CELEBRITY
Ronaldo may be heading to Barcelona
Cristiano Ronaldo may move to the former club of Lionel Messi, his eternal as super-agent Jorge Mendes is searching for a new club for him after he submitted a transfer request to Manchester United. According to UK publication, Mirror, Barcelona have emerged as the surprise suitor.
Speculations have it that Ronaldo was at the centre of Mendes’ discussion with Barcelona president.
.
Ronaldo has reportedly submitted a transfer request to Manchester United, in an attempt to force through an exit from Old Trafford. The superstar has grown frustrated with the Red Devils’ stumbling activity in the transfer market, with Erik ten Hag still to make his first signing as manager.
He is also keen to play in the Champions league, with United having missed out on qualifying for that competition for the upcoming campaign. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are thought to be the leading suitors for the 37-year-old, though Barcelona have also now emerged as an option.
Ronaldo’s agent Mendes has been stepping up his efforts to facilitate a deal by holding a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. According to Spanish outlet, AS, Ronaldo is one of four names being discussed by the duo in their meetings.
Ruben Neves, Rafa Leao and Bernardo Silva are the other three players who are involved in the talks. But it is Ronaldo who is at the centre of their conversation, with Mendes and Laporta said to be discussing the possibilities that could lead to Ronaldo moving to the Nou Camp.
It is said that Laporta is keen to bring Ronaldo to Barcelona in an attempt to strike a blow at Bayern, who are refusing to negotiate over the sale of Robert Lewandowski. Ronaldo’s uncertain future is said to have ‘monopolised’ almost the entire meeting.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo crossed one billion followers across his social media accounts, aided by his newly-launched YouTube channel that has attracted more than 60 million subscribers in just over three weeks.
Ronaldo, who scored his 900th career goal last week to help Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League, is the first human being to reach a billion followers on social media, global media reports said.
“We’ve made history, one billion followers! This is more than just a number, it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond,” Ronaldo posted on X.
“You’ve been with me every step of the way, through all the highs and the lows. This journey is our journey… thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player reached the milestone with over 639 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook and 113 million on X.
The 39-year-old topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes this year, with off-field earnings of $60 million, boosted by his large social media following.
Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr will host Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
-Reuters
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel on Wednesday and hundreds of thousands of subscribers signed up within a couple of hours.
The 39-year-old five-times Ballon D’Or winner plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
“The wait is over. My @YouTube channel is finally here! SIUUUbscribe and join me on this new journey,” Ronaldo posted on his social media accounts.
A couple of hours after posting his first video, 1.69M subscribers had joined he channel.
Ronaldo has 112.5 million followers on the X platform, 170 million on Facebook and 636 million on Instagram.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player is preparing for his team’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Raed on Thursday.
-Reuters
Inter Miami will be the last club Argentina captain Lionel Messi plays for, the 36-year-old forward said on Wednesday, adding he feels “a little bit scared” at the thought of the day he decides to retire.
Messi, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, has a contract with the Major League Soccer side until 2025 following his arrival last summer after a spell with French champions Paris St Germain.
“Inter Miami will be my last club. I love playing football. I enjoy everything even more because I am aware that there is less and less left,” Messi told ESPN.
“I’m not ready to leave football. I’ve done this all my life, I love playing football, I enjoy training, the day-to-day, the matches… And yes, there’s always a little bit of fear that it’s all over.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is preparing with his national team to defend their Copa America title, with the tournament kicking off on June 20 in the United States.
Argentina will take on Canada in the opening match before facing Group A rivals Chile on June 25 and Peru four days later.
-Reuters
- AFCON5 days ago
Libya’s AFCON dreams go up in flames!
- AFCON3 days ago
CAF probes Libya over Nigeria match
- AFCON7 days ago
BREAKING! CAF wades into the Libya-Nigeria Airport episode
- AFCON7 days ago
Libya FA explains their inhumane treatment of Super Eagles delegation
- AFCON1 week ago
VIDEO: Hostile Libyan Authorities leave Super Eagles stranded at Airport
- AFCON3 days ago
BREAKING! Libya Football Federation secretary doubts the integrity of CAF
- AFCON1 week ago
NFF condoles with SuperSport and families of slain media men heading for AFCON match
- AFCON5 days ago
Rwanda breaks 12-year jinx in victory over Benin Republic