عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Sports

Ronaldo Double Drives Al Nassr to Record 10th Straight Win

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)
TT
TT

Ronaldo Double Drives Al Nassr to Record 10th Straight Win

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr beat struggling Al Okhdood 3-0 on Saturday to become the first team in Saudi Pro League history to win their opening 10 matches, setting a new record and extending their perfect start to the season.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 31st ‌minute with a ‌close-range finish after ‌a ⁠corner and ‌added a spectacular backheel in first-half stoppage time to take his tally to 12 goals this season.

The Portuguese forward now sits joint-top of the scoring chart alongside teammate João Félix, who ⁠sealed the victory with a late strike in ‌second-half stoppage time.

The win ‍keeps Al Nassr ‍top of the table with 30 ‍points from 10 matches, four clear of nearest rivals Al Hilal.

By achieving 10 consecutive wins, Al Nassr surpassed the previous best start in the league’s history — nine straight victories by Al ⁠Hilal in the 2018-2019 season under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who now leads Al Nassr.

Ronaldo, who also had a third goal ruled out for offside in the 65th minute, continues to dominate in a campaign with Al Nassr.

The match came after the resumption of the league following the Arab ‌Cup in Qatar earlier this month, won by Morocco.

Most Viewed

 
 
Sports

Iran Awaiting FIFA Response on World Cup Venue Switch

FIFA game balls are seen on the field ahead of a friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
FIFA game balls are seen on the field ahead of a friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
TT
TT

Iran Awaiting FIFA Response on World Cup Venue Switch

FIFA game balls are seen on the field ahead of a friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
FIFA game balls are seen on the field ahead of a friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)

Iran's government will only decide on ‌the national team's participation in the World Cup once they receive a response from FIFA over the relocation of their matches, the country's Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali said.

Iran's football federation (FFIRI) has been pushing to move the team's three World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked an ongoing war in the region.

FFIRI said last month they were in discussions with FIFA about a venue switch, while Iran's sports ministry has banned national and club sports teams from ‌travelling to countries ‌it considers hostile until further notice.

FIFA president Gianni ‌Infantino ⁠said last week, ⁠however, that Iran would play their matches as scheduled.

"Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response," Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu in an interview published at the weekend.

"If accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. ⁠However, FIFA has not yet responded.

"As the Minister of ‌Sports, together with the Iranian football ‌federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. ‌However, the final decision will be made by our government."

Iran are ‌scheduled to play all of their Group G matches on American soil -- against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before their final fixture against Egypt in Seattle.

US President Donald Trump said last month that while ‌Iran's national team were welcome to play in the US, it might not be appropriate for their "life ⁠and safety".

He ⁠later made it clear that any threat to players would not come from the United States.

"According to FIFA's relevant regulations, security must be provided in the country concerned," Donyamali added. "However, the World Cup is taking place soon, and providing guarantees during this period is questionable.

"Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low. But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will make the decision on Iran's participation in the World Cup."

FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Sports

Harry Maguire Signs Contract Extension at Man United

Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Japan - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain- March 31, 2026 England's Harry Maguire looks dejected after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Japan - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain- March 31, 2026 England's Harry Maguire looks dejected after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
TT
TT

Harry Maguire Signs Contract Extension at Man United

Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Japan - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain- March 31, 2026 England's Harry Maguire looks dejected after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Japan - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain- March 31, 2026 England's Harry Maguire looks dejected after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)

Harry Maguire signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester United on Tuesday, with the option of a further 12 months.

The England defender was due to be out of contract at the end of the season.

“Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad," director of football Jason Wilcox said.

Maguire joined United from Leicester in 2019 for $97 million, which was a world-record transfer for a defender. He has won the FA Cup and League Cup with the club and has made 266 appearances.

The 33-year-old center-back looked set to leave in 2023 after losing his position under former manager Erik ten Hag. He has since established himself as a key figure and has earned a recall to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

“Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honor. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day," he said. “I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together."

Sports

Fan Dies After Cardiac Arrest at German Bundesliga Football Game

05 April 2026, Hesse, Frankfurt_Main: Emergency medical response in the stands during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Cologne at Deutsche Bank Park. (dpa)
05 April 2026, Hesse, Frankfurt_Main: Emergency medical response in the stands during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Cologne at Deutsche Bank Park. (dpa)
TT
TT

Fan Dies After Cardiac Arrest at German Bundesliga Football Game

05 April 2026, Hesse, Frankfurt_Main: Emergency medical response in the stands during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Cologne at Deutsche Bank Park. (dpa)
05 April 2026, Hesse, Frankfurt_Main: Emergency medical response in the stands during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Cologne at Deutsche Bank Park. (dpa)

A long-time Eintracht Frankfurt supporter died in hospital, aged 87, hours after suffering a cardiac arrest in the stadium during a German Bundesliga game, the club said Tuesday.

The stadium fell silent as paramedics worked to revive the man, who hasn't been named, during the second half of Frankfurt's 2-2 draw with Cologne on Sunday.

“The 87-year-old, who was a long-standing member of the club and had held a season ticket for many years, suffered a cardiac arrest during the match. Although he was successfully resuscitated at the scene, his condition could not be stabilized,” Frankfurt said.

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family and friends. We would like to thank the emergency services for their efforts to save the life of our supporter, which were ultimately in vain, and we thank all the fans and visitors for their sensitivity in supporting these efforts.”

In October, another fan died after falling ill while entering the stadium at a German Cup game between Leipzig and Energie Cottbus.

The atmosphere was hushed at Cottbus’ stadium as both sets of supporters refrained from chants following an announcement about the incident.