DUBAI: The weekly social media posts published by Cristiano Ronaldo this offseason typically have shown the soccer superstar half-dressed, muscles bulging, either working out or promoting one of his many brands.
Remaining relevant and highly visible is clearly so important to the player who, along with Lionel Messi, is the greatest of his generation. That also extends to the final years of his career on the field, too.
It is why, for the 37-year-old Ronaldo, playing for Manchester United — still one of the world’s most famous sports teams, despite their recent trophy drought — just isn’t enough. He wants to be competing on the biggest stage, winning the biggest trophies while he can.
Hence the current standoff with United, which is becoming more damaging and disruptive as the days go by and the new season looms.
Publicly, Ronaldo has not yet returned to preseason training with the English club because of what has been described as “personal reasons.” The expectation, recently hired United manager Erik ten Hag repeats on an almost-daily basis, is that Ronaldo will be back before the Premier League begins and be a key member of the squad.
The reality, it seems, is different. Ronaldo reportedly wants out after just one season back at Old Trafford, with United no longer in the Champions League or in shape to compete with the best teams in England like Manchester City and Liverpool.
United finished sixth last season, 35 points behind first-place City.
So, while the rest of the United squad have been on tour in Thailand and Australia, getting match-sharp and acquainted with ten Hag and his methods, Ronaldo has been back home in Portugal with his family while his agent, Jorge Mendes, shops around seeking a new club for his most famous client.
Currently, there is no buyer.
And the Premier League season starts in about two weeks.
“I don’t know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager,” said United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who also plays alongside Ronaldo for Portugal. “I don’t know what’s going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn’t ask them that.
“From everything we know,” Fernandes added, “he had some family problems so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that’s it. The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn’t turn up was if everything was OK with the family. He told me what was going on, that’s it and nothing more.”
On the face of it, United still want to keep Ronaldo — he was the team’s top scorer last season with 24 goals and is back to being the club’s poster boy for the marketing department — and ten Hag has called the striker “extremely important” along with being “not for sale.”
But why would other top clubs be cold on a player who is still a guaranteed source of goals, and revenue for that matter?
Goals might be the aim of the game but they are not necessarily enough for a modern-day coach. A certain level of mobility and an ability to be part of a team pressing game counts for a lot, too, and Ronaldo does not offer that, even if he remains a supremely athletic player with that uncanny knack of coming alive in the penalty area and scoring from anywhere. A team’s structure must change to accommodate a player like an aging Ronaldo, covering for his deficiencies and the need to make him the focal point.
In short, his presence requires compromises to be made. He is a problem and a solution.
Maybe, if he ends up staying at United, ten Hag can come up with a system in which Ronaldo thrives and the players around him can cover for him and make the team operate in an efficient way. That’s easier said than done.
Thomas Tuchel — the sort of coach who values a team over the individual — clearly thought that wasn’t possible, given his Chelsea team were one of the clubs Mendes apparently spoke to. There was a glaring hole in Chelsea’s forward line, too, with Romelu Lukaku returning to Inter Milan.
Bayern Munich are another team to have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo. There has been no desire from Real Madrid or Juventus to go back in for him, either.
Ronaldo’s wage demands are likely ruling out most of the other clubs competing in this season’s Champions League, a competition in which he is the record scorer with 141 goals — 16 more than Messi — and for which he lives.
It leaves Ronaldo in an awkward spot. Still one of the greatest scorers in soccer but a player unwanted by the best teams.
So what comes next? An uneasy truce with United and a sheepish return to a team playing in the Europa League and unlikely to be involved in the Premier League title race? Or can Mendes pull a blockbuster move out of the bag, like he did last year when Ronaldo sealed a sensational return to England?
For his brand and his legacy, Ronaldo will want the latter, ending what has turned out to be a nostalgia project without a happy ending.
And deep down, that might suit ten Hag, too, enabling him to start the rebuilding job at United with a clean slate.
Stay or go? Ronaldo’s future uncertain at Manchester United
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Stay or go? Ronaldo’s future uncertain at Manchester United
- Ronaldo wants to be competing on the biggest stage, winning the biggest trophies while he can
- He reportedly wants out after just one season back at Old Trafford, with United no longer in the Champions League
UAE President’s Cup Showjumping Event under way in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club welcomes top international riders to the UAE’s premier showjumping event
ABU DHABI: The UAE President’s Cup Showjumping Event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, got under way on Friday at ADEC International Arena.
