Match Overview

Club America vs Pachuca record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

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Summary

• Club America will face Pachuca on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Club America vs Pachuca game in the United States.
• Club America lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Queretaro vs Cruz Azul record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

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Summary

• Queretaro will face Cruz Azul on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• ViX will carry the Queretaro vs Cruz Azul game in the United States.
• Cruz Azul lead the head-to-head with 6 wins in 10 meetings.

“I wanted to apologize to our people for my words during the World Cup. They were a mistake on my part, both the way I said them and the timing, and above all I understand people’s anger,” Alvarez said. “As a fan, I would have been angry too, especially considering how they have always supported me over all these years and these last few weeks, when they have been very generous. I value that a lot”.

His comments during the tournament expressed a desire to leave the club, which did not sit well with the fans. The forward was heavily criticized by the supporters after his remarks, who made their frustration clear with boos at every home game and even demanded that he leave the team.

Even so, he kept working to find his best form again, and it was only against Stuttgart in the Champions League that he scored his first goal of the season. Against Deportivo La Coruna, he then became the hero by scoring his side’s only goal to secure three valuable points.

Alvarez also said he is feeling better on the pitch. “Little by little I’m feeling good. I thank all my teammates because they have supported me a lot during this time,” he said, adding that he feels sharper both with the ball and physically. “When you feel good in life, it shows on the pitch. It’s everything: family, I’ve spent a lot of time at home doing other things, and it all matters, but I feel good and ready to compete for everything.” Asked whether the whistles could turn into applause, he answered: “I hope so, with work and humility”.

The World Cup comments that sparked the backlash

The controversy began at the World Cup, when Alvarez spoke with Argentine media in the mixed zone after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. The forward, who had reportedly been upset with how his club handled Barcelona’s $116 million bid, which went unanswered, confirmed that he wanted to leave.

“I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about this, but I can’t hide or pretend otherwise either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at the club, with those I needed to talk to,” Alvarez told a reporter. “I think a transfer is best for everyone, and I want to fulfill my dream”.

The comments left the Argentine in an uncomfortable spot, with the club’s supporters turning on him and the pressure building at every home game. His transfer never materialized, though, and he stayed in Madrid to face the consequences. Now, after finally finding the net again, he has chosen to own his words and ask the fans to turn the page.

Gonzalez’s choice appears to be about rest. Messi traveled to Oviedo to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on Oct. 23 and flew back to the United States right after the ceremony, leaving him little time to recover or train with the team before the match at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

The context of the match also made the decision easier for Gonzalez. Inter Miami have already clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and Nashville SC have already secured the Supporters’ Shield, which leaves Miami with no chance of competing for it. The team’s priority now is to finish second in the Eastern Conference and prepare for the postseason as defending MLS Cup champions.

Messi is still available to play and is expected to get minutes off the bench in the second half, although there is a chance he may not play at all. “We should feel proud that he, through his own initiative, wants to be with us and wants to play,” Gonzalez said of the captain, who scored twice in Miami’s previous match, a 3-1 win over Atlanta United.

Inter Miami and Red Bull New York confirmed lineups

In Messi’s absence, Fillipi Riquelme gets the nod in the attack and Luis Suarez will wear the captain’s armband, with German Berterame completing the front line.

Inter Miami arrive in search of a fourth straight win and second in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, while Red Bull New York, managed by Michael Bradley, are 10th in the league table with 36.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Gonzalo Lujan, Casemiro, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, David Ayala, Matias Galarza; Fillipi Riquelme, Luis Suarez (C), German Berterame.

Red Bull New York (4-3-3): Ethan Horvath; Dylan Nealis (C), Julian Bazan, Tim Parker, Devin Padelford; Mohammed Sofo, Adri Mehmeti, Ronald Donkor; Cade Cowell, Julian Hall, Jorge Ruvalcaba.

Red Bulls projected lineup

Inter Miami projected lineup

“71 years of passion. Happy birthday, Al Nassr FC!” the Portuguese star wrote on X, accompanied by yellow and blue emojis representing the club’s colors. The post came on the day the club marks the anniversary of its founding in 1955.

Ronaldo’s connection to the team has grown since he arrived in 2023, as he became the face of the club. He has scored more than 130 goals for Al Nassr and won his first major trophy with the team last season, when Al Nassr clinched the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title on the final day with a 4-1 win over Damac, with Ronaldo scoring twice.

Ronaldo’s impact has also reached well beyond Al Nassr. His arrival is widely credited with putting the Saudi Pro League on the global soccer map, as a wave of world-class players followed him to the country, including Karim Benzema, Neymar and Sadio Mane.

The influx helped turn a competition that once attracted little international attention into a regular fixture on the global soccer calendar, a transformation the club can now celebrate on its 71st anniversary.

Ronaldo’s numbers and records at Al Nassr

Ronaldo’s production at Al Nassr has produced some of the most prolific numbers in Saudi Pro League history. In 2023-24, he scored 35 league goals, breaking the single-season record of 34 set by Abderrazak Hamdallah in 2018-19.

He also reached 100 league goals for the club in only 105 appearances and, on Aug. 28, passed Mohammed Al-Sahlawi’s mark of 103 league goals for Al Nassr with his strike against Al-Taawoun.

As Al Nassr celebrate 71 years of history, Ronaldo’s legacy in Riyadh is already firmly written in the club’s record books. With the chase toward 1,000 career goals still ahead of him, the Portuguese star has plenty left to add to a story that has changed both the club and Saudi soccer.

Match Overview

Barcelona vs Real Madrid record

2026-27 LaLiga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 LaLiga games

Summary

• Barcelona will face Real Madrid on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 LaLiga.
• Fubo, ABC will carry the Barcelona vs Real Madrid game in the United States.
• Barcelona lead the head-to-head with 7 wins in 10 meetings.

Al-Nassr’s latest result has brought the club closer to another landmark in its remarkable goalscoring journey. With Ronaldo still playing a central role in the attack, the question now is how much further the Riyadh side can push a record that has already surpassed some of soccer’s most enduring achievements.

The reigning Saudi champion continued its impressive campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly on October 23, 2026, extending its streak to 97 consecutive Saudi Pro League matches with at least one goal. Abdullah Al-Hamdan opened the scoring, Ronaldo added a second with a powerful header, and Angelo Gabriel secured the victory after Theo Bongonda had briefly reduced the deficit.

Ronaldo’s contribution carried significance beyond the three points, as the veteran forward continues to deliver goals at 41. His latest strike also brought his reported career tally to 982 goals for club and country, leaving him increasingly close to the widely discussed 1,000-goal milestone.

However, the club’s extraordinary scoring sequence reflects a collective achievement rather than the work of one player alone. Al-Nassr has consistently found ways to score across different competitions within the league, maintaining its momentum through changing circumstances and challenging fixtures.

How Al-Nassr broke record that stood for decades

The streak began on December 8, 2023, when Al-Nassr responded to a 3-0 defeat against Al-Hilal by beating Al-Riyadh 4-1. From that match onwards, the club has scored in every Saudi Pro League fixture included in the sequence, as confirmed by official league metrics.

Its achievement eventually surpassed Al-Hilal’s previous league record of approximately 88 consecutive scoring matches. Al-Nassr then moved beyond a historic benchmark associated with Argentine giant River Plate, whose run of 93 consecutive domestic league matches dated back to the 1930s.

Al-Nassr reached 94 consecutive scoring matches in September 2026, breaking the long-standing mark according to contemporary reports. Its subsequent results have extended that record further, with the victory over Al-Faisaly taking the total to 97 consecutive league games with at least one goal.

The remarkable aspect of the run is its consistency, even when Al-Nassr has struggled to win. Draws and difficult away fixtures have not stopped the club from finding the net, allowing the sequence to continue across multiple seasons.

When could Al-Nassr reach 100 consecutive scoring games?

With the record now standing at 97 matches, Al-Nassr needs to score in three more consecutive Saudi Pro League games to reach the 100-match milestone. Every fixture between now and that target represents another opportunity to extend a streak that has already made soccer history.

According to the reported fixture projection, Al-Nassr’s 100th consecutive scoring game could come against Al-Qadsiah on November 20, 2026, provided the club scores in each of its intervening league matches. That date remains a projection rather than a guaranteed record-breaking occasion, since the streak must continue uninterrupted.

Reaching a century would provide another extraordinary landmark for the Saudi club. Few teams have maintained such consistency over an extended period, and Al-Nassr’s run has already established a benchmark that future sides will find difficult to match.

With his latest strike against Al Faisaly, which the Saudi Pro League credited to him in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win, Ronaldo reached 135 goals for Al Nassr in all competitions. At Manchester United, he scored 145 across his two spells, 118 in the first and 27 in the second, leaving him 10 goals shy of matching that tally.

