Sports

Ronaldo At 38: Why Many Consider Him The GOAT

Published

3 years ago

February 5, 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, celebrated his 38th birthday on February 5, 2023. Over the past two decades, the Portuguese forward has established himself as one of the most successful and influential players in the history of the sport.

Ronaldo’s record-breaking exploits have earned him numerous individual awards, including five Ballon d’Or trophies and four European Golden Shoe awards. Ronaldo also won numerous titles with his club teams, including two English Premier League titles with Manchester United, four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, and two Serie A titles with Juventus.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ronaldo’s game is his goal-scoring ability. He is the all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League, and the Portuguese national team, Mandy News reports.

Ronaldo is also the only player to have scored over 100 goals in the Champions League, and holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the competition.

Ronaldo’s impact on the sport extends beyond his impressive statistics. He has inspired countless young players around the world with his work ethic and dedication to the sport. His incredible athleticism, dribbling skills, and finishing ability have set the standard for modern footballers.

Another key aspect of Ronaldo’s success is his versatility. He is equally effective playing on either wing or as a central striker, and has consistently shown his ability to adapt to new challenges and systems. He has been a key player for some of the greatest club teams in recent history, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

Ronaldo’s longevity is also a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Despite reaching the age of 38, he continues to perform at a high level, scoring goals and helping his team win games. He remains one of the most feared forwards in the world and continues to inspire fans and players alike.

Apart from Lionel Messi, many fans also refer to Ronaldo as the Greatest Of All Time.

Mandy News lists 38 reasons why Ronaldo is ‘best’:

1. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner
2. Four European Golden Shoe awards
3. All-time leading scorer for Real Madrid and the UEFA Champions League
4. Most goals scored in a single season for Real Madrid and the UEFA Champions League
5. Most goals scored in European international competitions
6. Only player to score more than 100 goals in the UEFA Champions League
7. Only player to score in every single Champions League game in a single season
8. Most hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League
9. Only player to score a hat-trick in three different Champions League seasons
10. Most goals scored in the UEFA European Championship
11. Most goals scored in the UEFA Nations League
12. Most goals scored in a single European international tournament
13. Most goals scored for the Portuguese national team
14. Only player to score in three European international tournaments
15. Most goals scored in international club competitions
16. Most goals scored in a calendar year for club and country combined
17. Most goals scored in a calendar year for a top European club
18. Most goals scored in a calendar year for a national team
19. Most goals scored in a single club season in Europe’s top five leagues
20. Most goals scored in a single club season in Spain’s La Liga
21. Most goals scored in a single club season in Italy’s Serie A
22. Most hat-tricks in Spain’s La Liga
23. Most hat-tricks in Italy’s Serie A
24. Most goals scored in a single match in Spain’s La Liga
25. Most goals scored in a single match in Italy’s Serie A
26. Most goals scored in a single match for Real Madrid
27. Most goals scored in a single match for Manchester United
28. Most goals scored in a single match for Juventus
29. Most goals scored in a single match for the Portuguese national team
30. Most goals scored in a single calendar year for Real Madrid
31. Most goals scored in a single calendar year for Manchester United
32. Most goals scored in a single calendar year for Juventus
33. Most goals scored in a single calendar year for the Portuguese national team
34. Most goals scored in the Spanish Super Cup
35. Most goals scored in the Italian Super Cup
36. Most goals scored in the UEFA Super Cup
37. Most goals scored in the Club World Cup
38. Most goals scored in the international club tournaments combined.
PUNCH

Sports

Manchester United Confirm Carrick As Permanent Head Coach

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Manchester United on Friday confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent head coach, ending months of speculation over the managerial position at Old Trafford.

The 44-year-old former midfielder, who had been serving in an interim capacity since January, signed a multi-year contract reportedly running for two years with an option for a further 12 months.

Carrick took charge following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this year and has overseen a strong revival in the club’s fortunes.

Under his leadership, United have won 10 of their last 15 matches in all competitions, secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League and climbed to third place in the Premier League.

The club’s chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly recommended Carrick for the role, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe approving the appointment after talks progressed this week.

Carrick enjoyed a successful playing career at United, making 463 appearances and winning several major honours, including the Champions League and multiple Premier League titles.

