Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez was noncommittal when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the national team following a Euro 2024 quarterfinal loss against France on Friday.

"It's too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made," Martínez said, per ESPN.

Portugal was defeated in penalties by France, although Ronaldo converted his penalty after narrowly missing a chance to win the contest in extra time.

RONALDO MAKES THE FIRST PENALTY FOR PORTUGAL

🇫🇷: ✅
🇵🇹: ✅ pic.twitter.com/BCQxTSlQ4o

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024

The five-time Ballon d'Or award-winner has now gone nine games without a goal for Portugal, recording one assist in his five Euro 2024 matches without scoring. It represented the first major international tournament of Ronaldo's career that he did not record a goal.

The 39-year-old confirmed that 2024 would be his last Euro appearance after previously winning the tournament in 2016.

"Without a doubt it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is," Ronaldo said, via ESPN. "But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people's passion ... it's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?"

If his legendary career with Portugal does come to an end, his 130 goals still stand as the all-time international record. His next major opportunity to suit up for the national team will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Ronaldo will be 41 years old.

One legend gave respect to another as Kylian Mbappé said that longtime superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is "still a legend" prior to Friday's France vs. Portugal quarterfinal match at the UEFA Euro Championship.

"It's truly an honour, everyone knows the respect I have for him," Mbappé said Thursday, per ESPN. "He is still a legend and we are in contact but I hope tomorrow that we can win."

Mbappé has long idolized Ronaldo, who he met in 2012 at the Real Madrid training ground. Mbappé posted a picture of their meeting after his transfer from PSG to Real Madrid was complete.

The 39-year-old Ronaldo was once one of the sport's top two players alongside Lionel Messi. He is the owner of five Ballon d'Or awards and three UEFA Men's Player of the Year honors. On a team level, he's earned seven league titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies.

This has been a tough tournament for Ronaldo so far, with 19 shots total and eight on target but no goals to show for any of it. But there's still time for him to turn things around on Friday.

The 25-year-old Mbappe is a great player in his own right, leading France to two World Cup final appearances (and one win) already. He scored 162 goals in 178 appearances for PSG, which won six Ligue 1 titles and finished runner-up at the 2019-20 Champions League.

Now the two will face each other Friday at 3 p.m. ET in Hamburg, Germany.

Legendary soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo said Tuesday that this year's European Championship will be the final one of his career.

Ronald confirmed his Euro future in an interview with Portugal TV's RTP (h/t ESPN's Adriana Garcia), saying:

"Without a doubt it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is.

"But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people's passion... it's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?"

The 39-year-old veteran, who is playing in a record sixth career European Championship, has helped Portugal reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.

While Portugal are now three wins away from their second-ever Euro title, the tournament has been a struggle for Ronaldo thus far.

The all-time leading goal scorer across all major competitions has yet to score a goal at Euro 2024 in Germany, and he nearly went out on the lowest note imaginable.

In Monday's Round of 16 match against Slovenia, Ronaldo took a penalty with the score tied in the 114th minute, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak turned it away.

OBLAK DENIES RONALDO 😱 pic.twitter.com/R3yHtYPFEi

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 1, 2024

The match ended up going to penalty kicks, which is always a crapshoot, but Ronaldo was fortunate that Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa came up big, as he stopped all three of Slovenia's attempts to seal the win for Portugal.

Eight years ago, Ronaldo and Portugal won Euro 2016 in France, marking what is still the crowning international achievement of Ronaldo's career.

They also reached the final in 2004 and semifinal in 2012, so it is fair to say that Ronaldo has nothing left to prove in the event.

However, Ronaldo going public with the information that it is his final Euro could be a wise tactical move in terms of motivating the squad as a whole to go the distance and win it for him one last time.

Given that Ronaldo will be 43 at the next Euro in 2028, his stance comes as little surprise, although it doesn't make it any less sad of a prospect for soccer fans.

Assuming Ronaldo does attempt to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at 41 years of age, that could prove to be his final international event, which would mark the end of an era.

For now, the focus remains on Euro 2024 and Portugal potentially establishing themselves as European champions for the second time in eight years.

However, if Ronaldo and Portugal are going to get it done, they must go through France in the quarters, who are the top-ranked European team in the FIFA rankings at No. 2 in the world.

Security blocked a fan from diving at Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo after Wednesday's loss to Georgia at the 2024 European Championship.

Footage posted on social media shows Ronaldo offering a bemused expression after the person took a head-first tumble after being blocked by security.

Security with a last moment lunge to stop a fan getting to Cristiano Ronaldo! 😳 pic.twitter.com/hCDy0jeGRe

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 27, 2024

"We all love a fan that recognizes the big stars and the big icons in their minds," Portugal coach Roberto Martinez coach said. "But you can understand it was a very, very difficult moment. If those intentions are wrong, the players are exposed and we need to be careful with that."

Police have said they do not plan on charging the fan with a crime, as it was out of their jurisdiction. UEFA said additional safety measures will be taken going forward.

