT under BerhalterStarted against Germany in friendlyLalas expects more tensionWHAT HAPPENED?

The pair butted heads before and after the 2022 World Cup, with their feud getting personal at one stage as Reyna’s family got involved. Questions were asked of whether the duo could work together again after Berhalter was reappointed as USMNT boss.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID

He has called upon Reyna since picking up the reins and handed him a starting berth in a friendly date with Germany. Lalas has told his podcast of whether an unfortunate saga can be considered closed: “I think Gregg Berhalter kind of put out a fig leaf if you will and said: 'Yeah, not only do I believe in you, but I believe in starting you against Germany’. I think that Gio after that first half doesn't look worse for wear – as a matter of fact I think looks better. And maybe people are even more confident. And I think Gregg kind of gets to assume the position of letting bygones be bygones and going forward.

"Now, don't think for a second that there isn't always going to be baggage and history relative to these two. But what you hope is that it dissipates enough where they can go on and they can function in these types of settings.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Berhalter has been trying to sweep the issue under the carpet, with the United States coach telling reporters when inevitably asked about a supposed divide in the camp: “I know that's going to be on people's mind. What I'd say is that we're moving forward. [I don't] really want to talk too much about the past. I think it's about talking about the future.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The United States suffered a 3-1 defeat against Germany – despite seeing Christian Pulisic open the scoring in spectacular style – and will be back in action on Tuesday when taking on Ghana.

Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has denied that his agent has too much influence on the signings the club makes.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Vos' agency represents Rasmus HojlundAgent involved in Sofyan Amrabat dealTen Hag denies his influenceWHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag's representative, Kees Vos, is the head of the agency that has summer signing Rasmus Hojlund as a client, while he was also involved in the deal to bring Sofyan Amrabat to United on loan from Fiorentina.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

However, Ten Hag insists that he and the higher ups at Old Trafford have a veto over any transfer decisions as he refuted the claim that his agent has too much power.

WHAT THEY SAID

“It can’t be [too much] because we make very good agreements about it from the start – how we cooperate in that manner,” he told reporters. “For player decisions, transfers, it’s always 50-50; we both have a veto: the club, represented by John Murtough [football director], and me. So there can never be a distraction.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they take on Burnley.

The Portuguese striker's petulance is overshadowing his form at Al-Nassr, and setting a poor example for the next generation

“There are people out there who hate me and who say I’m arrogant, vain and whatever. That’s all part of my success. I am made to be the best,” Cristiano Ronaldo said in 2016 interview with Spanish outlet . “We cannot live being obsessed with what other people think about us. It’s impossible to live like that. Not even God managed to please the entire world.”

Portugal's favourite son has never been one for humility. No one really read that much into his attitude back then, though, as he was still at the peak of his powers in a Real Madrid team sweeping aside all-comers in the Champions League.

But eight years on, there is no question that Ronaldo's character flaws are outweighing his impact on the pitch. He said his "work in Europe is done" when signing a record-breaking contract at Al-Nassr in January last year, but really had nowhere else to turn after an acrimonious end to his second spell at Manchester United.

Since then Ronaldo has gone to great lengths to try and prove he remains relevant, completely contradicting his past comments in the process. It seems that, now, nothing is more important to the 39-year-old than how he is perceived by the public, and that narcissistic mindset is threatening to ruin the final chapter of his illustrious career.

Getty ImagesMissing the bigger picture

Ronaldo has been scoring for fun at Al-Nassr, and no one bettered his haul of 54 goals for club and country in 2023. The Portuguese took delight in outdoing "young animals" like Manchester City's Erling Haaland, and insisted he could still play on for another 10 years, but he's missing the bigger picture.

The Saudi Pro League is still a long way from being one of the top divisions in world football, despite the influx of European talent to the Middle East over the past year. Ronaldo's prolific output in the final third counts for little among the purists, who just see a once-great player stat-padding while pocketing obscene wages.

There would be nothing wrong with that, if he was still being a role model to the millions of youngsters that look up to him and could admit that Al-Nassr is just a place for him to wind down towards retirement. But Ronaldo seems to still genuinely believe he is the number one player in the game, and construes any suggestion otherwise as a personal attack.

AdvertisementGetty Images – Goal ARCourting controversy

Ronaldo netted his 22nd goal of the 2023-24 Pro League season from the penalty spot last Sunday, setting Al-Nassr on their way to a crucial 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab that keeps them within sight of Al-Hilal at the top of the table. However, after the final whistle, Ronaldo was too distracted by the home crowd to focus on celebrating the three points with his team-mates.

Al-Shabab supporters attempted to rile Ronaldo up with chants for his long-time rival Lionel Messi, and got what they wanted, with footage on social media showing the striker cupping his hand to his ear before making a lewd fist-pumping gesture in front of his genital area.

There appeared to be little doubt Ronaldo was motioning in the direction of the fans, and the Saudi FA subsequently launched an investigation, amid a fierce public backlash. Ronaldo was eventually punished with a one-game ban and 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) fine by an ethics and disciplinary committee.

The final verdict came after remarks from popular Saudi journalist Waleed Al-Farraj, who had urged the FA to make an example of Ronaldo – as reports. “Everything has limits, no matter how (much of a) star you are,” Al-Farraj said.

Getty'Used to it in Europe'

According to , Ronaldo explained his actions in an official statement. He is reported to have said: "I respect all clubs and the action in the shot expresses strength and victory and is not disgraceful, and we are used to it in Europe."

The sheer ignorance of that statement cannot be overlooked. Ronaldo is not in Europe anymore, and it is his duty to be aware of Saudi Arabia's conservative customs as a foreign national.

has reported that Ronaldo's gesture was seen as "immoral" by a country known for its strong religious beliefs, and he should consider himself lucky that he's not facing a much longer suspension. And to make matters even worse, it's not the first time that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar has exhibited such childish behaviour in his first year in the Middle East.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Previous escapes

Ronaldo was faced with more Messi taunts during Al-Nassr's 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup final on February 8, and allowed his frustration to get the better of him again when making his way down the tunnel.

Al-Hilal supporters threw a team scarf at Ronaldo, which he then appeared to rub near his crotch before hurling it back in the direction it came from. There were no sanctions imposed after that incident, with the Portugal international getting the benefit of the doubt despite similar controversy in April last year.

After another loss to Al-Hilal, this time in the final weeks of the 2022-23 Pro League season, Ronaldo grabbed his crotch when trudging off the pitch, much to the outrage of Saudi lawyer Nouf Bint Ahmad. She described the gesture as a "crime that requires detention and deportation" in a post on social media, and Ronaldo was subjected to another investigation, before ultimately being cleared of any wrongdoing.

Al-Nassr even came out to defend their prized asset, saying in a quite frankly absurd official statement: "Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. This is confirmed information. As for the fans’ explanations, they are free to think whatever they want.”