Fernandes enters history book after Man Utd’s 1-0 win against Chelsea

After retiring from football, he managed Middlesbrough before returning to United’s coaching staff.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes is among senior players understood to have backed Carrick’s appointment, while assistants including Jonathan Woodgate are expected to remain part of the coaching setup.

The decision marks another managerial change for Manchester United since the retirement of legendary former manager Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Carrick said he was “honoured and excited” to take charge permanently.

“This club means everything to me. We have momentum now, and I can’t wait to build on it with the players and staff,” he said.

United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday as preparations continue for next season.

Sports

CAF Introduces New Laws After Chaotic AFCON Final In Morocco

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Editor

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has revealed that the continental football body introduced new laws and regulations following the controversial conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

The final, played on January 18, descended into chaos after Senegal’s national team walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review in stoppage time with the match still goalless.

Senegal were initially crowned champions before the result was later overturned, with the match declared forfeited in favour of hosts Morocco. The delayed ruling sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning why the decision was not taken immediately during the game.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on Wednesday, Motsepe admitted that shortcomings in officiating and match management contributed to the controversy.

“We’ve done good work in terms of building the confidence and the trust amongst the football community of our referees and of our VAR,” Motsepe said.

“But there are still these challenges and we’ve recognized what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents we had in Morocco.”

According to the CAF president, new regulations have now been implemented to prevent a repeat of such incidents in future continental competitions.

Motsepe stated that the measures introduced “will ensure that doesn’t happen again.”

He further disclosed that visits to both Senegal and Morocco formed part of CAF’s efforts to rebuild trust and confidence following the disputed final.

“We are waiting for the judgement of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and African football is continuing to grow and develop,” he said.

“Whatever decision comes, we will respect and implement.”

Motsepe also defended CAF’s decision to appoint Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate a major continental club final despite the controversy surrounding his handling of the AFCON final.

“After the final in Morocco, the chairman of the referees committee came to the executive committee, and they gave a thorough report of his performance and assessed how he refereed the match in accordance with global best refereeing practices,” Motsepe added.

Sports

FULL LIST: Top 10 Goalkeepers With The Most Clean Sheets In Europe’s Top Five Leagues

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Editor

A new statistical ranking across Europe’s top five leagues has revealed the goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the 2025-26 season, with David Raya leading the standings.

This article covers performances across the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga. Goalkeepers tied on the same number of clean sheets are ranked by goals conceded.

Here are top 10 goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in Europe’s top five leagues

1. David Raya – 18 clean sheets

The Arsenal shot-stopper has played a crucial role in the club’s defensive solidity this season, producing several important saves as he edges closer to the Premier League Golden Glove award.

2. Jean Butez – 18 clean sheets

The Como goalkeeper has matched Raya’s tally and has been central to the Italian side’s impressive defensive organisation under Cesc Fàbregas.

3. Mile Svilar – 16 clean sheets

Roma’s goalkeeper has continued his rise with a string of consistent performances as the club battles for European qualification.

4. Yann Sommer – 15 clean sheets

The experienced Swiss international has delivered key performances for Inter during their successful Serie A title campaign.

5. Joan García – 15 clean sheets

Barcelona’s new first-choice goalkeeper has impressed since taking over from Marc-André ter Stegen between the sticks.

6. Gianluigi Donnarumma – 15 clean sheets

The Italian international has continued to show his quality with several commanding performances throughout the campaign.

7. Mike Maignan – 14 clean sheets

AC Milan’s French goalkeeper remains one of Europe’s most dependable shot-stoppers, maintaining his strong form in Serie A.

8. Michele Di Gregorio – 14 clean sheets

The Juventus goalkeeper has been a reliable figure for the Turin side, helping maintain defensive consistency throughout the season.

9. Gregor Kobel – 14 clean sheets

The Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper leads Bundesliga representation on the list and continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Europe’s elite keepers.

10. Berke Özer – 13 clean sheets

The Lille goalkeeper rounds off the top 10 after an impressive campaign in Ligue 1, contributing significantly to the club’s defensive record.

With the season still ongoing, the race for the highest number of clean sheets remains open, although Raya currently leads the standings.