Fans previously charged the field to take a selfie with Ronaldo during Saturday's match against Turkey.

Portugal's next game will be Monday against Slovenia in the Round of 16. Ronaldo is looking to capture his second European championship after winning with Portugal in 2016.

Cristiano Ronaldo is continuing to set new records, though this one is unlikely to be included in the legacy discussions.

Ronaldo's comment on Instagram to Kylian Mbappé's post celebrating his move to Real Madrid is purportedly the most liked ever on the social media platform.

🚨𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃: Cristiano Ronaldo’s comment on Kylian Mbappé’s post is now the most liked Instagram comment ever. pic.twitter.com/TCiVbHwUvb

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 5, 2024

Real Madrid confirmed Monday it signed the French forward to a five-year contract. The deal has been a long time coming in more ways than one.

Mbappé has been linked with the Spanish giant for years, and his Instagram post included photos from when he visited Madrid in 2012 at the age of 14.

Cristiano Ronaldo can't wait to watch Kylian Mbappé light up the Bernabeu just like Mbappé watched him while growing up.

What dreams are made of ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hvY3xVXJ0t

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 3, 2024

Real Madrid has lacked a true heir to Ronaldo's throne ever since he left and signed with Juventus in 2018.

Karim Benzema won a Ballon d'Or in 2022 and Vinicius Júnior might be headed for the award this year. Neither has matched Ronaldo's prodigious scoring record (311 goals in 292 La Liga appearances), though, nor are they the same kind of worldwide star.

Mbappé has the potential to be that kind of figure in the years ahead, especially since he seems to have Ronaldo's blessing.

Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Real Madrid between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, winning two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Now, he's excited to watch the newest Los Blancos' superstar, Kylian Mbappé, who officially joined the team on Monday:

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his support to Kylian Mbappe 🐐❤️️ pic.twitter.com/la7Lf2e4dd

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 3, 2024

It's very much a rich-get-richer scenario for Real Madrid, which is fresh off of winning both La Liga and Champions League this past season and is already loaded with attacking talent. The club already boasts the likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler and are also bringing aboard 17-year-old Brazilian wunderkind Endrick this summer.

But Mbappé is now the center of the Real Madrid universe, joining the legions of superstars who have preceded him, including Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo set the Saudi Pro League single-season scoring record on Monday after tallying his 35th goal of the campaign for Al Nassr, breaking the previous mark held by former Al Nassr forward Abderrazak Hamdallah (34 goals in the 2018-19 season).

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks the record for most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season with 35 😤 pic.twitter.com/VhdczQdkR7

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 27, 2024

He notched a brace on the final matchday of the season to set the record.

SIUUUU 🐐

Ronaldo scores to equal the most goals in a RSL season with 34 💪 pic.twitter.com/iIC4hCMksL

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 27, 2024

CR7 BRACE!! 💪

Record. Broken. 35 goals in RSL play and 50 in all competitions this year for Cristiano Ronaldo 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/uPD05MkzSk

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 27, 2024

Given that Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and has accomplished a number of feats in far superior leagues in Europe like the Premier League and La Liga, Monday's record likely won't be one of his accomplishments that particularly resonates.

When you hold the sport's all-time international goals record—128 scores in 206 overall appearances for Portugal—accomplishments in the Saudi Pro League don't hold quite the same weight.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to be top scorer in four different leagues.

✅ Premier League
✅ La Liga
✅ Serie A
✅ Saudi Pro League

A true goal machine! 😤 pic.twitter.com/MuBSYhOsHS

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 27, 2024

It's just what Cristiano Ronaldo does everywhere he goes 🐐 pic.twitter.com/qqTlvhjoNv

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 27, 2024

There's also the fact that a talented Al Nassr side featuring the trio of Ronaldo, Sadio Mané and Marcelo Brozovic finished second to Al Hilal on the Saudi Pro League table. The champions ended the campaign 14 points clear of Al Nassr.

"This season has been truly exceptional for the team, arguably our best ever," Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus told reporters. "The credit goes to the immense talent within the squad and the incredible sense of unity that transcends both on and off-field interactions."

Ronaldo's side also went trophy-less in the Saudi Cup and Asian Champions League. It was the second straight season Al Nassr finished second in the league.

It sounds as though Ronaldo could end up remaining with Al Nassr through the 2025-26 campaign, however, according to footy reporter Ben Jacobs:

Understand Al-Nassr are planning talks this summer to extend Cristiano Ronaldo's contract by a year.

Ronaldo's current deal runs until 2025, but Nassr and SPL officials want Ronaldo to sign a new deal.

Central dealmakers also keen to keep Ronaldo through the 2025/26 season,… pic.twitter.com/OzDnoNnEBK

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 27, 2024

That would take Ronaldo through his age-41 season. If Tom Brady could play NFL football until he was 44, perhaps Ronaldo can keep the good times rolling into his 40s as well.

Five of the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world are soccer players, with Jon Rahm and LeBron James ranking as the top earners among non-soccer stars.