The count comes with a caveat, as several data providers recorded the goal against Al Faisaly as an own goal by defender Andrei Girotto. However, the Saudi Pro League credited the strike to the Portuguese star, which takes his official career tally to 982 goals.

Most of his goals for Al Nassr have come in the Saudi Pro League, where he has scored 107, and he has also found the net in the AFC Champions League, the Arab Club Champions Cup and domestic cups.

Ronaldo’s scoring rate has doubled since leaving Manchester United

The comparison shows how Ronaldo’s scoring rate has changed. Over two spells at Manchester United, he scored 145 goals in 346 appearances, an average of 0.42 goals per game.

At Al Nassr, entering the match against Al Faisaly, he had 134 goals in 159 appearances, roughly double the rate at 0.84 goals per game, while scoring one every 103 minutes compared with one every 183 at United.

Ronaldo has also scored more often from the penalty spot in Saudi Arabia, with 32 of his goals coming from penalties compared with 21 at United, and he has scored 17 headers for Al Nassr compared with 24 for the English club.

Match Overview

Udinese vs AC Milan record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Udinese will face AC Milan on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo will carry the Udinese vs AC Milan game in the United States.
• AC Milan lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 5 meetings.

Speaking about his experiences with the two superstars, Carvalho recalled a conversation with a young Mbappe at Monaco that left a lasting impression on him. The former defender also explained why the similarities between the Frenchman and Ronaldo do not tell the whole story.

Comparisons between the two players remain inevitable because of their shared career path, ambition, goalscoring ability, and status among soccer’s biggest stars. The France captain has frequently been viewed as part of the generation expected to carry the sport forward, while Ronaldo’s career provides a benchmark for sustained individual excellence.

Ricardo Carvalho explains the similarities between Ronaldo and Mbappe

Carvalho, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Portugal, later witnessed Mbappe’s emergence at Monaco. Having seen both players up close, he believes the French forward displayed exceptional qualities from an early age, including the self-belief required to succeed at the highest level. “Football-wise, it was always clear that he was different. He had that arrogance that is normal for someone who wants to be very good,” Carvalho said in an interview with La Vanguardia.

The former centre-back also revealed that Mbappe looked up to the Portuguese superstar during his formative years. “He loved Cristiano Ronaldo,” Carvalho explained, acknowledging why fans frequently draw comparisons between the two forwards.

Despite those similarities, the former defender believes their approaches to confidence and ambition developed differently. His comments offer a perspective shaped by personal experience rather than comparisons based solely on statistics, trophies or playing styles.

The key difference in their personalities

Carvalho made his distinction clear when discussing how each player approached the self-belief needed to reach the top of the game. “It is normal to see similarities, but it was very different at the beginning. Ronaldo always had this ego. Mbappe molded it,” he explained.

In Carvalho’s assessment, Ronaldo’s ego was already a defining part of his personality, while Mbappe developed and shaped his own confidence with a clear sense of direction. The observation does not suggest that one approach was necessarily better, but rather that the two superstars followed different paths in developing the mentality associated with elite players.

Ronaldo built his reputation on relentless self-belief, demanding standards and an extraordinary drive to improve throughout his career. Mbappe, meanwhile, demonstrated an ability to understand his ambitions early and deliberately shape his development around the goals he wanted to achieve. Carvalho’s strongest example came from a conversation during their time together at Monaco, when the former defender was considering renewing his contract.

The young French forward had already formed a clear picture of how he wanted his career to progress. “He knew perfectly well where he wanted to go. I remember a conversation I had with him at Monaco, when I wanted to renew my contract. He told me he wanted to play there first and then move to a big club. He already knew what he wanted back then,” he recalled.

Atletico Madrid projected lineup

Deportivo projected lineup

His goal against Al-Faisaly was also at the center of a dispute between the Saudi league’s official records and international statistics providers. While the controversy raised questions about how goals are credited, the decision has kept Ronaldo’s pursuit of soccer history firmly in the spotlight.

Al-Nassr defeated Al Faisaly 3-1 away from home, with Ronaldo scoring in the 49th minute after connecting with a free-kick delivery from fellow Portuguese international Joao Felix. Abdullah Al-Hamdan had opened the scoring earlier, while Theo Bongonda reduced the deficit before Ângelo Gabriel secured the victory.

Ronaldo appeared to score again shortly after his first goal, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. When asked about the situation, the forward reportedly responded humorously: “Only one counted.” The debate continued because several international statistics platforms reportedly attributed the 49th-minute strike to an own goal by rival defender Andrei Girotto.

However, the match referee, Abdullah Al Owaidan, credited Ronaldo with the goal in his official report, a decision reflected in the Saudi Pro League’s records. Saudi media have confirmed that the final decision on goal attribution rests with the Referees Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The league relies on the referee’s official report rather than automatically adopting the figures published by independent statistics providers.

Ronaldo’s latest goal takes him to 982 career strikes

With the Saudi Pro League recognizing the goal, Ronaldo’s official career tally stands at 982 goals for club and country. The achievement moves the Al Nassr forward closer to another landmark as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.

The discrepancy highlights how different organizations can record the same incident differently. Although independent data providers may maintain their own assessments, the Saudi competition has backed the referee’s attribution in this case.

For Ronaldo, the distinction matters because every officially credited goal contributes to his personal record. His latest strike therefore carries significance beyond Al Nassr’s three points, adding another milestone to a career already filled with individual achievements.

How close is Ronaldo to Jimmy McGrory’s headed-goal record?

Ronaldo’s latest header has also brought attention to a separate historical achievement: the record for the most headed goals in soccer history. According to Wikipedia‘s historical compilation, citing the International Football Association Board (IFAB)‘s metrics, Celtic legend Jimmy McGrory leads the list with 162 headed goals, while Ronaldo has reached 159.

That leaves the Portuguese forward three headed goals short of McGrory’s reported total, following his strike against Al Faisaly. Based on the cited tally, Ronaldo needs three more headed goals to equal McGrory’s 162 and four to surpass him outright.

McGrory established his reputation as a prolific goalscorer during his Celtic career between 1921 and 1937. However, historical goal records from that era are difficult to standardize because complete match records and consistent statistical methods were not always available.

With the ceremony scheduled for Monday, October 26, in London, the latest assessments have intensified the spotlight on the leading candidates. One striker, in particular, has strengthened his case through prolific scoring and international success, while Yamal and Mbappe continue to make their own arguments.

Yamal has enjoyed another impressive year with Barcelona, helping the club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup before contributing to Spain’s World Cup triumph. The 19-year-old recorded 24 goals and 18 assists across all competitions during the campaign, including eight goals in the Champions League. His achievements place him among the leading candidates for the main award, following consecutive Kopa Trophy victories in 2024 and 2025.

The Spanish teenager finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, making another strong result a realistic possibility. Mbappe, meanwhile, delivered an extraordinary individual campaign despite Real Madrid failing to collect major silverware. He scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for the Spanish club and claimed the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer according to the supplied reports.

France did not reach the final, losing to Spain in the semifinals, before falling to England in the third-place match. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old’s scoring numbers have kept him firmly in the conversation.

Harry Kane strengthens Ballon d’Or case

Despite the duo’s impressive numbers, Harry Kane has emerged as a serious contender after an outstanding campaign for Bayern Munich and England. The striker’s scoring record, Bundesliga performances and contribution to England’s third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup have helped elevate his standing ahead of the ceremony.

Kane reportedly scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern during the 2025–26 season, helping the German club win the Bundesliga. He also scored five times at the World Cup, where England secured its best finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

However, speculation about the winner remains unconfirmed. Kane himself has acknowledged the difficulty of waiting for the announcement, explaining that the decision is beyond his control. “From my point of view, of course, I’d love to know to just kind of see and not have to wait throughout the whole night. But it is their decision, I can’t control that. We’ll have to just enjoy it and try not to stress out too much,” the 33-year-old striker said.

The latest odds reveal a change in the race

Oddschecker prices put Harry Kane ahead, giving the England captain a significant advantage in the latest assessment. However, the news is that Mbappe has risen to the position of second favorite, dealing a heavy blow to Yamal. The latest published odds list Kane at 3/10, Mbappe at 3/1 and Yamal at 5/1, with Lionel Messi at 40/1 and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at 100/1.

Other reported prices differ considerably between bookmakers, underlining that these figures are estimates rather than confirmation of the eventual winner. PokerStars’ quoted odds also favour Kane, with Yamal second and Mbappe further back.

A separate ranking published by Spanish newspaper Marca, compiled with contributions from more than 200 former players, journalists and analysts, placed Kane first, Yamal second and Mbappe third among its top 100 players of the 2025-26 season. Rodri and Kvaratskhelia completed the top five.

Al-Nassr claimed a 3-1 win over Al-Faisaly at Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, strengthening its position in the Saudi Pro League standings. Abdullah Al-Hamdan opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Ronaldo doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.

