CRISTIANO RONALDO LATEST: LEGENDARY FORWARD RELEASES STATEMENT AS RETIREMENT RUMOURS GROW

© Iconsport / SOPA Images Limited/Alamy Live News

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has left the Portugal camp ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League fixture with Denmark.

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus denied a rift with Ronaldo when he spoke to the media during his press conference on Wednesday, but it was clear that all was not well between the two.

Jesus said that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark but could be used off the bench - that will now not be the case, though, as the 41-year-old has left the Portugal camp.

The veteran revealed that he would explain his reasons "in due course".

"After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp," Ronaldo posted on Instagram.

© Iconsport / ZUMA/Alamy

Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp ahead of Denmark clash

"In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception."

Ronaldo started against Wales in Portugal's opening 2026-27 Nations League match but was then an unused substitute in the game against Norway on Sunday.

Jesus confirmed in his press conference that a meeting took place between himself, Ronaldo and the federation president Pedro Proenca following the Norway clash.

"I don't know what's going to happen in the game," Jesus told reporters during his press conference. "If we need him [Ronaldo] to play [at some point], he'll play. If not, he won't.

"It seems like there was an issue between us, but there was no issue. I'm the one who makes the decisions and everybody knows that."

© Imago / Sports Press Photo

Ronaldo could announce retirement from international duty

It had been thought that Ronaldo would retire from international duty following the 2026 World Cup, but he was named in Jesus' first squad after replacing Roberto Martinez.

At this stage, it is unclear whether Ronaldo is on the verge of announcing that his time with Portugal is over, but that is certainly a real possibility due to the latest events.

Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and he has a record of 146 goals in 243 appearances for Portugal.

The forward is chasing the 1,000-goal mark before the end of his career, currently sitting on 979 goals, and he has a contract with Al-Nassr until the end of the season.

- Matt Law 

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MARTIN ØDEGAARD IN FURIOUS SPAT WITH EX-MAN CITY RIVAL BERNADO SILVA DURING NATIONS LEAGUE CLASH

Ødegaard and Silva were previously Premier League rivals when the Portuguese midfielder played for Manchester City

Norway captain Martin Ødegaard was left incensed after receiving a late tackle to his ankle from Portugal’s Bernardo Silva during stoppage time of Sunday's Nations League fixture.

The challenge resulted in a yellow card for Silva in Portugal’s 2-1 victory in Oslo, renewing a rivalry built over years in the Premier League. Silva, who departed Manchester City for Real Madrid in the summer, left a painful reminder on the Arsenal captain.

Ødegaard was captured on camera repeatedly shouting an expletive in English towards his long-term opponent, whom he may face again in Lisbon on Sunday in their Nations League group return match.

"This has no place on a football pitch," Odegaard told Norwegian broadcaster TV2 while limping towards the team bus more than an hour after the final whistle.

The incident took place after Odegaard played a deep left-footed pass from within Norway's half before Silva made a challenge from behind. Silva raised his right foot too late to block the pass, before aiming a kick at the rear of Ødegaard's trailing left foot.

Former Man City star Bernardo Silva attempted to downplay the spat with Odegaard (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Asked by Norwegian journalists about the clash that angered Ødegaard, Silva initially responded "What tackle?" in a clip shared by online media outlet Nettavisen.

"It’s football, my friend," stated the 32-year-old playmaker, who spent nine years at Manchester City and won six Premier League titles.

Arsenal and Odegaard finished as runners-up to Man City in two of those title-winning campaigns, in 2023 and 2024, before he captained Arsenal last season to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Man City and Arsenal currently sit first and second in the standings early in a Premier League season that appears destined to be overshadowed by the long-running legal proceedings against Silva’s former club.

Abu Dhabi-backed Man City were charged with breaking financial regulations over a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, mostly related to sponsorships from the emirate, alongside failing to cooperate with the inquiry.

An independent panel of judges has reportedly found Man City guilty of most of the 115 charges faced, though it remains unclear whether the club's previous titles are vulnerable at a subsequent sanctions hearing.

Man City deny all wrongdoing, and on Saturday club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insisted in a letter written to fans that "nothing has changed."

