Cristiano Ronaldo back in the global spotlight at Euro 2024 and out to show he’s still a force

Eighteen months later, Ronaldo is still scoring hat tricks, still breaking records, still owning that will to win and self-belief. (FILE/AFP)
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Updated 05 June 2024
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Cristiano Ronaldo back in the global spotlight at Euro 2024 and out to show he’s still a force

  • Ronaldo is still scoring hat tricks, still breaking records, still owning that will to win and self-belief
  • Still a key member of the Portugal team heading to the European Championship in Germany as one of the tournament favorites

Cristiano Ronaldo had tears in his eyes as he walked off the field and seemingly into international retirement.
It was the 2022 World Cup and Portugal had just lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals, a shocking result that left Ronaldo inconsolable.
He was nearly 38 years old. Unarguably past his best. No longer a guaranteed starter for his country.
Was this the last time the soccer world would see Ronaldo — one of the game’s greatest-ever players — in a Portugal jersey?
We really shouldn’t have underestimated him.
Eighteen months later, Ronaldo is still scoring hat tricks, still breaking records, still owning that will to win and self-belief — not to mention the toned physique — which has long set him apart from pretty much anyone else.
And still a key member of the Portugal team heading to the European Championship in Germany as one of the tournament favorites.
Indeed, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, who was hired weeks after the World Cup, has retained the 39-year-old Ronaldo as captain.
“For us, he brings that experience,” Martinez said, “but, more than anything, probably the biggest surprise is that he approaches every day as a new way to be the best, a new way to keep impressing.”
The Euros represent an opportunity for Ronaldo to remind soccer fans that he is still a force in the game.
Since the start of 2023, he has been playing in Saudi Arabia, pretty much out of the global spotlight and in a league that has thrown money at some high-profile — if maybe over-the-hill — superstars to generate attention and change the impression of soccer in the kingdom.
Ronaldo, earning a reported $200 million a year, is still pouring in the goals — he was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 35, a record in that division — even if critics have been quick to point out the low standard of play in the country.
“We don’t make choices based on where the players play,” said Martinez, who could not be more impressed with what Ronaldo has been doing in Saudi.
“He has become a central figure of a new project and the important thing for us, as a national team coach, is that he has been able to carry on scoring goals,” Martinez said.
“His stats are better than anything, subjectively, that you can say. He’s been the top goal scorer in 2023 in world football and he makes a total new beginning in a league that in the next few years is going to be talked about a lot.”
Ronaldo committed himself to Portugal even though it looked like his time with the national team was up after being benched for its knockout-stage games at the World Cup.
However, Portugal changed coaches — Martinez came in for Fernando Santos — and Ronaldo felt he still had plenty more to offer, not least adding to his world record of goals scored in men’s internationals that now stands at 128.
In a qualifying group for the Euros that didn’t feature any of Portugal’s top rivals, Ronaldo started nine of the 10 games and scored 10 goals — only behind Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (14). He was captain whenever he started.
In short, Martinez fully believes in Ronaldo, a player he describes as “an iconic figure of the game,” heading into what will be the striker’s record-extending sixth European Championship and 11th major tournament.
“He keeps making the difference,” Martinez said, “and I think that, for us, this is a wonderful example for young players.”
Key is whether Ronaldo will be trusted — and he has the all-round fitness and sharpness — for the biggest games. He wasn’t in Qatar, after all.
Portugal has been drawn in a benign group on paper, also featuring Turkiye, the Czech Republic and tournament debutant Georgia. But, what if Portugal plays France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, as could happen according to the knockout bracket: Does Ronaldo start then?
A big difference to the World Cup is that his backup, Goncalo Ramos, hasn’t been a regular starter at Paris Saint-Germain since his move from Benfica. He isn’t pushing Ronaldo for a starting place as much as he was in Qatar, where he arrived in red-hot form.
Martinez seems willing to forgo some of Ronaldo’s limitations — his inability to press as well as others, for example — because he is still so dangerous in front of goal.
Ronaldo has a long list of exciting midfielders and wingers ready to feed him chances — Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix. With holding midfielder Joao Palhinha protecting so well a defense that conceded just two goals in the entire qualifying campaign, there’s so much to like about Portugal’s chances in Germany.
Ronaldo saw his longtime rival, Lionel Messi, grab all the limelight at the World Cup by leading Argentina to the title.
Maybe there’s one more big major tournament left in Ronaldo, too.