Al-Faisaly responded through Theo Bongonda in the 66th minute, but Ângelo Gabriel restored Al-Nassr’s two-goal cushion with a strike in the 79th minute. Ronaldo also appeared to score again shortly after his first goal, although his effort in the 52nd minute was disallowed following a VAR review, leaving him with one goal officially credited during the match.

The controversy centered on Ronaldo’s 49th-minute strike, which several international statistics providers reportedly recorded as an own goal by Al-Faisaly defender Andrei Girotto. Platforms including Opta, SofaScore, FotMob and Flashscore initially differed from the Saudi league’s reported attribution, creating uncertainty over whether the Portuguese forward would receive credit.

The distinction matters because Ronaldo’s career tally now stands at 982 goals according to the Saudi Pro League’s official record, leaving him 18 short of the widely anticipated 1,000-goal milestone. With every goal closely tracked by supporters, even a disputed deflection has become significant in the debate surrounding his historic pursuit.

Ronaldo delivers cheeky response

When asked about whether he had scored twice, Ronaldo responded with a short remark that appeared to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the match. “Only one counted,” the forward said, offering a lighthearted response to the confusion over his goals.

The comment reflected the difference between celebrating an apparent second strike and having it officially recognized. Although Ronaldo found the net again during the match, VAR ruled the effort out, meaning it could not be added to his career total.

Why the Saudi league’s decision matters

According to reports shared by Saudi sports journalists, referee Abdullah Al Owaidan credited Ronaldo with Al-Nassr’s second goal in his official match report. The Saudi Pro League reportedly follows the referee’s documentation for goal attribution, with the Referees Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation holding responsibility for reviewing disputed decisions.

Al-Riyadhiah further explained that the league does not simply adopt goal tallies published by international data providers such as Opta. Instead, the referee’s report serves as the official record, and any discrepancies can be referred to the committee for review and possible correction.

The league’s reported decision therefore supports Ronaldo’s 982-goal tally, even though some independent platforms have classified the strike differently. Whether those providers will eventually amend their records remains unclear.

Match Overview

Lecce vs Juventus record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Lecce will face Juventus on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo will carry the Lecce vs Juventus game in the United States.
• Juventus lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Milan travels to the Bluenergy Stadium on Sunday, October 25, hoping to respond after a 3-0 Europa League defeat to Bournemouth. Its opponent is also under pressure, having suffered five consecutive league defeats and fallen towards the relegation zone.

The Rossoneri’s European setback followed a difficult evening in England, where an early red card for goalkeeper Mike Maignan contributed to the 3-0 loss. The result interrupted the Rossoneri’s momentum, although their domestic campaign has been considerably more encouraging under Amorim.

Milan has collected 15 points from its opening seven Serie A matches, recording four wins and three draws without losing. A victory against Udinese would strengthen their position among the leading sides and provide a timely boost before a demanding run of fixtures.

The visitors can also draw confidence from their recent away record, having lost only three league matches on the road since the beginning of last season. However, three consecutive Serie A away draws show that the San Siro outfit must find a way to turn solid performances into victories.

Three major absences complicate Amorim’s plans

Milan has confirmed that Mario Gila, Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira will miss the trip to Udinese because of physical problems. Gila is dealing with inflammation in his left ankle following overload, while Rabiot has fatigue in his right calf and Moreira has a similar issue affecting his left hamstring.

Their absence adds to an already stretched squad, with Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze also unavailable. The growing list of injuries leaves Amorim with fewer options as the team prepares for a busy schedule that includes a midweek meeting with Bologna and the upcoming derby against Inter.

There is some positive news regarding Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to training after dealing with a calf problem. The Portuguese striker is expected to lead the attack, giving Milan a familiar focal point despite the disruption elsewhere in the squad.

Will Pulisic start against Udinese?

Despite the selection problems, Pulisic is expected to return to Milan’s starting lineup, providing an important attacking option as the club looks to rediscover its rhythm. The American is projected to operate alongside Ramos and Omari Hutchinson in a front three, with the lineup offering a blend of movement, creativity and finishing ability.

According to MilanNews and Sky Italia, Amorim could use a 4-3-3 formation, with Pulisic occupying a position on the left side of the attack. The expected starting XI is Maignan in goal; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlović and Bartesaghi in defence; Musah, Modric and Loftus-Cheek in midfield; and Hutchinson, Ramos and Pulisic up front.

Pulisic’s inclusion would give Amorim another established attacking presence as Milan looks to respond after its European disappointment. With Rabiot and Moreira unavailable, the forward line could carry additional responsibility for creating chances and securing the three points.

Asked about Lamine Yamal, Mourinho made it clear that Real Madrid will not tailor their approach to the young winger. “He’s a great player, and great players are respected,” he said. “One thing is respecting, another is changing plans, changing structures, forgetting your own essence. We won’t do that with him or with any other super-quality opponent we play, not just in this match, but in many matches“.

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager kept a conciliatory tone toward his rivals throughout the news conference. He said he could not find a single player who isn’t very good at either Real Madrid or Barcelona, and he praised Hansi Flick, calling the German coach “a great coach” who is “doing an excellent job.”

Barcelona arrive at El Clasico as clear LaLiga leaders, with a perfect record of nine wins from nine matches and 27 points. The defending champions had won their first 11 games across all competitions, a run that ended with a 4-2 defeat at PSG in the Champions League in their latest fixture.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, sit third with 21 points after winning seven league games and losing two, and they arrive on the back of 4-1 wins over Sevilla in LaLiga and Leipzig in the Champions League.

Kounde and Vinicius ruled out of El Clasico

Barcelona will be without Jules Kounde, who suffered a sprained left ankle in last weekend’s win over Real Betis and also missed the Champions League defeat at PSG.

The club had hoped to have the French defender back for the Clasico, but Hansi Flick confirmed that it will not happen. “Jules won’t be there tomorrow, we don’t want to risk him, he isn’t arriving at the right moment, but we have to accept it,” the German coach said.

Real Madrid will also have to cope without a key attacker, as Vinicius Junior is serving a four-game ban after his red card against Villarreal for pulling an opponent’s hair.

The Spanish federation’s disciplinary committee gave him two games for the offense and two more for his protests to the referee. The suspension has already kept him out of the win over Sevilla and will also rule him out of the matches against Racing Santander and Valencia.

Chelsea confirmed lineup

Tottenham confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Manchester United vs Bournemouth record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Manchester United will face Bournemouth on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, NBCSN will carry the Manchester United vs Bournemouth game in the United States.
• Manchester United lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Liverpool vs Albion record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Liverpool will face Albion on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, NBCSN will carry the Liverpool vs Albion game in the United States.
• Liverpool lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Arsenal confirmed lineup

Everton confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Inter Milan vs Fiorentina record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Inter Milan will face Fiorentina on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Inter Milan vs Fiorentina game in the United States.
• Inter Milan lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Aston Villa confirmed lineup

Manchester City confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Pumas UNAM vs Tigres record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

Summary

• Pumas UNAM will face Tigres on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Pumas UNAM vs Tigres game in the United States.
• Tigres lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Monterrey vs Chivas record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Monterrey will face Chivas on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Monterrey vs Chivas game in the United States.
• Chivas lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

The MLS club shared a message on X congratulating its captain on the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. “Congratulations, captain, on receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Your talent makes history. Your values leave a mark that goes far beyond soccer,” the post read.

Messi received the distinction from Princess Leonor at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, where he was greeted by a standing ovation. The jury recognized him for being the player with the most titles in soccer history, as well as for his talent, his humility and his charity work promoting education and health care for children. Messi did not give a speech at the ceremony and became the third soccer player to win the award, following Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez in 2012.

During her address, the princess described Messi as someone who “turned the extraordinary into routine” while putting the collective game above ego. The 39-year-old will now return to the United States, where Inter Miami visit the New York Red Bulls on Oct. 24, before his attention turns to the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Oct. 26, where he is among the nominees.

Messi dedicates the award to his late father

Messi did not give a speech at the ceremony, but he spoke with the news agency EFE about what the award meant to him, remembering his father, Jorge Messi, who recently passed away. “My father was extremely excited about this award,” the Inter Miami star said.

Messi explained that the trip was complicated by his match schedule, but that his father had always insisted he make the journey. “We knew it would be difficult because of my match schedule, but he really insisted that we come, that I travel here to spend these days and receive the award,” he said. “This award goes beyond what you do on the pitch or what I’ve achieved throughout my career. He was very happy about this recognition, and that’s why I’m sure he’s enjoying it too”.

The award adds another honor to a career that has already collected nearly every major distinction in the sport, but this one carried a deeper personal meaning for Messi.

Keeping his father’s wish in mind, he spent 36 hours in Oviedo and then skipped the post-ceremony cocktail to head straight back to the United States, a reminder that, even on one of the most emotional weeks of his life, soccer remains at the center of everything he does.