Over three days it will showcase CSI5* and CSI2* competitions and a world-class roster of International Federation of Equestrian Sports-ranked athletes and horses.
Boasting a record prize pool of $640,000, including just over $544,000 for the CSI5* and close to $82,000 for the CSI2*, this competition sets a new benchmark as the most lucrative individual competition in showjumping in the UAE.
Ali Al-Shaiba, director general of ADEC, stated: “It is an honor to host the UAE President’s Cup International Showjumping Event, a showcase of elite sport and a celebration of equestrian heritage. This event reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to equestrian excellence and reflects the UAE’s emergence as a key player on the global showjumping circuit.
“We are deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan — vice president, deputy prime minister, chairman of the President Court, and president of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club — whose vision continues to guide ADEC’s evolution as a world-class equestrian and lifestyle destination.”
Participants will contest technically challenging courses, culminating in the CSI5* Grand Prix featuring fences up to 1.6 meters in height. The tracks are designed by Alan Wade, an FEI level four course designer, internationally acclaimed for crafting some of the sport’s most technical and demanding layouts.
The UAE President’s Cup will culminate in “A Legacy Unveiled, A Nation United,” a bespoke, immersive performance crafted exclusively for the occasion, highlighting the UAE’s long-standing equestrian heritage.
Anthony Lowry, ADEC equestrian director, added: “Behind the scenes, our team has worked tirelessly to elevate this year’s event. From our newly upgraded competition arenas to enhanced facilities for athletes and horses, we are proud to provide an environment that meets the highest international standards. We are especially thrilled to welcome such a high-caliber group of athletes to Abu Dhabi.”
The elite international field of riders includes:
Abdel Qabir (Morocco)
Cian O’Connor (Ireland)
Claudia Moore (UK)
Daniel Deusser (Germany)
David Will (Germany)
Kevin Staut (France)
Richard Vogel (Germany)
Roger Yves Bost (France)
Shane Breen (Ireland)
Trevor Breen (Ireland)
William Funnel (UK)
FIA meeting on future F1 engines ends without a commitment to bringing back V10s
- A meeting between Formula 1 governing body the FIA and engine manufacturers has ended without a clear commitment to any future return to fan-favorite V10 engines
- The FIA statement on the meeting says “all parties are committed to the 2026 regulations” but they also “agreed to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport”
A meeting between Formula 1 governing body the FIA and engine manufacturers has ended without a clear commitment to any future return to fan-favorite V10 engines.
Amid concerns over the cost and sound of the current V6 turbo hybrids — there will be a new generation of those from next year — FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested in February that there could be a return to “the roaring sound of the V10.”
The FIA statement on the meeting, held ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, said “all parties are committed to the 2026 regulations” but they also “agreed to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport.”
There was no mention of V10 engines specifically in the FIA account of the meeting, though it said: “Besides the 2026 regulations, a range of options and timelines for the future were discussed. One of the topics under discussion was the adoption of normally aspirated engines with sustainable fuel.”
The FIA added there was an understanding that “a level of electrification will always be part of any future considerations,” which signals a continuing place for hybrid technology. Hybrid engines are more common in modern road cars than the V10.
Audi, which will operate its own team from 2026, is a key supporter of the hybrid rules. The German manufacturer thanked the FIA and Ben Sulayem for arranging the meeting and emphasized its commitment to the 2026 framework.
“Our aim is to help shape a sustainable and future-oriented form of motorsport that leverages cutting-edge technologies — benefiting not only Formula 1 but also Audi’s broader technological development which we see reflected in the 2026 power unit regulations,” Audi said in a statement.
“Audi remains fully committed to entering Formula 1 from 2026 onwards, with power unit technology built around three key pillars: Highly efficient engines, advanced hybrid electrification, and the use of sustainable fuels.”
While some drivers and teams have concern about various aspects of the 2026 rules, some worry that criticism risks making it seem like F1 is talking down its own future.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the existing plans might need work but could still yield a “good product.”
“We haven’t even started 2026, and we are already talking about something else,” he said. “I would like to invoke a sense of responsibility by all the stakeholders, because we are here to protect the interests of the sport.”