Wild Padel shines light on sporting community in Qatif

Updated 21 May 2025
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Wild Padel shines light on sporting community in Qatif

  • Established in 2023, the club went on to win the inaugural edition of the Barn’s Saudi Padel League for men a year later

RIYADH: Wild Padel, a family-owned club in Qatif, is doing more than just riding the wave of a fast-growing sport but rather redefining the essence of community in it.

Established in 2023, Wild Padel is led by the Al-Bayat family members of Ahmed Muneer, Hassan Ali, Abdullah Jamal, and Abdullah Muneer.

Ali told Arab News that although Wild Padel is not the first padel club in Qatif, it has quickly distinguished itself through its high-quality facilities, engaging community events, and strong commitment to promoting padel in the region.

“Despite not being the pioneer, it has become one of the most recognized and active clubs in the area,” he said. “Much of this success is thanks to the dedicated Wild Padel team and the supportive Wild Padel family who continue to train and play at the club.”

In December 2024, Wild Padel won the inaugural edition of the Barn’s Saudi Padel League for men against the highly competitive and respected team Padel X.

“While the challenge was intense, the strength, unity, and determination of our players brought home the title,” Ali said.

A sign of the community and camaraderie established at the club is the list of colorful nicknames that the members have developed.

The victorious team featured Captain Hassan Al-Abdullah, Abdullah “Mystro” Al-Faraj, Abdulaziz “The Engineer” Al-Abdullah, Abdullah “GOAT” Al-Abdullah, Qassim “The Golden Boy” Al-Obaidan, Ali “MVP” Dawani, Jose “Fighter” Arcos, Ali “The Talented” Hassan, Kumail “Leader” Al-Abbas, and Ali “Team Spirit” Al-Nasir.

Ali highlighted that the idea to set up Wild Padel was inspired by the rapid growth of the sport and its strong potential for future expansion in the Kingdom.

“The club was established to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting active lifestyles, supporting community engagement, and building a strong base of local talent. One of Wild Padel’s key goals is to develop skilled players through its academy, ultimately contributing to the Kingdom’s sporting success on both national and international levels,” he said.

Ali notes that with a growing number of passionate players and rising young talents, the Kingdom is well-positioned to become a regional and global hub for padel in the coming years.

“Padel has a promising future in the Kingdom, driven by strong support from the Ministry of Sports under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal. The efforts of the Saudi Padel Committee, led by Mugren Al-Mugren, alongside contributions from both governmental and private clubs, are accelerating the sport’s development.”


Pakistan drop stars Shaheen, Azam and Rizwan for Bangladesh T20s

Updated 21 May 2025
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Pakistan drop stars Shaheen, Azam and Rizwan for Bangladesh T20s

  • Batsmen Azam and Rizwan were omitted for the second consecutive T20 series after being criticized for slow scoring
  • Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan as they look to next year’s Twenty20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka

KARACHI: Pakistan dropped stars Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan on Wednesday as they named a new-look squad for three home Twenty20 internationals against Bangladesh.

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson will take charge for the first time after being appointed last week, replacing Aaqib Javed.

Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan as they look toward next year’s Twenty20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Shaheen had played in Pakistan’s last T20 series in New Zealand in March, but batsmen Azam and Rizwan were omitted for the second consecutive T20 series after being criticized for slow scoring.

“The squad has been selected based on players’ performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, which concludes on May 25,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

Shaheen has taken 12 wickets for Lahore Qalandars in 10 PSL matches at an economy rate of 8.20.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan earned a recall after topping the PSL batting charts with 394 runs.