The three forwards dominated defenses across Europe and led the club to a historic treble in 2015, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Even so, Neymar feels his best version did not come during that stage of his career.

The Brazilian made that clear while speaking with Argentine streamer Davoo Xeneize in a video on the creator’s YouTube channel, where he named Paris Saint-Germain as the club where he reached his prime.

“For me, the prime was at Paris Saint-Germain, when I played there. People remember Barcelona because of the MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar), but as a player I think PSG was my prime because I had strength, speed and intelligence there, I already knew the whole pitch, and for me that was my best version,” he said.

The answer stands out given Neymar’s four seasons in Catalonia between 2013 and 2017, before his move to PSG that summer. In Paris he won four Ligue 1 titles, and his reasoning has more to do with his maturity as a player, with the physical and tactical knowledge he had gained, than with trophies.

Barcelona vs PSG: how Neymar’s two eras compare

The statistics help explain Neymar’s view. With Barcelona, he scored 105 goals in 186 official matches, with 2014-15 standing out as his best campaign, when he netted 39 times in 51 games. In Paris, he scored 118 goals in 173 matches, a better goals-per-game rate than in Spain, and became the club’s fourth all-time top scorer.

The trophy cabinets tell a different story. Neymar won ten major trophies at Barcelona, including two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the Champions League, all of them alongside Messi. At PSG he collected 13 domestic trophies, led by five Ligue 1 crowns, but never won a European title.

Whether his prime came in Catalonia or in Paris, Neymar’s career leaves little doubt about his talent, and the debate over which era was his best is likely to continue among fans. Now back at Santos, the club where it all began, the Brazilian can at least say he has chosen his own answer.

Match Overview

Red Bulls vs Inter Miami record

2026 MLS season standings

All upcoming 2026 MLS season games

Summary

• Red Bulls will face Inter Miami on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026 MLS season.
• Apple TV will carry the Red Bulls vs Inter Miami game in the United States.
• Inter Miami lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

The Inter Miami forward shared his thoughts in an interview with EFE in Oviedo, Spain, ahead of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sport ceremony on October 23. His message looked beyond the numbers and achievements that have shaped his reputation, placing the emphasis on a quality that remained constant throughout his career, even when the results did not go his way.

His return to Spain marked a special occasion for the former Barcelona captain, who spent the most influential years of his career at the Catalan club before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and subsequently joining Inter Miami. The Princess of Asturias Foundation recognized both his extraordinary achievements on the pitch and his ongoing charitable work supporting access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.

The honor added another distinction to an already remarkable collection of accolades, which includes eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles with Barcelona and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Messi has also won two Copa America titles with his national team, finally achieving sustained international success after years of disappointment in major finals.

However, the Argentine’s reflections suggested that his legacy cannot be measured entirely through medals, goals or individual recognition. When asked how he would like people to remember him, he delivered an answer that captured the mindset behind his longevity at the highest level.

What Messi hopes people remember about him forever

Speaking to EFE, Messi explained that he hopes his reputation will reflect his determination to pursue his ambitions, regardless of whether every attempt ended in success. “A great athlete who always fought to achieve his goals and dreams,” the Argentine said.

He expanded on that thought by acknowledging that even a career filled with historic achievements inevitably includes setbacks and unfulfilled ambitions. “Sometimes I succeeded in achieving what I wanted, sometimes I didn’t… but I never stopped trying to win everything that was in front of me,” Messi added.

The statement offers a glimpse into how the Inter Miami star views his journey, placing persistence at the center of his story. Rather than focusing exclusively on what he won, Messi wants to be remembered for continuing to strive for success, even when the outcome was uncertain.

World Cup triumph came after years of heartbreak

Messi’s career provides plenty of examples of the perseverance he described, particularly during his international journey with Argentina. Before lifting the Copa America in 2021, he endured several painful final defeats, including Argentina’s loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.

Those disappointments eventually gave way to some of the defining moments of his career, as Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For the 39-year-old forward, winning soccer’s biggest prize fulfilled a lifelong ambition and completed a journey that had brought both extraordinary highs and difficult setbacks.

His experience has also shaped his perspective on the sport itself, where success is never guaranteed, even for the most gifted players. As he explained in his reflections on soccer, “In football, winning is very difficult, and you have to appreciate the journey, because only one team can win.”

Messi has also stressed the importance of accepting mistakes and learning from defeat, recognizing that setbacks are an unavoidable part of competing at the highest level. That perspective helps explain why he places such importance on the effort invested in pursuing a goal, rather than judging everything by the final result.

Ronaldo entered the top 10 after his header in Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory, his fifth league goal of the season and the 982th of his career. At that point he was part of a large group of players level on five goals, trailing only Ivan Toney, Youssef En-Nesyri and Mateo Retegui.

However, the rest of the day’s matches changed the picture. Toney scored a brace in Al Ahli’s 4-1 win over Al Khaleej to move to 13 goals, while his teammate Francisco Trincao, Al Ittihad’s George Ilenikhena and Al Hilal’s Gabriel Martinelli all moved past Ronaldo, reaching six tallies. Retegui also found the net for Al Qadsiah to move up to seven.

Ronaldo will get a chance to climb back up the scoring chart when Al Nassr host Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Oct. 29. Before that, however, the team has a continental date to take care of.

That match comes on Oct. 26, when Al Nassr welcome Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite. The Saudi side will look to keep its winning run going in the competition after beating Neftchi Fargona 3-1 in its last outing.

Saudi Pro League top 10 scorers after Matchday 11

The Golden Boot race is far from settled, but it is Toney who has taken control. The Al Ahli striker leads the chart with 13 goals in nine matches, six clear of Mateo Retegui and Youssef En-Nesyri, while Ronaldo is among a crowded group on five goals, listed 13th. This is how the scoring chart looks after the day’s matches:

Among the new names in the top six, Martinelli’s numbers stand out the most. The Al Hilal winger has scored six goals in just six matches, a rate of one per game that no other player in the top 10 comes close to matching. With Toney in a league of his own and a pack of strikers closing in, Ronaldo will need a hot streak to climb back into the conversation in the Golden Boot race.

Al-Nassr had to work for the three points despite taking an early lead, with Al-Hamdan making an immediate impact and Al-Faisaly threatening to fight back in the second half. However, the match’s most heartwarming moment came after the action had ended, when Ronaldo made a decision that surprised supporters and left his teammate with a special memory.

Al-Hamdan justified his place in Ange Postecoglou’s starting lineup by opening the scoring in the fourth minute, firing a low shot from outside the box. The Saudi forward made the most of his opportunity in an attack featuring stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

Ronaldo then doubled the team’s lead in the 49th minute, heading home Felix’s free-kick delivery for his 982nd career goal. However, Al-Faisaly threatened a comeback when Theo Bongonda pulled one back in the 66th minute with a header from Mohammad Al-Shanqiti’s cross. Angelo Gabriel restored Al-Nassr’s two-goal advantage in the 79th minute with a composed finish from outside the box, sealing a 3-1 victory.

The result took the Saudi giant to 25 points and temporarily to the top of the league, while Al-Hamdan impressed with a goal and an assist for Angelo’s decisive strike. His overall contribution made him one of the standout performers in a match that required Al-Nassr to withstand a determined challenge.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo makes classy gesture that surprises his teammate

The biggest surprise came after the final whistle, when Ronaldo was named Man of the Match but chose to hand the award to Al-Hamdan instead. The Al-Nassr captain personally presented the trophy to the Saudi forward and posed for photographs with him, recognizing his teammate’s contribution to the victory.

The gesture quickly attracted attention among supporters, many of whom praised Ronaldo for sharing the individual recognition rather than keeping it for himself. For Al-Hamdan, receiving the award from one of football’s most celebrated players made an already memorable performance even more meaningful.

Al-Hamdan singles out what makes Ronaldo a legend

Speaking to Thmanyah after the match, Al-Hamdan explained what playing alongside Ronaldo meant to him. “It is a great honor for me to be alongside a legend of the legends of football, and I hope this will be a motivation for me to offer more,” he said.

Al-Hamdan also highlighted the example Ronaldo sets for younger players, pointing to the Portuguese forward’s influence both during matches and away from the pitch. “He is a great player, he produces strong levels on and off the pitch, and we learn a lot from him. He is also keen to teach the young players before the senior ones, and I hope we can achieve things together that please the Al-Nassr fans.”

Although Patricio did not mention Ronaldo by name, his remarks about stepping aside for the next generation have drawn attention given the uncertainty surrounding the veteran forward’s international situation. The timing has raised questions about whether the former goalkeeper’s message carries a wider significance for Portugal’s captain.

Ronaldo’s relationship with the national team has come under intense scrutiny following his departure from the training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, 2026. The incident followed a reported disagreement with Jesus over playing time after Ronaldo was left on the bench against Norway.

