Al Nassr FC

Cristiano Ronaldo takes the night off! Al-Nassr stroll to victory on opening night of AFC Champions League action against Tajik minnows FC Istiklol

Cristiano Ronaldo may have sat this one out, but Al-Nassr showed they are far more than just a one-man show. On opening night of the AFC Champions League, the Saudi powerhouse dismantled Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol with a ruthless 5-0 win at Al Awwal Park. The absence of their talismanic forward barely registered, as Jorge Jesus’ side showcased their attacking firepower with five different players getting on the scoresheet.

'Genetic difference' between Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi starting to show with CR7 still in 'such a good state' at 40, claims ex-Man Utd assistant Rene Meulensteen

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enjoyed a long-running rivalry after dominating world football for two decades. Both superstars are now entering the twilight of their careers, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen claiming the 40-year-old Portugal international is now in better physical condition than Inter Miami's World Cup winner.

'I've never seen such a hungry young man' – Cristiano Ronaldo proved he wasn't 'exaggerating' with bold claim as Edwin van der Sar reveals talk in star's early Man Utd days

Years before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he made a striking declaration to then Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper, reflecting on former Real Madrid and Juventus forward's early days at Old Trafford, remembers a hungry individual confidently stating he would become the best player in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for 'as long as he wants' with Roberto Martinez confident 40-year-old striker can lead the team at 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for “as long as he wants”, says Ricardo Carvalho, with the 40-year-old frontman expected to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has earned 223 caps, remains available for international duty after signing a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

'Superman' Cristiano Ronaldo won’t stop until he 'breaks down' as ex-Man Utd team-mate claims 40-year-old Portuguese GOAT is 'still better than a lot of strikers'

Wes Brown says Cristiano Ronaldo is “still better than a lot of strikers out there”, with the Portuguese “Superman” expected to keep going until he “breaks down”. There is no sign of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star calling it quits any time soon, with the evergreen frontman still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 40 years of age.

'I was in the middle of nowhere' – Aymeric Laporte opens up on Al-Nassr transfer feud that almost blocked dream Athletic Club return

Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.