- Sam Brookes

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ISRAEL FOOTBALLER SENT OFF FOR USING CORNER FLAG IN GUN FIRING CELEBRATION

Saied Abu Farchi scored his side’s equalising goal against Austria (Picture: AFP)

Israel footballer Saied Abu Farchi was sent off for appearing to use the corner flag to simulate shooting a gun during his goal celebration.

Israel were beaten 3-1 by Austria in their Uefa Nations League clash on Thursday night with Farchi briefly drawing his side level in the second-half.

After finding the back of the net, the 20-year-old immediately ran over to the corner of the pitch, removing the corner flag from the ground.

Farchi crouched down and took aim, smiling as he made gun-firing gestures.

Farchi had been booked just four minutes before his goal with the referee producing a second yellow card to leave Israel down to 10 men.

Austria took the lead again in the 90th minute through Philipp Mwene with Sasa Kalajdzic adding a third in stoppage time.

Israel are set to play Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Farchi was sent off moments later (Picture: AFP)

Earlier this week, the Israel Football Association accused Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over comments he made regarding the upcoming Nations League fixtures between the two countries.

Campaigners have stepped up their bid to convince the Ireland team to boycott Sunday’s opener in Hungary, with a group gathering outside the team’s hotel in Dublin on Monday evening.

At last week’s squad announcement, Hallgrimsson admitted many squad members were uncomfortable about playing Israel, adding: ‘We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide.’

In a furious response on social media, the Israel FA wrote: ‘We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way.

‘Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach.

‘We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we’re playing against the coach who embodies them.’

Hallgrimsson later admitted hie comments were ‘not clever from me.’

He added: ‘Myself and the players need to be focused on the game. It’s a tricky time for us. We are grateful for the support we get.’

- Tony Mogan

MARC-ANDRÉ TER STEGEN RESCUES GERMANY WITH CLINICAL GOALKEEPING

The veteran goalkeeper is expected to be a prominent member of the new Germany side.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images

Germany opened the first international break of the season under new coach Jürgen Klopp with a 1-1 draw over the Netherlands. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen had a literal and figurative hand in keeping the draw from turning into a defeat. His heroics for Germany earned him a Man of the Match award.

Immediate result for Klopp

Photo by ANP via Getty Images) ANP via Getty Images

Jürgen Klopp is the newly appointed coach for the German national team. The 58 year-old overhauled the team with a plethora of new selections. Replacing the retired Manuel Neuer in goal was Ter Stegen. Though far from his Barcelona days, Ter Stegen showed some immediate impact for his manager.

Making nine saves in total against the Dutch, Ter Stegen held a clean sheet until the final moments. A mistake by Serge Gnabry that could not be made up for Nathaniel Brown at the back saw Germany concede a late equalizer. It was disappointing to concede after making some fantastic saves. However, Ter Stegen has given a glimpse that he is a practical option who has the experience and skill to be relied upon in the tournaments by Klopp.

Xavi Hernández’s Dutch side was the more creative team on the pitch. With four big chances, 22 shots of which 10 were on goal (Fotmob), the Oranje dominated Die Mannschaft on pure attacking ability. The Dutch’s 3.12 xG vs 1.50 of Germany is a scary stat whose impact was suppressed by Ter Stegen.

Not the perfect solution, but a practical one

Virgil Van Dijk’s glancing header beats Germany’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen during a corner kick. (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images) Getty Images

Ter Stegen’s genuinely superb performance did have its downsides. The 34 year-old was brilliant in anticipation and reaction saves, but he was not immune to mistakes. Virgil Van Dijk’s disallowed goal was misread by Ter Stegen at the near post. As difficult as it may be, the goalkeeper has to be ahead of the opposition in anticipation of corner kick trajectories.

Another minor goof-up that could have turned fatal was a giveaway to the pressing of Cody Gakpo in the 43rd minute. The Liverpool attacker pounced on the goalkeeper’s mistake and fired a shot that was fortunately saved by the German.

