Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed terms, which will see him become the highest earning footballer in the world, to join Saudi Pro League Side Al Nassr.
The Portuguese forward will earn a reported €200 million a year, in what is the biggest contract ever in the history of football.
Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester United after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. He was an on demand free agent for a while with multiple clubs offering huge financial packages for his signature. Amongst the interested clubs were Al Hilal and Sporting Kansas City.
Al Nassr took to social media to announce the deal and show the first images of Ronaldo holding their shirt.
Ronaldo posing with an Al Nassr shirt alongside club chairman Musaili Al Muammar
The effect of his commercial effect of his signing can already be seen as the club’s instagram following doubled overnight. Some fans even started printing his jersey from the Al Nassr club store.
Club chairman Musaili Al Muammar praised Ronaldo and emphasized on the significance of the deal
“This deal is more than just writing a new historical chapter. This player is a higher example for all athletes and youth in the world, and with his presence in Al-Nassr, we will move forward to achieve more success for the club, Saudi sports, and future generations.”
Ronaldo will be unveiled on Saturday after Al Nassr take on Al Khaleej.
La Liga champions Real Madrid were back in action on Friday night away against Valladolid.
Los Blancos were held for majority of the game by home team but a late brace from Ballon d’or holder Karim Benzema sealed the three points for the champions.
Vinicius Junior celebrating with Karim Benzema after he converted the penalty for Madrid
He converted a penalty in the 83rd minute after a VAR check confirmed the ball was handled in the area after Antonio Rudiger headed it goalwards. Benzema then added the second after a Brilliant run by Eduardo Camavinga. 2-0 was the final scoreline as Real reclaimed top spot from rivals Barcelona.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti had praise for Thibaut Courtois and Benzema after the tight game.
“It was a difficult match against an opponent that grew into the game. We had good control at the start of the first half, but Real Valladolid played well and competed. I don’t think we defended well and I don’t think we were compact, but we managed to secure the three points. It was a great game by Courtois and by Benzema, so we end the year on a high,” he said
Los Blancos will resume La Liga action next Saturday, away at Villareal. They play Cacereno (A) on Tuesday in the Copa Del Rey.
Real Players paying tribute to Pele before the match
There is more La Liga action today with Barcelona welcoming Espanyol for a Catalan derby. Barca will be seeking to reclaim the top spot from Real once again.
La Liga action resumed on Thursday with three matches on the card following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Atletico Madrid welcomed Elche to the Metropolitano Stadium as they celebrated their world cup winners, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina. French World Cup finalist Antoine Griezmann returned to the starting line up alongside other World Cup stars such as Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata.
Atletico World Cup winners (from Left to Right) Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina.
The biggest moment in the first half was Elche’s captain, Gonzalo Verdu being sent off. He was adjudged to have denied Alvaro Morata a clear goal scoring opportunity.
The match really kicked off in the second half as in form star Felix handed Atleti the lead in the 56th minute. The goal came after Atleti’s Mario Hermoso was given his marching orders after a second yellow in the 53rd minute. Alvaro Morata, who scored thrice at the world cup, closed the scoring in the 74th minute, securing the win for the Rojiblancos.
Elche’s Domingos Quina, also saw red in the 90th minute.
The win sends Atleti to 3rd on the table on 27 points.
Atletico next welcome Barcelona to the Metropolitano on January 8th.
Meanwhile, top four challengers Real Betis and Athletic Club played out a 0-0 draw at the Benito Villamarin. Both teams still have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four.
Luiz Felipe sees red at the end of Betis v Bilbao
Finally, Girona drew 2-2 at home against Rayo Vallecano.
Following its resumption, four La Liga matches are lined up today with champions Real Madrid also in action.
Erling Haaland scored two goals in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road. The scoring was opened by Rodri after a brilliant counter attacking move in the first half. Haaland scored his brace in the second- half, both goals being assisted by Jack Grealish. The win helped City cut the points separating them from table toppers Arsenal back to five as they leaped over Newcastle and are back in second on the log.
Rodri celebrates opening the scoring for City.
Leeds got one back through Patrick Struijk but City managed the game well to seal the three points.
Haaland’s two goals mean he becomes the fastest ever to get to 20 league goals in the Premier League. It took him only 14 games to achieve this feat. He now has 26 goals in 20 appearances for the Citizens. In an interview after the game, Haaland spoke of his new found desire from watching others at the World Cup. “I kind of recharged my batteries and to watch other people score and win games in the World Cup kind of triggers me and motivates me and also irritates me,” he said, “I’m more hungry and more ready than ever.”
Meanwhile, Leeds United remained only two points above the relegation zone on 15 points. Jesse Marsch’s side have been blowing hot and cold in the League this season and will need to be steady if they are to avoid relegation. In addition to being steady, they will need some of their injured key players back.