On October 19, the Portuguese Football Federation handed the 41-year-old a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine for his unauthorized departure. The Al-Nassr sueprstar acknowledged the incident and apologized to his teammates and supporters, while the suspension was backdated so that it would expire before the Selecao’s next international fixtures in November.

Despite the controversy, the 41-year-old veteran has previously indicated that he intends to continue playing for Portugal while he believes he can contribute. He remains the national team’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 international goals in 234 appearances, and his eventual return will depend on selection and the relationship with the coaching staff.

Rui Patricio reflects on losing his Portugal starting place

Patricio, Portugal’s former first-choice goalkeeper and a key figure in the country’s Euro 2016 triumph, discussed how he accepted losing his starting position to Diogo Costa. Speaking on A Bola’s 90+3 show, he explained that he viewed the transition as a natural part of soccer rather than something to resent. “I stopped playing so that Diogo Costa could play. When we realize this, it’s not worth sulking,” Patricio said.

The former goalkeeper also recalled how former shot-stopper Eduardo had supported him earlier in his own international career, setting an example he wanted to follow. “When Diogo became the starter, I told him to give his best and that we were there for him,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of supporting teammates even when personal circumstances change.

The message behind Patricio’s comments

Patricio’s reflections underline his belief that every player eventually has to accept a changing role as younger talent emerges. He explained that the same transition would eventually happen to Costa, reinforcing his view that international soccer operates through successive generations. “One day Diogo will stop playing and another goalkeeper will take over. When we understand that, there’s no point in sulking and complaining,” Patricio said during the interview.

Although the 38-year-old goalkeeper did not explicitly direct his comments at Ronaldo, the timing has encouraged some observers to draw parallels between the two former teammates. Patricio accepted losing his place to a younger goalkeeper, while Ronaldo’s recent dispute with Portugal’s coaching staff has raised questions about how he will respond to a reduced role.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s circumstances are more complicated because of his status as Portugal’s captain and one of the most influential players in soccer history. Nevertheless, Patricio’s comments have renewed the debate over whether even the greatest players must eventually accept that their responsibilities and minutes can change.

Yamal has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most exciting young players, achieving milestones at an age when many players are still developing in academy systems. His rapid rise has naturally prompted comparisons with Lionel Messi, who spent years establishing himself before becoming one of the most dominant players in soccer history.

Mbappe and Haaland have followed similarly remarkable paths, becoming prolific goalscorers and central figures for their respective clubs while still relatively young. Their achievements suggest they have the talent to define the next era, but it raises a different question: how long can they maintain their current standards?

The modern soccer calendar places enormous demands on elite players through domestic leagues, continental competitions, international fixtures, and expanded tournaments. Reaching the top early can mean facing years of physical and mental pressure before many previous generations had even reached their peak.

Lewandowski questions the longevity of soccer’s next generation

Lewandowski shared his perspective in an interview with The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio, reflecting on the differences between his generation and the teenagers already competing at the highest level. The Polish striker believes modern players reach elite status much earlier, creating challenges that may become more apparent as their careers progress. “For the future it will be impossible to stay on the top for the long term, as we did or we are doing,” Lewandowski said.

He explained that young players now have access to opportunities and rewards much earlier than previous generations, leaving them with less time to develop gradually. “Our generation, to get something, we needed more time, we need to be more patient,” he added. “Now it’s too fast for the young player… they’re starting much earlier.”

The stark prediction behind Lewandowski’s warning

The Chicago Fire forward believes the rapid rise of young talents could eventually affect their motivation to remain at the summit of the sport. His prediction is that players who achieve success too easily and too early may eventually lose the hunger required to stay at the top.

“Even though they are amazing players, they reach faster the highest level than our generation did, but probably because of this also it will be more tough for them staying on the top level,” the 38-year-old striker explained.

He also stressed that the challenge extends beyond mentality, pointing to the physical demands of a long career at the highest level. “It’s not easy to play on the top level so many years,” he said, suggesting that the combination of early success and accumulated fatigue could make sustained excellence increasingly difficult.

Match Overview

Gil Vicente vs Porto record

2026-27 Primeira Liga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Primeira Liga games

Summary

• Gil Vicente will face Porto on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026-27 Primeira Liga.
• Fubo, beIN SPORTS en Español will carry the Gil Vicente vs Porto game in the United States.
• Porto lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be without midfielder Samu Costa for the league clash against Al Kholood, as the Portuguese player has been suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

Costa picked up his fourth booking of the season in the win over Al Faisaly, which triggers an automatic one-match ban. His previous yellow cards came in the league games against Al Ittihad, Al Khaleej and Neom.

The midfielder has been a regular presence in the team this season, making nine league appearances, eight of them as a starter, and scoring three goals. He was left out of the squad for the trip to Al Riyadh in August for squad management reasons.

Who could replace Costa in Al Nassr’s midfield?

Costa has formed a midfield partnership with Abdullah Al-Khaibari in recent matches, so Ange Postecoglou will have to find a new partner for the Al Kholood clash. One option is Angelo, who started alongside the pair in the 1-0 win over Neom and came off the bench against Al Faisaly.

The Brazilian would give the team a more attacking profile, as he usually operates from midfield toward the opposing goal. Playing him in Costa’s place would add more creativity and forward movement, though it could come at the cost of some of the balance Costa provides.

If Postecoglou prefers to keep a similar profile to Costa’s, he could instead turn to Sami Al-Najei and Hayder Abdulkareem, two midfielders who were among the substitutes against Al Faisaly. Costa will remain available for Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al-Wasl on Oct. 26, as his ban only covers the next league fixture.

Al-Nassr defeated Al-Faisaly 3-1 away from home on October 23, 2026, with Ronaldo scoring shortly after the interval. The Portuguese forward met a free-kick from compatriot Joao Felix with a powerful header in the 49th minute, extending his side’s lead after Abdullah Al-Hamdan had opened the scoring in the fourth minute.

However, the goal quickly became a talking point because the ball appeared to touch Al-Faisaly defender Girotto before crossing the line. Some social media users and soccer rating applications initially credited the strike as an own goal, leaving uncertainty over whether Ronaldo would receive the official recognition.

The incident attracted further attention as Ange Postecoglou‘s players questioned the decision during the review process. The referee ultimately awarded the goal to Ronaldo, although the possibility of a deflection continued to fuel debate among supporters.

Saudi Pro League makes official verdict on Ronaldo’s goal

The controversy was resolved later on Friday, with reports indicating that the Saudi Pro League accepted the referee’s official report. Ronaldo was officially credited with the goal, taking his career tally to 982, despite the initial confusion surrounding the defender’s involvement.

According to Saudi Pro League’s official stats, the league accepted the referee’s assessment and updated the 41-year-old’s total accordingly. The decision settled the immediate dispute, while some rating applications had initially listed the incident differently.

The distinction matters because supporters worldwide are closely tracking Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals. With the latest strike confirmed in his name, he remains 18 goals away from reaching the historic milestone.

Timely event after Portugal suspension

The goal also marked Ronaldo’s return to scoring after the Portuguese Soccer Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine, equivalent to approximately $286. The disciplinary action followed an incident involving Portugal’s national team earlier in October amid reported tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus.

Despite the off-field controversy, Ronaldo returned to club action and delivered an important contribution for Al-Nassr. The header was his sixth league goal of the campaign according to some reports, although other accounts described it as his fifth, highlighting a discrepancy in the supplied statistics.

At 41, the forward continues to chase milestones while helping his club compete for domestic honors. His latest goal demonstrated that attention surrounding his career extends beyond his performances, with even a possible deflection becoming a major talking point.

Al-Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly, strengthening its position in the Saudi Pro League title race. Abdullah Al-Hamdan opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Ronaldo doubled the advantage with a header in the 49th minute from a João Félix free kick.

The Portuguese captain briefly appeared to have scored again shortly afterwards, but VAR ruled out his second effort for offside. Theo Bongonda pulled one back for Al-Faisaly in the 66th minute, raising hopes of a comeback before substitute Angelo Gabriel sealed the victory with a finish in the 79th.

Ronaldo’s header took his career tally to 982 goals in 1,341 appearances, leaving him 18 short of the unprecedented 1,000-goal feat. The forward had remained on 981 since scoring against Neftchi Fargona on October 12, making his latest strike a significant step towards the landmark.

How many different clubs have Ronaldo and Messi scored against?

Ronaldo’s latest achievement also adds to his record of scoring against 163 different clubs across 49 countries, according to official stats. Al-Faisaly joined that list after the Portuguese star found the net in the Saudi Pro League encounter.

Messi’s total is lower, although the Argentine has also built an extraordinary record across his career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. Messi has scored against at least 117 different clubs, as per El Grafico, leaving Ronaldo with a sizeable advantage in the overall number of distinct opponents he has scored against.

Figures can vary depending on the source, the competitions included and how clubs are counted, so the totals should be treated with that context in mind. Messi reached the 100-club milestone with Miami in August 2023, when he scored against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup, and has continued adding opponents since moving to Major League Soccer.