Having pointed out a couple of major issues, the save against Denzel Dumfries needs a special shoutout. Just before the clock hit the hour mark, the Xavi’s men conjured a spicy chance. Mexx Meerdink’s flick to Dumfries went through two Germans; the Dutch fullback held off pressure from his marker and fired at the near post. Ter Stegen had very little time to anticipate the height and direction of the powerful grounded shot. His body angle and split second reaction to get his foot in the way is a neat highlight.

- RuneKingThor

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TROPHY LIFT: PORTUGAL WINS THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE 2025

 

CRISTIANO RONALDO DISMISSES LAMINE YAMAL AS 2025 BALLON D'OR FAVOURITE

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media on Saturday, and during his press conference, he discussed Lamine Yamal, whom he will face for the first time during Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo gives assessment of Lamine Yamal

As per Diario AS, Ronaldo gave his thoughts on Lamine Yamal, while also issuing a warning to those that have high expectations for the 17-year-old Barcelona winger.

“Lamine Yamal is doing very well, he is taking full advantage of his talent. Now let the kid grow and don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and let him grow well, take the pressure off him. He has no shortage of talent.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo will face Lamine Yamal for the first time in the UEFA Nations League final (Image via Getty Images)

Ronaldo, who was praised by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon ahead of the UEFA Nations League final, also laughed off comparisons between himself and Lamine Yamal, whom he believes should be likened to players in his own generation.

“It’s always been Cristiano against this or that, I’m used to it. They are different generations, one begins and the other ends. They should compare Lamine with Vitinha, who is closer (to his generation). But no problem, I’m left with the criticism. In reality, it is one selection against another. But I understand, the media heats up the game, it’s nice and normal. What I want most is for Portugal to be at a good level and win, against a team that is probably the best in the world.”

Ronaldo believes Lamine Yamal shouldn’t win Ballon d’Or

Lamine Yamal is considered to be one of the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but according to Ronaldo, the teenager should not win the award – instead, he believes it should go to a Paris Saint-Germain player.

“The individual awards have lost some consensus; I can’t say anything about who should win. In my opinion, those who stand out and win the Champions League should win. But there is no consensus. I don’t believe much in individual awards because I know what goes on behind the scenes. Lamine could win, like Dembele or Vitinha, other emerging players… But individual awards are irrelevant.”

- John Menzies

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GERMANY VS. PORTUGAL | UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE | SEMI-FINAL

Germany 🆚 Portugal 

🗓️ Wednesday, 04 June, 2025

⏰ GMT - 19:00 PM

🏆 UEFA Nations League A Championship -Semi-final

🏟️ Allianz Arena, München, Germany

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SPAIN INTO UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL WITH PENALTY SHOOT-OUT VICTORY OVER THE NETHERLANDS

Spain have made it into the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after a nervy penalty shoot-out victory over The Netherlands, which came after a 5-5 aggregate scoreline across two legs.

In Thursday’s first leg in Rotterdam, Spain found the opening goal inside the opening 10 minutes, and they did so again at the Mestalla. On this occasion, Mikel Oyarzabal was fouled inside the penalty area by Jean Paul van Hecke, and that allowed the Real Sociedad captain to step up and score from 12 yards.

La Roja would hold their lead until half time, but on 54 minutes, they were pegged back. Robin Le Normand was adjudged to have fouled Memphis Depay inside Spain’s penalty area, and that gave the opportunity for the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker to score, which he managed to do.

15 minutes later, Spain would find themselves back in front, and it was Oyarzabal that scored again after he was set up following great work in the build-up from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the counter-attack, which ended in the 27-year-old heading home after his initial effort was saved.

Lamine Yamal scored a wonderful goal during Spain’s 3-3 UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg draw against The Netherlands

However, La Roja could not hold on to book their place in the Nations League semi-finals as the Dutch found another equaliser, with defender Ian Maatsen blasting past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon from inside the penalty area to restore parity on the night and on aggregate.

That goal meant that extra time was needed at the Mestalla, and in the first half of the additional 30 minutes, Spain thought that they scored the winning goal in the tie, and it was a special one from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. It was a wonderful pass over the top from Dean Huijsen, and the 17-year-old controlled brilliantly before firing into the far corner. But again, they were pulled back into a stalemate as Xavi Simons netted a penalty to make it 3-3.