Inconsistent Al-Hilal drop more points with time running out for title hopes
- A 1-1 draw at Ettifaq leaves the defending champs 7 points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad with only 7 games left to play
DAMMAM: Second-place Al-Hilal fell further behind in the Saudi Pro League title race on Friday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Ettifaq.
With just three wins from their last nine games, the defending champions are seven points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad with only seven games left to play.
It was a game coach Jorge Jesus will know the Riyadh side should have won, especially after spending much of the second half on the attack.
Ettifaq, driven forward by the in-form Gini Wijnaldum, enjoyed a bright first half and took the lead on the stroke of half-time with a spectacular opener. Joao Costa found the ball far from the Al-Hilal goal and the 20-year-old unleashed a fierce shot that flew into the net.
The visitors emerged from the break full of purpose, with Aleksandar Mitrovic shooting straight at the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.
Just three minutes before the hour mark, they were level. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic set Renan Lodi free down the left and the full-back reached the byline before pulling back a short ball to his Brazilian compatriot, Malcom, who fired high into the roof of the net from close range.
It was suddenly anybody’s game but the visitors were undoubtedly in the ascendancy. Just three minutes later, the 19-time champions almost took the lead with the same move, except this time Marcos Leonardo got on the end of it and could not quite wrap his foot around the ball at the near post. Next, a Kaio Cesar shot from the opposite side of the area was well-blocked.
Deep into injury time, Abdullah Al-Hamdan came close with a flying header, only for his attempt to land on the top of the net. Al-Hilal left frustrated, while Ettifaq remain in eighth place.
Earlier, Al-Ahli moved into fourth spot with a 2-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Al-Raed. Franck Kessie scored in the first half from the penalty spot, then Gabri Veiga, returning to action after a lengthy absence through injury, sealed the points midway through the second half.
SEF arena inauguration heralds exciting new era for Saudi esports
- The state-of-the-art facility includes event halls, venues, the SEF Academy, workspaces and more
RIYADH: Esports in Saudi Arabia is set for an exciting new era following the official opening of the new SEF Arena.
The Saudi Esports Federation center in Boulevard World, Riyadh, is a state-of-the-art complex designed to revolutionize gaming and esports in the Kingdom.
Spanning 25,000 sq. meters, it boasts dedicated esports venues, event halls, the SEF Academy, SEF Studio and collaborative workspaces and is purpose-built to support every phase of a player’s journey from grassroots level to the international stage.
The inauguration is a landmark achievement in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming the global capital for competitive gaming, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s accelerating digital economy.
Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of SEF, told Arab News that with the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s vision in esports, the federation was capable to thrive.
“This isn’t just a venue; it’s the beating heart of an ecosystem. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, and where champions are made. We want Saudi Arabia to be known as the ‘Land of Champions,’ a winning nation where talent is discovered, nurtured, and elevated to the world stage,” he said.
“We are lucky to have a sector strategy on a national level..with that strategy, it’s very ambitious and we have an infrastructure which enables us to achieve all these strategies…I compare it always with Silicon Valley for gamers”
At the heart of SEF’s vision is the gamer’s journey. Starting with the SEF’s School League, players can progress through a structured system that includes the SEF Academy, high-performance coaching, training, and mentorship, taking them from casual player to full-time professional.
Al-Fawzan added: “From watching Twitch streams at home to competing in the Saudi eLeagues and ultimately representing the Kingdom on the global stage, this is the structured journey we’ve built for our youth. It all starts right here, at the SEF Arena.”
The arena is also home to the Saudi eLeagues, where more than 2,800 active players compete across tournaments including the Saudi eLeague Elites, Saudi Women League, Saudi Fighting League and Saudi Challenger League, making it a year-round venue.
To support its mission of developing local talent, the SEF has signed groundbreaking Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s largest esports clubs and stakeholders — Team Falcons, Twisted Minds, R8, and The Ultimates, as well as Savvy.
These will help expand opportunities for Saudi players, creators and organizations across both local and global circuits, while also facilitating knowledge exchange and driving industry innovation.