Messi holds his own in Champions League comparison

Although Ronaldo leads in the overall number of different clubs scored against, Messi has been particularly prolific against a wide range of opponents in the UEFA Champions League. The supplied statistics credit Messi with scoring against 40 different teams in the competition, compared with Ronaldo’s 38.

The contrast reflects their different career paths. The Portuguese has played across several domestic leagues, including Portugal, England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, giving him opportunities to face a wider variety of club opponents.

Messi, meanwhile, spent most of his European career at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and then Inter Miami. His sustained success in Spain and Europe nevertheless helped him build an exceptional record against elite opposition.

Match Overview

Chelsea vs Tottenham record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Chelsea will face Tottenham on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, Telemundo will carry the Chelsea vs Tottenham game in the United States.
• Chelsea lead the head-to-head with 7 wins in 10 meetings.

Ronaldo headed home a Joao Felix free-kick delivery to make it 2-0, his first goal in two matches after failing to score against Neom in his team’s last fixture, when he also missed a penalty. Ronaldo could have added to his total, as a second goal minutes after his header was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Although he has now reached five league goals in nine appearances, the 41-year-old remains well adrift of Golden Boot leader Ivan Toney of Al Ahli, who has 11 in eight matches.

Still, the gap is far from insurmountable for a striker with Ronaldo’s pedigree, and a couple of productive outings could quickly bring him back into the conversation at the top of the scoring chart.

The finish took his career tally to 982 goals, leaving him 18 shy of the 1,000 mark, while the win lifts Al Nassr to 25 points. They are now level with league leaders Al Qadsiah, who face third-placed Al Hilal later today in a result that could reshape the title race.

Saudi Pro League top 10 scorers

Ronaldo is one of eight players on five goals, with Toney, Youssef En-Nesyri and Mateo Retegui the only players above that mark. This is how the scoring chart looks after Ronaldo’s goal against Al Faisaly:

With more than two-thirds of the season still ahead, the Golden Boot race is far from decided. Ronaldo and Al Nassr will look to build on this win, as the 41-year-old tries to keep climbing the scoring chart while the team stays in the title hunt.

The goal came from a free kick, which Joao Felix delivered into the box for Ronaldo to head home and extend Al Nassr’s lead to 2-0. It ended a wait for the 41-year-old, who had been stuck on 981 goals since Oct. 12, when he scored in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Neftchi Fargona in the AFC Champions League.

Minutes after scoring, the Portuguese forward found the net again to complete a brace, but the goal was reviewed by VAR and ultimately ruled out for offside. Ronaldo now needs 18 more goals to reach 1,000, a milestone that would be unprecedented in the modern game.

Al Nassr stay firmly in the Saudi Pro League title race

With this partial victory, Al Nassr would climb to 25 points if the result holds, level with league leaders Al Qadsiah and one point ahead of third-placed Al Hilal. The leaders would remain first for now on goal difference (+15 to +14), while Al Nassr’s record would stand at eight wins, one draw and one loss.

The next result that could reshape the table is a direct clash at the top, as Al Hilal face Al Qadsiah in Matchday 11 today. The challengers have played nine games, one fewer than the two clubs above them, and currently sit on 24 points with the best goal difference in the league (+20).

Al Nassr would be best served by a result that stops Al Hilal from winning. A draw would keep the title race extremely tight, with Al Qadsiah just one point clear and the other two level on 25, while a victory for the leaders would at least keep the team with the game in hand from taking control at the top.

A win for the visitors would be the worst outcome, as it would put them two points clear after entering this round with a match in hand, complicating matters even further for the chasing pack.

Match Overview

Arsenal vs Everton record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Arsenal will face Everton on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, USA Network will carry the Arsenal vs Everton game in the United States.
• Arsenal lead the head-to-head with 7 wins in 10 meetings.

Al-Faisaly confirmed lineup

Al Nassr confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Aston Villa vs Manchester City record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Aston Villa will face Manchester City on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, USA Network will carry the Aston Villa vs Manchester City game in the United States.
• Manchester City lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

The stadium is the Estadio Unico Diego Armando Maradona in La Plata. Alak toured the pitch with the stadium’s director, Fernando Islas Casares, in a video released by the city and showed the progress of the work: new seats, boxes being rebuilt and a recently installed pitch. “This stadium is going to host the 2030 World Cup,” said Islas Casares, who put the progress of the renovation at about 25%.

The venue has a capacity of about 53,000 spectators, far fewer than the more than 84,000 of River Plate’s Monumental, which was the main candidate in the proposal evaluated by FIFA in 2024.

Even so, the Monumental is expected to stop hosting the national team from 2027, and the tense relationship between AFA president Claudio Tapia and River could play a role in the final decision.

The decision, however, is not made yet. Rosario Central also entered the race with a proposal for the Gigante de Arroyito, and the final call belongs to FIFA. Alak’s announcement, therefore, is a sign of how determined La Plata is to host the match rather than a confirmation, and the stadium still has a long way to go before it is finished.

How the 2030 World Cup will work

The 2030 World Cup will be played in six countries on three continents. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host most of the tournament, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each stage a match to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, played in Uruguay in 1930.

The tournament will begin in South America, with the opening match at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where the 1930 final was played. Argentina and Paraguay will then each host one match before the competition moves to Europe and Africa for the rest of the tournament. That means only one match will be played in Argentina, and the country’s participation in the World Cup, in terms of venues, ends there.

The talks began as soon as Scaloni arrived in Argentina for the September and October FIFA window, and the agreement was reportedly reached on Wednesday between all parties.

The deal has not been signed or made official yet, and an announcement could come in the coming days or during the November international window. The AFA’s goal is for Scaloni to lead the team until the end of 2030, which would allow him to coach his third World Cup, after Qatar 2022 and North America 2026.

His desire to stay was clear after Lionel Messi’s farewell match against Benin. “If all goes well, I’ll continue as coach,” Scaloni said at the time. Since he took charge as interim coach in September 2018, he has led Argentina in 105 matches, winning 81, drawing 14 and losing just 10. He has also won four titles: the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The new contract will give Scaloni the task of rebuilding the squad after Messi’s retirement. Once he finds a starting lineup and a base for the future, his next big target will be the 2028 Copa America, followed by another run at the World Cup in 2030.

Argentina’s next matches

Argentina will begin the post-Messi era with two friendlies in the November FIFA window. The team will face Uruguay on Nov. 13 in Buenos Aires and Costa Rica on Nov. 17 in Cordoba, matches that will be Scaloni’s first chance to test new options without the captain.

Ahead of the 2030 World Cup, Argentina are already qualified as hosts, along with Paraguay and Uruguay, who will stage matches in the tournament that celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Even so, they will take part in the South American qualifiers as a wild card, which will give Scaloni more competitive matches as he rebuilds the squad. With the contract situation close to being settled, the coach will have time to build a new generation around the world champions.

Como produced one of the most eye-catching results of the Champions League campaign by defeating Manchester United 4-1 on Wednesday, with Paz at the center of the action. The 22-year-old scored twice and provided an assist, demonstrating his ability to influence a match through finishing, creativity and intelligent movement.

The rising star opened the scoring in the second minute, collecting the ball inside the penalty area before shifting onto his left foot and curling a shot beyond Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. His early strike gave Como immediate momentum and set the tone for an evening in which the Italian club repeatedly exposed the visitors’ defensive weaknesses.

The Argentine continued to dictate proceedings after the break, delivering a perfectly weighted pass for Anastasios Douvikas to make it 2-0 in the 49th minute. Eight minutes later, Paz intercepted an opponent’s pass, drove towards the penalty area and finished confidently to extend Como’s advantage.

Jacobo Ramon added a fourth goal for Cesc Fabregas’s side before Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for the Red Devils. By the time Paz left the pitch, he had delivered a performance that firmly established him as one of the night’s standout players.

The record that brings Lionel Messi back into the picture

Paz’s two goals and assist placed him alongside an extraordinary historical benchmark previously reached by Messi. According to Opta, Paz became the youngest Argentine player to record three goal contributions in a single Champions League match since Messi achieved the feat against Bayern Munich in April 2009.

Paz was 22 years and 43 days old when he registered his three contributions against Manchester United. Messi was 21 when he recorded two goals and an assist during Barcelona‘s memorable 4-0 victory over Bayern, making the comparison particularly striking given the Argentine superstar’s subsequent achievements.

The performance also added another distinction to the forward’s growing collection of milestones. He became the youngest player to score a Champions League brace against Manchester United, while his combination of goalscoring and playmaking highlighted the breadth of his attacking abilities.

Why Paz is drawing comparisons with Messi

The similarities between the two Argentines extend beyond their nationality and left-footed finishing. Like Messi, Paz enjoys operating in creative spaces, drifting towards the right side before cutting inside to shoot, carry the ball or find a teammate with a precise pass.