Batsmen Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman return after missing the New Zealand tour with injuries.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali is back after being sidelined with multiple injuries since May last year.

The PCB said that the series match schedule, which has been affected by a 10-day delay to the PSL caused by the deadly India-Pakistan conflict, will be announced soon with all three matches to be held in Lahore.

Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub.


Brad Pitt’s ‘F1 The Movie’ to premiere in Abu Dhabi this June

Updated 21 May 2025
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Brad Pitt’s ‘F1 The Movie’ to premiere in Abu Dhabi this June

ABU DHABI: Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 film will return to Abu Dhabi for its regional premiere on June 25, ahead of its official Middle East release on June 26.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, “F1 The Movie” was partly shot at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Apple Original Films production follows fictional former driver Sonny Hayes (Pitt) as he returns to Formula 1 decades after a career-ending crash, teaming up with a struggling race team and a hotshot rookie played by Damson Idris.

The cast and crew will return to Abu Dhabi for the red-carpet premiere after filming 29 days across the emirate, including at Yas Marina Circuit and Zayed International Airport. The production involved 284 local crew members and 15 interns, supported by local partner Epic Films and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate scheme.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Mohamed Dobay, of the Creative Media Authority, called the return “a fitting closing moment” to a project that has made a significant impact on Abu Dhabi’s creative economy. The film is one of 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since 2013.


Coach Edwards set to introduce minimum fitness standard for England players

Updated 21 May 2025
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Coach Edwards set to introduce minimum fitness standard for England players

  • Former batter Edwards, who captained England in more than 200 matches, replaced coach Jon Lewis last month amid England’s efforts to revive their form ahead of this year’s 50-over World Cup in India

England coach Charlotte Edwards is rolling out a “minimum fitness standard” and calling for more accountability in the area from players after a 16-0 whitewash in the multi-format Women’s Ashes earlier this year.
Former batter Edwards, who captained England in more than 200 matches, replaced coach Jon Lewis last month amid England’s efforts to revive their form ahead of this year’s 50-over World Cup in India.
“The players are very aware there will be minimum fitness standards come this time next year... there has to be more accountability in the area,” Edwards said on Tuesday, a day before her first match as England coach.
“Before the World Cup it is about individuals improving as much as they can in that time... I am not going to set fitness standards (now) because there haven’t been any standards in place.”
Edwards said the players had spent the last few weeks working hard to improve their fielding, an aspect of the game that came under heavy criticism during their dismal Ashes campaign.
“Physically they are in a really good place as well and we have some great fielders within our T20 squad. It’s a big part of the game and we know that,” Edwards added.
England host West Indies in three T20 matches and three One-Day Internationals between May 21-June 7, with India visiting for a limited-overs tour later next month.


Djokovic to carry on without a coach after parting ways with Murray

Updated 21 May 2025
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Djokovic to carry on without a coach after parting ways with Murray

  • The high-profile partnership with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray lasted only six months
  • Djokovic is winless on clay this year after exiting the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open with straight-sets losses

Novak Djokovic said he would carry on without a coach for now after parting ways with Andy Murray last week, as the Serbian prepares for his latest bid to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The high-profile partnership with three-time Grand Slam champion Murray lasted only six months but Djokovic said his respect for the Scot had only grown in that time.
“At the moment, I’m not in need of a coach. I don’t need to rush in any context. I feel comfortable with the people around me,” Djokovic told reporters on Tuesday, a day before facing Marton Fucsovics at the Geneva Open.
“In the next few tournaments, we’ll see what happens.”
Djokovic, 38, is winless on clay this year after exiting the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open with straight-sets losses last month, and his form is a concern heading into Roland Garros, which kicks off on Sunday.
He had appointed fellow former world number one Murray ahead of this year’s Australian Open and said in February he would continue working with him for an indefinite period.
“We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court, and that’s all there is to it,” added Djokovic.
“My respect toward Andy remains the same, even more actually, I got to know him as a person.”