Delivering a comprehensive and high-performance environment, the SEF Arena will deliver a comprehensive, high-performance environment, providing players, teams and publishers with the tools and infrastructure they need to thrive. With world-class training, live broadcasting capabilities, and immersive fan experiences, it sets a new standard for esports development.
Al-Fawzan said: “We are laying the foundation for the future of esports in Saudi Arabia. This is our legacy, our promise to the next generation of champions. Let’s make history, together.”
The opening comes three months before the start of the second Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
Musaad Aldossary, co-founder and chairman at Falcons Esports, said the SEF Arena’s facilities will help all esports players flourish in the game.
“The experience that the players play in high level facilities and infrastructure will help them match in any global facility…For us it’s always helpful whenever there’s multiple tournaments, multiple teams, and multiple players because then we will have options and the best players will hopefully land in Falcons.”
Rawan Albutairi, chief of partnerships and corporate affairs at Saudi Esports Federation, highlighted the impact of women in esports, which make up almost 49 percent of youth gamers.
“We want to convert that percentage into real elite players and again… Availing platform for women to really put a footprints and really excel is something that is very important. I think the future is bright with everything happening in Saudi and the Esports federation, it’s absolutely instrumental to lead the way and leapfrog not just locally, but also internationally.”
Albutairi said there are many opportunities for women in the esports industry.
“The whole ecosystem (has) professions such as being a commentator, moderator, and just really exploring the opportunities in the ecosystem is something that can be available and will be available here at the SEF Arena.”
Norris turns on the heat at sweltering Bahrain practice
- World championship leader Lando Norris topped the timesheets in a baking hot opening practice ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday
SAKHIR: World championship leader Lando Norris topped the timesheets in a baking hot opening practice ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday.
It was hunt-some-shade time on a sweltering afternoon in the Gulf kingdom — 35 degrees celsius and track temperature nudging 50 degrees.
As a consequence the relevance of the opening session on the rest of the weekend will be minimal, with second practice later Friday, Saturday’s qualifying and the race itself all staged at sunset and in cooler temperatures.
That was one main factor in teams using ‘FP1’ to give a half dozen rookies a shot as a ‘Friday driver’ as per the governing body’s guidelines.
As a result, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, one point adrift of Norris in the driver’s standings after his win in Japan last weekend, had some down time with Ayumua Iwasa taking the wheel of his Red Bull.
Dino Beganovic was handed the keys to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
Other new faces were Fred Vesti (in for Mercedes’ George Russell), Luke Browning (Williams/Carlos Sainz), Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin/Fernando Alonso) and Ryo Hirakawa, in for Ollie Bearman at Haas.
Williams team principal James Vowles explained the reasoning behind running Browning rather than Sainz, third to Verstappen in last year’s race for Ferrari.
“It’s much, much warmer than it will be so it is unrepresentative, and (Sainz) has done many hundreds of kilometers around here. It’s always painful, but it is less painful to run a Friday driver here.”
Browning had a scary moment with his temporary teammate Alex Albon, the pair coming close with a quarter of an hour left of the session.
The stewards immediately announced they were investigating the incident and summoned both drivers to appear at an inquiry before second practice.
“Wow that was close,” said Drugovich who had a close-up view of the incident in the Aston.
Kimi Antonelli was reporting loss of power in his Mercedes over the team radio early on with the Italian teenaged rookie, who has made such a bright start to his career, forced back into the garage, missing almost the entire session.
Ferrari have brought upgrades to Bahrain but Lewis Hamilton was quickly complaining about lack of balance.
With tire compounds set up for the cooler evening temperatures drivers were complaining of lack of grip.
Liam Lawson described it as “shocking” in his second run out for RB after being demoted by Red Bull.
Hamilton was asked if he wanted to have another lap before a quick return to the pits but the reply was short, sharp and an unambiguous ‘no’
“It feels horrendous, mate,” said Hamilton.
Alpine, the only team arriving at this desert track still pointless, will have been encouraged by Gasly’s effort in jumping to lead the timesheets late on.
But Norris quickly asserted control with a lap of 1min 33.204s, from Gasly at 0.0238
Seven-time champion Hamilton’s afternoon improved as he ended up with the third quickest time after switching to the faster softs.
Yuki Tsunoda replaced Lawson as Verstappen’s teammate last weekend and the Japanese driver came in ninth ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, winner in China.