However, Paz has developed a playing style of his own. His taller frame and more upright running posture distinguish him from Messi, whose low center of gravity and explosive changes of direction have long made him one of soccer’s most difficult players to defend against.

Paz’s influence also comes from his willingness to contribute defensively. His interception before scoring his second goal against Manchester United illustrated how his pressing and anticipation can turn defensive work into immediate attacking opportunities.

Al-Nassr is preparing to face Al-Faisaly in the 11th round of the Saudi Pro League, with the match scheduled to take place at Al-Majmaah Sports City Stadium. The fixture presents another challenge for Ronaldo and his teammates as the club attempts to maintain its momentum during a demanding stretch of the season.

The latest reports indicate that Coman is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Simakan is dealing with a foot joint problem. Both players reportedly sustained their injuries during Al-Nassr’s recent AFC Champions League Elite campaign, with the club monitoring their progress closely.

Coman’s absence is particularly notable because the French winger offers pace and attacking threat in wide areas, giving Ronaldo and the rest of the forward line another option when fully fit. Simakan, meanwhile, provides defensive depth and versatility, making his availability important as Ange Postecoglou’s players navigate multiple competitions.

The club will be keen to avoid losing either player for a longer period by bringing them back before they are ready. A cautious approach could prove beneficial if both can return to training without setbacks.

Will Coman and Simakan be fit for Al-Faisaly clash?

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the medical staff has recommended that Coman and Simakan remain unavailable for the encounter. The club is prioritizing their recovery rather than risking a premature return that could aggravate their existing injuries. The decision comes after both players missed recent action, including the club’s league fixture against NEOM.

Their absence has added to the club’s concerns as it balances domestic commitments with its ambitions in the AFC Champions League Elite. Al-Nassr had also been preparing for a meeting with Al-Ahli before that fixture was postponed. The congested schedule means the medical team must carefully assess the condition of both French players before deciding when they can safely return.

The medical staff has opted to continue their treatment and rehabilitation plans instead of including them against Al-Faisaly. Neither player is expected to feature in the upcoming Saudi Pro League match, according to Arriyadiyah.

Al-Wasl match could determine their next steps

Attention will quickly turn to Al-Nassr’s upcoming AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates. The report adds that the medical team plans to reassess the French duo in the coming days to determine whether either player can progress towards a return.

The Saudi giant’s continental match is scheduled for next week at Al-Awwal Park, giving the pair a potential target as they work through their rehabilitation. However, their availability will depend on their recovery and the results of further medical assessments, rather than the importance of the fixture alone.

Journalist Khalid Al-Rashid has also reported that a decision on Coman’s availability for the Al-Wasl match is expected on Sunday. That assessment could provide a clearer indication of whether the winger is close to returning to action.

The conflict erupted during the September international break, when Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway. The decision reportedly angered the forward, who believed Jesus had broken an agreement concerning his playing time.

Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, triggering disciplinary proceedings. He later apologized to his teammates and supporters, acknowledged responsibility for his actions and stated that he would accept the consequences imposed by the federation.

The disagreement became particularly sensitive because Jesus had previously coached the veteran superstar at Al-Nassr. Their professional relationship had appeared successful, making the breakdown in communication an unexpected complication for the Selecao.

Jesus has maintained that team selection is a managerial responsibility and that the circumstances of individual matches determine his decisions. He has also indicated that Ronaldo remains welcome to return, although the latest reports suggest that reassurances alone have not been enough to resolve their differences.

Ronaldo receives suspension and fine

On October 19, the FPF disciplinary authorities imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine, approximately $286, following Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp. The suspension was backdated to September 30, meaning much of the punishment had already been served when the decision was announced.

According to reports, mitigating factors included Ronaldo’s formal admission of the facts, his previous disciplinary record and his contribution to the national team. The sanction therefore did not automatically rule him out of Portugal’s November fixtures.

The 41-year-old remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances. His continued availability could be valuable, but selection ultimately rests with Jesus, and the unresolved dispute adds another complication to the coach’s preparations.

What does Ronaldo’s Portugal future hold?

The latest development follows reports from Saudi outlet Al-Wiam Sports that Jesus has informed Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca that he would accept Ronaldo’s return, provided the forward meets certain conditions. According to the report, Ronaldo has so far rejected those conditions, while Proenca continues trying to arrange a formal meeting between the two sides.

The details of the reported conditions have not been publicly confirmed, leaving uncertainty over what Jesus expects from the veteran forward. The disagreement suggests that, despite the federation’s efforts to repair the relationship, the dispute remains unresolved.

Proenca has continued to support a reconciliation, describing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as an important figure in Portuguese soccer. However, a successful return will likely depend on whether the player and coach can reach an understanding before Portugal’s next international commitments.

The upcoming matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17 could become important milestones in determining Ronaldo’s immediate international future. Although the suspension is largely behind him, his return remains dependent on a reconciliation with Jesus and a decision to include him in the squad.

According to Forbes, Ronaldo remains the highest-paid player in the world in 2026, continuing his remarkable run at the top of the rankings. His estimated annual earnings put him comfortably ahead of Messi, Kylian Mbappe and the next generation of soccer’s biggest commercial names.

The Portuguese international reportedly earns approximately $300 million annually, including income from his Al-Nassr contract, sponsorship agreements and business ventures. These figures account for estimated earnings before taxes and agents’ fees, rather than the amount he ultimately takes home.

Messi occupies second place on the list with approximately $145 million in annual earnings, while Mbappe follows with around $100 million. Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior complete the top five, earning an estimated $85 million and $76 million, respectively.

The rankings underline the Portuguese’s extraordinary earning power even as he approaches the latter stages of his playing career. His commercial portfolio, global following and long-standing partnerships continue to generate substantial revenue alongside his Saudi Pro League salary.

Cristiano Ronaldo reaches historic financial milestone

Ronaldo’s latest earnings have also brought him into unprecedented territory financially. Forbes has also revealed that the Al-Nassr star has become the first player to surpass $2 billion in career earnings, a milestone that places him among the most financially successful athletes in sporting history.

His estimated annual income of $300 million includes approximately $250 million from his Al-Nassr deal and another $50 million from endorsements and business interests. The figures demonstrate the enormous financial value of his move to Saudi Arabia, which has helped maintain his position at the summit of soccer’s earnings rankings.

The 41-year-old’s commercial success stretches well beyond his playing contract, with partnerships involving international brands such as Nike, LEGO, Panini and Whoop. His CR7 brand and wider business investments have also helped turn his name into a global commercial enterprise.

The milestone reflects career earnings rather than a verified calculation of his current personal net worth. Although the two figures are often confused, career earnings represent the money accumulated before deductions, while net worth accounts for assets and liabilities.

How close is Lionel Messi to Ronaldo financially?

Messi remains Ronaldo’s closest rival in the annual earnings rankings, but the Portuguese forward currently holds a considerable advantage. The Inter Miami captain’s estimated $145 million in annual earnings is less than half of Ronaldo’s $300 million, reflecting the difference between their current club contracts and commercial income.

The Argentine continues to benefit from his MLS contract, which was extended in October 2025 and is expected to keep him at Inter Miami through the end of 2028. His sponsorship portfolio also contributes significantly to his financial standing, ensuring that he remains one of the most commercially valuable figures in world soccer.

However, the 39-year-old forward’s estimated personal net worth has been projected to approach the $2 billion mark, although such forecasts should be treated cautiously because independently verified figures for either player’s total wealth are not publicly available. Ronaldo’s reported career-earnings milestone therefore does not automatically mean that the difference between their personal net worth is identical to the gap in their annual incomes.

Courtois spoke to the media in the mixed zone at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he was asked about Vinicius’ dip in form. “I think he’s searching for his best form, and I’m confident he’ll find it with the support of the team and the fans,” he said. “In my opinion, he played a good match. I saw him create chances and pose a threat, but sometimes things don’t go as planned”.

The goalkeeper then used Ronaldo and Messi as an example. “As for players who consistently perform at their best season after season, I only know two: Cristiano and Messi,” Courtois said. “I’ve seen them at their peak year after year, yet even these two, among the greatest in history, have faced criticism at certain points”.

Courtois also stressed that Vinicius has carried a heavy workload, saying the Brazilian has been playing almost every match for nine years. “That’s why we have to help him find that best version,” he said, adding that Vinicius is the first person who wants to be happy and perform at his best.

A difficult season start for Vinicius

Vinicius has only one goal this season, and it came in the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in LaLiga, a match in which he also added an assist. Since then, he has gone nine games without scoring: six in LaLiga and three in the Champions League.

The Brazilian has contributed three assists in LaLiga, against Real Sociedad, Malaga and Rayo, but he has not recorded a goal or an assist in any of his three Champions League appearances.