Leeds’ Rodrigo (L) battles for the ball against City’s Akanji (R).
Striker Patrick Bamford is still out and is a doubt for their new years eve match against Newcastle.
In what has been an amazing year for the company, the UFC has produced some of the greatest moments in sports this year thanks to some vicious knockouts, comeback victories and world class fights. With an extremely long list to choose from, here are some of the biggest moments from the UFC this year.
5. Nate Diaz completes UFC contract
Nathan ‘Nate’ Diaz
Nate Diaz has been one of the biggest stars in the UFC for the past decade. Many would argue only Conor McGregor sits ahead of him in terms of star power not only in the UFC but in the MMA world in general. He had his final fight in the organization on the 11th of September at UFC 279. Nate was initially scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev but a late change saw him meet another all time great, Tony Ferguson, in the octagon. Nate finished Tony in the 4th round in his last appearance in the UFC.
His fights, and back and forth with Conor McGregor will forever be part of the UFC’s history.
4. UFC London delivers
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett (L) and ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann (R)
The UFC held events in London, England for the first time since the pandemic hit. They visited the city twice in 2022 and both shows were of high quality. Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann were the biggest stars of both shows, with each finishing their opponents on both cards. UFC London has been described as event of the year due to the great performances and number of finishes on both cards. The UFC returns to the UK in 2023 with a numbered event UFC 286, which is likely to feature welterweight champion, Leon Edwards.
3. Islam Makhachev finally wins gold
Islam Makhachev lands a head kick on Charles Oliveira
A cousin to one of the all time greats, Khabib Nurmagomedov, many foresaw Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title victory when he finally got the title shot. Islam faced Charles Oliveira for the gold in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280. Charles was the man to beat as he had beaten all contenders before Islam stepped up. Islam submitted Charles in the second round, winning the lightweight title and following in his cousin’s footsteps. He will face featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski next in Perth, Australia at UFC 284. The winner of the fight will be crowned the number 1 pound for pound fighter in the world.
2. Alex Pereira finishes Israel Adesanya once again
Alex Pereira lands a vicious left hand on Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya was a very dominant and busy champion in the UFC middleweight division. In 2021, a man who had beaten him twice in his kick boxing days joined the company. Alex Pereira is that man and it did not take long for him to earn the title shot. Despite Izzy dominating proceedings in all four rounds, a late flurry in the fifth round from Pereira earned him a TKO win over the Izzy. His victory was one of the three late fifth round finishes in title fights. The two look set to meet again in the UFC, with this probably being Izzy’s last chance at vanquishing Pereira.
1. Leon Edwards finishes Kamaru Usman and wins the welterweight title
Leon Edwards finally gets the welterweight title around his waist
Many times in the past, Leon Edwards has been branded the unluckiest fighter in the UFC. He had been inactive since 2019 which led to his dropping from the rankings at one point. He then had an unfortunate return in 2021 after an eye poke prematurely ended his fight against Belal Muhammad. Edwards then produced a world class performance against Nate Diaz, earning him the title shot.
When they met earlier in their careers, Kamaru Usman emerged victorious after a brilliant wrestling display. The second time was more tantalizing as both men had made significant improvements in their game. Despite Edwards being the first fighter to take Usman down in the UFC, Usman dominated the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round. In the fifth, everyone thought it was all over for Leon until he landed a vicious head kick in the dying moments of the round, knocking Usman out cold. Edwards managed to win a title he was far from winning a year back. Knocking out Usman is truly a fete that deserves to be number one on all lists!
Marcus Rashford and Casemiro starred as Manchester United produced a dominant display against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, winning 3-0. This is despite United deploying a makeshift defense that included three fullbacks and one central defender.
Raphael Varane returned to action after losing out in the world cup final and had a new central defense partner in Luke Shaw.
United took the lead in the 19th minute with Marcus Rashford converting a well worked corner. It did not take long for the next goal as three minutes later, Rashford was on hand again to assist Anthony Martial for the second goal. United sealed the emphatic win in the second half after Casemiro found Fred and the latter guided the ball past Wayne Hennessey in the Forest goal.
The win took United to 29 points, a point behind 4th place Tottenham, but the Red Devils have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Chelsea welcomed Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge in the first game of the evening. The Blues were in poor form before the World Cup break and this game was a must win for them in front of their home fans.
The urgency by Chelsea players was evident as they showed great forward play in the first quarter of the game, putting the Bournemouth backline on notice. Chelsea took the lead in the 16th minute after Kai Havertz converted a Rahim Sterling cross.
Mason Mount scored a stunning goal that put Chelsea two goals ahead in the first half.
They managed the game well in the second half despite several Bournemouth attacks and it ended 2-0 thanks to their first half goals.