Per Forbes' ranking of the 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo made more money than anyone with earnings of $260 million between his salary with Al Nassr and sponsorship deals.

Here is the full top-10 list:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer): $260 million
2. Jon Rahm (Golf): $218 million
3. Lionel Messi (Soccer): $135 million
4. LeBron James (NBA): $128.2 million
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (NBA): $111 million
6. Kylian Mbappé (Soccer): $110 million
7. Neymar (Soccer): $108 million
8. Karim Benzema (Soccer): $106 million
9. Stephen Curry (NBA): $102 million
10. Lamar Jackson (NFL): $100.5 million

The most notable takeaway from the list, particularly the top two, is how much of an impact Saudi Arabia's financial investment in sports is having.

Ronaldo left Manchester United in 2022 to sign with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. His deal with Al Nassr was originally reported to be worth $207 million per season, but it was later amended that he was guaranteed $75 million annually with various agreements that could push the total up to $200 million.

The PGA Tour was stunned in December when Rahm signed with LIV on a deal reportedly worth more than $300 million. Forbes estimates his on-field earnings this year to be $198 million.

James, Lionel Messi and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only athletes on the list whose off-field earnings exceed their on-field earnings. James makes the most money of anyone listed off the field with annual earnings of $80 million thanks in part to a new partnership deal with DraftKings.

The four-time NBA MVP, who is a member of the Fenway Sports Group, was also part of the Strategic Sports Group that made a $3 billion investment in the PGA Tour earlier this year.

Messi's move to MLS has significantly increased the profile of the league and Inter Miami. Forbes estimated the club is now the second-most valuable in MLS with a $1.03 billion evaluation.

After announcing his departure from Paris Saint-Germain last week, Kylian Mbappé is expected to receive a sign-on fee of $162 million when he signs with Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappé is set to earn over $16M per year and receive a signing-on fee worth $162M at Real Madrid, reports @GuillemBalague

Damn 🤑 pic.twitter.com/GsxtamVt30

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 20, 2024

Even though the deal hasn't officially been signed, La Liga president Javier Tebas said this week Mbappé will join Real Madrid this summer.

Neymar is the third athlete signed to a Saudi Arabia club on the list. The Brazilian star signed a two-year deal with Al Hilal in August 2023 that pays him a total of $175 million.

Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has the highest percentage of his earnings coming from his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He will make $98.5 million of his $100.5 million on the field, with a large portion of that coming from his $72.5 million signing bonus.

Serie A club Juventus must pay Cristiano Ronaldo $9.7 million euros, worth approximately $10.4 million, after losing a legal battle regarding wages deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Jordi Archs of Mundo Deportivo and James Cohen of the Daily Mail.

The club will have to pay that sum plus interest, according to Gazetta's Marco Guidi.

The dispute involved 19.8 million euros, worth more than $21 million, that Ronaldo agreed to defer during the pandemic, according to Archs.

The Italian police seized a document in which Juventus agreed to pay Ronaldo that amount.

Juventus argued the document was no longer valid, as Ronaldo pursued the matter only after he left the club in 2021, according to Raimondo de Magistris of TuttoSport.

An Italian arbitration tribunal ruled Ronaldo partially responsible and mandated Juventus to pay back just half of the salary promised, according to Guidi and Cohen.

Juventus will have to pay the money out of the club's current budget because the team did not set aside funds in case of losing, Archs noted.

The case involving in Ronaldo is the latest legal battle the club has had to face regarding the way they handled salaries and internal accounting during the pandemic.

Last year Juventus agreed to pay a fine worth more than $750,000 in 2023 as part of a plea bargain for lying to players about receiving deferred salaries after the pandemic.

Ronaldo scored 101 times in 134 appearances through three seasons with Juventus.

The Portuguese star, who became the first active athlete in a team sport to reach $1 billion in career earnings in 2020 according to Forbes, currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo received a one-match ban for making an obscene gesture during the club's 3-2 victory over Al Shabab last Sunday.

"After the final whistle on Sunday, social media videos captured Ronaldo cupping his ear before repeatedly pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area," read the report from Reuters (via ESPN). "The action appeared to be directed at the rival Al Shabab supporters."

According to the Daily Mail's Adrian Bishop, Ronaldo took exception to some Al-Shabab supporters chanting the name of Lionel Messi, his biggest on-field rival during an illustrious career.

John Duerden of the Guardian noted this wasn't the first time the 39-year-old made a suggestive gesture while playing in Saudi Arabia. He "grabbed his crotch" after a loss to Al-Hilal in April 2023. Then earlier this month, he took a scarf thrown onto the ground in front of him and appeared to wipe his groin before tossing it back toward supporters.

Duerden also explained how there was an increasing level of pressure on the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) to act. Failing to punish Ronaldo was likely to be viewed as a show of favoritism toward the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

While Al Nassr will only be without the veteran forward for one match, his absence could deal a further blow to the club's quest to win the Saudi Pro League.

Seven points separate second-place Al Nassr from league leader Al Hilal through 21 fixtures, so it can ill afford to lose any more ground.