His season took another turn when he was sent off against Villarreal for pulling an opponent’s hair, just 20 minutes after coming on as a substitute. The moment of indiscipline led to a four-match ban that has already cost him the game against Sevilla.

The suspension will also keep him out of El Clasico against Barcelona on Oct. 25, as well as the matches against Racing Santander and Valencia. It has made Vinicius a target of criticism, and his return to LaLiga will not come until the match against Celta on Nov. 21.

Kane scored from the penalty spot as Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Wednesday evening, extending his goalscoring streak in Europe’s premier club competition. The 33-year-old also provided an assist for Alphonso Davies, underlining his importance to the Bavarians’ attacking play even though the German side could not secure victory.

The penalty was particularly significant because it extended Kane‘s scoring run to 10 consecutive Champions League matches, moving him beyond two of the competition’s most prolific forwards. Robert Lewandowski and Ruud van Nistelrooy had each scored in nine successive appearances, while Lewandowski achieved that mark twice during his Bayern career.

The Englishman’s latest performance further demonstrated his consistency since joining the German giant from Tottenham in 2023. His ability to combine clinical finishing with intelligent link-up play has made him one of the German club’s most influential players.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record is now within reach

The milestone Kane is pursuing belongs to Ronaldo, who scored in 11 consecutive Champions League matches between the 2017 final and the 2017-18 season with Real Madrid. His extraordinary run began with two goals in Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Juventus in the 2017 final and continued throughout the following European campaign.

Ronaldo found the net in all six group-stage matches before scoring in both legs of Madrid’s round-of-16 and quarter-final ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. He scored 17 goals across those 11 consecutive matches, establishing a benchmark that has remained unmatched.

Kane now needs to score in one more Champions League match to equal Ronaldo’s record. Bayern’s next European fixture offers him the opportunity to draw level with the Portuguese superstar, setting up an intriguing individual contest alongside the club’s wider ambitions.

When and where could be the setting for history?

Bayern Munich are scheduled to face Atletico Madrid on November 3, giving the 33-year-old star his next opportunity to extend his streak to 11 consecutive Champions League games. Scoring against the Spanish side would place him alongside Ronaldo at the top of the competition’s consecutive-match goalscoring standings.

Kane has already demonstrated that he can deliver against elite opposition, and his performance against Arsenal offered another reminder of his influence in high-pressure matches. However, Atletico’s defensive approach could make the challenge difficult, meaning the England captain will need to maintain his precision in front of goal.

If he scores against Atletico, he would equal Ronaldo’s record, with a subsequent goal in another Champions League appearance on November 25 against Lille, potentially allowing him to stand alone at the top. For now, the immediate objective is clear: extend the streak by one more match.

Milan travels to the south coast of England after a convincing 4-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg and a hard-fought 3-2 win against Atalanta in Serie A. However, with several players unavailable and another demanding stretch of fixtures approaching, Amorim has opted for a different attacking combination against a Bournemouth side that has won both of its opening Europa League matches.

Bournemouth enters the contest with six points from its first two Europa League fixtures, having beaten Real Sociedad 2-1 away before defeating Sturm Graz 3-0 at home. The English club has made an impressive start to its first European campaign and will see Milan’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen its position in the competition.

The Rossoneri, meanwhile, recovered from a 2-0 opening defeat against Benfica with their emphatic victory in Salzburg. Another positive result would help Amorim’s side maintain its progress, although the visitors must contend with an opponent that has shown considerable attacking confidence.

The reason why Pulisic is not starting against Bournemouth

Pulisic has been left out of Milan’s starting lineup as Amorim rotates his squad and gives other attacking players an opportunity. According to the official lineups, the coach has switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing Alphadjo Cisse in a central attacking role, with Omari Hutchinson, Diego Moreira, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek providing support up front.

The decision comes as Milan manages a busy schedule, with several matches approaching in October, including the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Amorim has already demonstrated his willingness to make wholesale changes, rotating seven players before the Salzburg victory and making another seven alterations for the subsequent Serie A match against Atalanta.

Pulisic is therefore among the players expected to begin on the bench rather than lead the team’s attack from the opening whistle. His absence from the starting XI is understood to be a selection and rotation decision, rather than confirmation of a fresh injury.

Alphadjo Cisse gets the starting opportunity

The biggest attacking decision concerns Cisse, who will lead the line despite Francesco Camarda being another option following Goncalo Ramos’ injury. The young Italian impressed against Salzburg, scoring a hat-trick in Milan’s 4-0 victory and strengthening his case for another prominent role.

According to previous reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Amorim had already decided to trust Cisse as the central striker against Bournemouth. The forward’s finishing and ability to operate inside the penalty area appear to have convinced the coach that he can offer a different dimension to Milan’s attack.

With Pulisic expected to start among the substitutes, Milan will look to Hutchinson, Moreira and Cisse to provide the attacking energy needed against Bournemouth. The coach will hope that the changes preserve freshness without disrupting the momentum his team has developed over the past week.

Bournemouth confirmed lineup

AC Milan confirmed lineup

“Barcelona means a lot to me. I feel special love for the city, the club. It will always be like this,” Messi said. He admitted that it is hard to sum up in a few words what the club means to him, because it is a part of his life, adding that he lived “many good things” in Barcelona, both at the club and in the city.

Messi then looked back on the success he enjoyed in Catalonia. “We were lucky to win everything, also in the way we did it, in how we enjoyed playing, winning, achieving important things, but above all in how we enjoyed the day-to-day, the training sessions. We had a great time,” he said. He also called it a privilege to share a dressing room with Xavi, Iniesta and Puyol, “and many more”.

Messi will receive the award on Oct. 23 at the Teatro Campoamor in a ceremony presided over by the Spanish royals, and he described it as an honor to join a list of winners that includes Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Michael Schumacher, among other sports icons.

Will Messi play against Red Bull New York?

The trip raised some doubts about Messi’s availability for Inter Miami’s next match. The ceremony in Oviedo takes place on Oct. 23, and Inter Miami visit Red Bull New York in Harrison, New Jersey, on Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. ET, less than a day later. Sin embargo, Messi is expected to fly to New York on the night of the ceremony and rejoin the team immediately.

Inter Miami coach Kily Gonzalez had already addressed the situation and made it clear that the trip will not keep Messi from playing. “He’s going to be there, and I’m going to have him in the game too,” the coach said. He added that everyone at the club is “totally in agreement” with Messi going, “because it’s a tremendously important award, not only for him but for his family”.

The match carries less weight than it might have, because Inter Miami already secured a place in the MLS playoffs. With the postseason spot confirmed, the team can afford to be careful with Messi after his long trip, and the focus in the coming weeks will be on keeping its captain fresh for the playoffs.

According to the official Ballon d’Or website, Ronaldo’s 2008 season leads with 75% of the votes, a huge margin over the rest of the field. Messi’s 2012 season sits second with 9%, while Ronaldo’s 2017 award is third with 6%. The vote is a fan initiative to celebrate the passion of supporters, not an official trophy, and the percentages could still change while the poll remains open.

Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign is the one fans have chosen as the standout. He was named the world’s best player after winning the Premier League and the Champions League with Manchester United, claiming the European Golden Shoe and scoring 42 goals in all competitions.

With the 2008 recognition, Cristiano became the third Portuguese player to win the award, after Eusebio in 1965 and Luis Figo in 2000. Despite his huge lead over Messi, fans can keep voting until Oct. 27, and the final results will be published on Oct. 28 on the official Ballon d’Or website.

How the Ballon d’Or of All Time vote works

Fans are not choosing the best player in history, but the best season that earned a Ballon d’Or, and each vote costs one euro. That means a player’s career is divided into separate options, which hurts those with more awards. Messi appears eight times, for his awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023, so the votes for his career are split among several seasons.

Only players who won the award at least twice are on the ballot: Ronaldo, Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, Marco van Basten, Michel Platini, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff and Alfredo Di Stefano.

The result adds another chapter to the long-running debate between Ronaldo and Messi, two players who shaped an era and combined for 13 Ballon d’Or awards. Whether the gap holds or narrows, the poll shows that for many fans, Ronaldo’s 2008 season is the one that stands above the rest.

Match Overview

Al-Faisaly vs Al Nassr record

2026-27 Saudi Pro League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Saudi Pro League games

Summary

• Al-Faisaly will face Al Nassr on Friday, October 23, for the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League.
• Fubo, Fox Sports 2 will carry the Al-Faisaly vs Al Nassr game in the United States.
• Al Nassr lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Al Nassr confirmed lineup

Neom SC confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Real Madrid vs Sevilla record

2026-27 LaLiga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 LaLiga games

Summary

• Real Madrid will face Sevilla on Sunday, October 18, for the 2026-27 LaLiga.
• Fubo, ABC will carry the Real Madrid vs Sevilla game in the United States.
• Real Madrid lead the head-to-head with 9 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Bournemouth vs AC Milan record

2026-27 UEFA Europa League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Europa League games