The win lifted Chelsea to 8th on the log with 24 points as they aim to finish in the top four.
Mwambie anipigie ni mimi mama yake! Mwambie sina simu ila nimeona picha zake kwenye simu ya kupalaza ya khamisi. Mwambie amenenepa sana ..mwambie nimeona gari lake ni zuri sana ! Ila mwambie mama yake bado naishi kwenye lile banda pamoja na kuku. Mwambie nimeumwa sana ila nikapona bila hata kutumia dawa. Mwambie Mzee Juma bado ananidai pesa zake nilizokopa ili nimlipie ada, amechukua kile kishamba nilichokuwa nakitegemea kufidia deni lake. Mwambie mimi mama yake nimebaki pekee yangu tangu baba yake afariki sina hata wa kunisogezea kuni motoni. Mwambie leo nimetamani sana nyama, zile mboga zilizoota zenyewe upenuni zimenichosha mpaka mdomo umekuwa mchungu. Mwambie wale vijana walitaka wanipige eti mimi mchawi eeh. Mwambie mama yake nimekuwa mzee sana nahesabu siku tu aje hata nishike mikono yake nimuoneshe mipaka ya nyumba yetu! Salio limeisha mwambie mama anampenda sana! Ila huku kijijini nimebaki pekee yangu wenzangu wote wameenda mjini kusherekea kwa watoto wao.
Dutch World Cup star Cody Gakpo has agreed to join Liverpool in the January transfer window, after months of being linked with Manchester United. Gakpo was Netherlands’ top scorer at the world cup with three goals. Following his performances with PSV at the start of the season and for the Dutch in Qatar, a big move was imminent.
There is speculation that the 23 year old’s decision was influenced by national, and soon to be club, teammate Virgil Van Dijk. The two spoke when Liverpool submitted their bid.
Cody Gakpo is a versatile forward but mostly plays in the Left Wing (LW) position
Manchester United were odds on favourites to sign Gakpo but Liverpool hijacked the deal at the last moment. It is reported that United representatives conceded defeat rather than tabling a counter offer. The signing leaves United still in search for a clinical forward.
The deal is said to cost around $54 million. Both suitors were discussing around that amount but Liverpool had more to offer upfront. The deal is a record for PSV who have never received such an amount for a player before.
Gakpo will link with the likes of Mohammed Salah and Darwin Nunez in the Liverpool frontline. He is also versatile enough to play in an attacking midfield role for the reds.
Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League on 25 points.
All contracts have been signed and Gakpo will travel to England to complete the deal.
The move is subject to a medical and will be completed once the transfer window officially opens in January.
A brilliant Martin Odegaard second half performance inspired Arsenal to come from behind and beat West Ham 3-1 at the Emirates. The win ensured Arsenal extend their lead on their rivals as they moved on to 40 points. Surprisingly, their closest chasers currently are Newcastle United on 33 points.
West Ham took the lead with Said Benrahma converting a penalty after Michail Antonio was fouled in the box. Arsenal came out stronger in the second half and goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, gave the Gunners the lead. Eddie Nketiah sealed the win for Arsenal in the 69th minute.
Liverpool saw off Aston Villa 3-1, with youngster Stefan Bajcetic’s goal sealing the victory for the reds. More good news followed the win as the Reds agreed terms for the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV. Gakpo was a key target for rivals Manchester United.
Tottenham came from 2-0 to draw with Brentford in a match that marked the resumption of the league.
Newcastle United beat Leicester 3-0, with all goals coming in the first half. Miguel Almiron’s goal scoring form continued as he finished off a brilliant run past several Leicester players. Chris Wood had opened the scoring with a penalty and Joelinton closed things out with a free header. The win took the Magpies to second on the table, above Manchester City who play Leeds on Wednesday.
Newcastle United are currently second in the Premier League
Rayan Ait Nouri scored deep into extra time to help Wolves come from behind and beat Everton 2-1. Following Wolves’ win, Southampton who went down 3-1 to Brighton, sit at the bottom of the log. Finally, 10 man Crystal Palace were hammered 3-0 at home by Fulham.
As the Premier League resumes on the 26th of December with mouth watering clashes, how do the standings look?
Arsenal sit top and hold a 5 point lead over Manchester City who are second on 32 points. Newcastle United, who exceeded expectations in the first part of the season, sit in third on 30 points ahead of Tottenham on 29 points. Manchester United on 26 points and Liverpool on 22 close out the top six.
Only 5 points separate Leeds in 15th from Wolves in 20th in a relegation battle that seems totally unpredictable as things stand. Wolves will seek inspiration from new coach Julen Lopetegui as they fight for another season in the English top flight.
With matters still far from being sorted across the table, it will be an exciting return and conclusion to the Premier League.
The official Standings of the Premier League ahead of tomorrow’s resumption.