That meant penalties were required, and it was Unai Simon that came up clutch at the end to save Donyell Malen’s effort. That gave Pedri the chance to secure the victory for Spain, and he did, with La Roja winning 5-4 in the shoot-out. And it means that they will take on France – who also won a penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final tie against Croatia – in the semi-finals this summer, before a possible final against Portugal or Germany.

- John Menzies

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FRANCE'S DIDIER DESCHAMPS CONCERNED FOR PLAYERS' MENTAL HEALTH

France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses his players face with the congested football calendar and accentuated exposure via social media.

Deschamps has faced regular questions about the mental health of Kylian Mbappé in particular, with the Real Madrid forward having missed the last two international camps amid what the manager described as partly "psychological" worries.

"He is in a complicated situation, yes, but that does not take away from what he has done or mean that he is not able to re-find his previous form, even if he too was less effective in 2024," Deschamps told Telefoot when asked about Mbappé.

"The environment is different because there is exposure today -- the slightest little word, social networks and then the fallout.

"I spoke with some of my players. After a competition like Euro 2024, they have barely three weeks, it is difficult to put the demands back in. They are higher and higher.

"Every time it is: 'You must, you must, you must' and then sometimes you can't respond or you respond less well, and there can be a psychological issue.

France coach Didier Deschamps at training on Friday. FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

"Whether it is going as far as depression I don't know, but it is a psychological state that is fragile. It is the head that commands the legs."

Liverpool's French defender Ibrahima Konaté also spoke to Telefoot about the reports around Mbappé's mental state, offering support should the former Paris Saint-Germain forward need it.

"Beyond being a footballer, he is one of my friends and someone that I have a lot of affection for," he said.

"If Kylian has psychological problems in his life, we'll always be there to help him. But we know the qualities that Kylian has. He is a formidable player and one of the best in the world.

"Every player in their career has had a little blip so I'm not worried about him. I can't wait for him to get back to his best level."

France play Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday in Milan. Both teams have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament.

- ESPN 

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ISRAEL ISSUE FAN WARNING AHEAD OF FRANCE GAME; MACRON TO ATTEND

Maccabi supporters wave yellow flags next to Israeli flags during the UEFA Europa League soccer match at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Nov. 7. ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Israel told citizens on Sunday to avoid going to cultural and sports events abroad involving Israelis in the coming week, following attacks last week q on Israeli soccer supporters in Amsterdam.

A statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel had intelligence that pro-Palestinian groups abroad intended to harm Israelis in cities in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and others.

France and Israel are playing in a UEFA Nations League match on Thursday that French President Emmanuel Macron will attend, the Elysee presidential palace said.

Paris police said Sunday that 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for the match to ensure security in and around the stadium and on public transportation a week after the violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

"There's a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us," Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez said on French news broadcaster BFM TV, adding authorities "won't tolerate" any violence.

Nuñez said that 2,500 police officers would be deployed around the Stade de France stadium, north of the French capital, in addition to 1,500 others in Paris and on public transportation.

"There will be an antiterrorist security perimeter around the stadium," Nuñez said. Security checks will be "reinforced," he added, including systematic pat-downs and bag searches.

Nuñez said that French organizers have been in contact with Israeli authorities and security forces in order to prepare for the match.

Israeli fans were assaulted last week after a soccer game in Amsterdam by groups of young people apparently riled up by calls on social media to target Jewish people, according to Dutch authorities. Five people were treated at hospitals and dozens were arrested after the attacks, which were condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel and across Europe.

On Sunday, Dutch police detained several people for taking part in a demonstration in central Amsterdam that had been outlawed following the violence targeting Israeli fans, a local broadcaster reported.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed Friday that the France-Israel match would go ahead as planned.

"I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up," he said, noting that sports fans from around the world came together for the Paris Olympics this year to celebrate the "universal values" of sports.

Macron's expected attendance not only is a show of support for the French team, but also aims as sending "a message of fraternity and solidarity following the intolerable antisemitic acts that followed the match in Amsterdam," an official in Macron's entourage said. The official couldn't be named in line with the Elysee's customary practices.

Information from The Associated Press and Reuters was used in this report.

- ESPN News Services