Harry Kane has earned “crazy” praise after posting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo-esque numbers, with the Bayern Munich superstar reaching 400 goals at club level. Those are numbers that few players in the modern era can claim to have achieved, with the most prolific of No.9s continuing to prove that he deserves to occupy a standing alongside the greats.

• Kane's goals: Record scorer for Spurs & England

  Kane already enjoys hero status at Tottenham, as their 280-goal all-time leading scorer. He boasts a similar entry in the history books with England – with his record-shattering tally of efforts for the Three Lions standing at 76 and counting.

  Another productive outing was enjoyed on a domestic stage when helping Bayern to a battling 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. He opened the scoring in that contest when flicking a header home from close range. Said effort saw him reach a quadruple century at club level.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Just like Messi & Ronaldo: Kane reaches 400 club goals

  Kane’s stunning haul has been registered across spells with Leyton Orient, Millwall, Leicester, Tottenham and Bayern. He is already a centurion at the Allianz Arena, with the target being found on 104 occasions through 107 appearances. His trophy curse has also been lifted in Germany, with the Bundesliga title being captured last season.

  There is the promise of more to come from Kane, with the man himself admitting as much. His head coach, Vincent Kompany, hopes that proves to be the case. He is among those to have been left in awe by the ability possessed by his talismanic striker – with standards being maintained that only the very best in the business boast.

  Kompany told after seeing Kane reach another notable milestone: “Guys like Messi and Ronaldo have set the bar so high that you now think such performances are normal. But 400 goals – that's crazy, that's insane.”

• Kane targets: 100 goals for England

  There are many more targets for Kane to chase down, including reaching 100 goals for England – with the Three Lions having already booked their tickets to next summer’s World Cup.

  Kane, who remains captain of his country, has told of joining an exclusive club there: “I think it’s there. The way I’m feeling right now, I’m not slowing down any time soon. I want to stay at this level for as long as I can. I’m on 76 now so that leaves 24 and we have a few more games between now and the World Cup and then try [to] edge closer to that 100.

  “I am extremely proud to have broken [Wayne] Rooney’s record and now to be going ahead like I am. It is hard to process while I am still playing. In life it’s always about the next moment and the next camp, the next game. I’m aware that it’s a special achievement. I’ll be hungry for as many goals as possible and we’ll see how far I can go.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Next for Kane: Champions League & Bundesliga challenges

  Former England international Emile Heskey has previously told GOAL of Kane emulating the likes of Ronaldo and Messi by reaching 100 international efforts: “Why not? He’s a goalscorer, that’s what he prides his game on – getting goals. A lot of people say he’s got to do this and this, but when your numbers stack up the way that his do, you kind of look past a lot of it.

  “When you look at the way that he plays, and it’s about looking after your body – if he can have the right diet, the right rest, which is a key thing when you look at the amount of games and the intensity of the games, the key thing is can he get enough rest and get recuperated for the next game. He’ll be fine. I played to 38, it wasn’t at that level as I was in the Championship – which is actually quite relentless with Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday – but he’ll cope fine.”

  Kane and Bayern will be back in action on Wednesday when facing Club Brugge in the Champions League. They have moved five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, with a faultless record being boasted through seven fixtures – with 21 points already on the board.

Micah Richards criticised two Manchester United players for the role they played against Brentford as the Red Devils were put to the sword once again at the Gtech Community Stadium by Brentford.

Brentford heap more misery on Amorim

Fresh from defeating Chelsea last weekend, Man United had the task of handing Ruben Amorim back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League almost nine months on from arriving. With 20 minutes on the clock, however, it was an all too familiar story for the Manchester club, as Igor Thiago struck not once but twice.

The opening goal saw Harry Maguire fall culrpit to a tight offside call, as Thiago took full advantage to sprint in behind and fire home a tremendous finish.

As for the second, the forward had a far simpler task after getting the best out of Matthijs de Ligt and then on the end of Altay Bayindir’s spilled save straight into his path. In 20 minutes, the Brentford star had his brace gift-wrapped.

Benjamin Sesko’s first Man United goal then gave the Red Devils plenty of hope when he slammed home at the third time of asking midway through the first period and a comeback certainly looked on the cards.

Alas, it almost summed up United’s afternoon, their season and arguably Amorim’s tenure when Bruno Fernandes missed his second penalty of the season to deny United their equaliser late in the second-half. The Portugal international, often so reliable, has fallen short of his standards so far this season.

Caoimhin Kelleher’s save put the writing on the wall for the Red Devils, who had their misery compilled by a stunning late strike from substitute Mathias Jensen to make it 3-1.

Richards slams "shambolic" Maguire & De Ligt

Among those critical of Man United following yet another defeat, former Man City defender Richards slammed Maguire and De Ligt as “shambolic” for their actions in Brentford’s two goals.

There will now be questions asked of Amorim’s position once again, but whether defeat at Brentford is INEOS’ final straw remains to be seen. There’s work to be done, that cannot be denied.

Not just Obi: Man Utd have "dangerous" attacker who can be the next Rooney

Man United fans can get excited about this player’s talent.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 26, 2025

Up next for United is the visit of Sunderland next Saturday. Defeat against newly-promoted opposition would be yet another low for Amorim, who simply has to change things if he is to turn his tenure around at Old Trafford.

Tottenham summer signing Xavi Simons made his Champions League debut for the Lilywhites on Tuesday in a 1-0 victory over Villarreal, featuring on the left-hand side yet again as opposed to in the number 10 role.

Xavi Simons' mixed first two games for Tottenham

Simons, after failed summer moves for both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, arrived at Spurs during the final days of the window as fans rejoiced over finally signing a replacement for the injured James Maddison.

Tottenham vs Villarreal – best performers on the night	Match Rating
Micky van de Ven	7.4/10
Djed Spence	7.3/10
Rodrigo Bentancur	7.3/10
Mohammed Kudus	7.2/10
Santiago Mourino	7.1/10
via WhoScored

The Dutchman’s signing may cost a club-record £125 million, once you factor in transfer cost, wages and add-ons spread over his potential seven-year contract (Paul O’Keefe), so the pressure is on for him to deliver.

Simons is already off the mark with his first assist for Tottenham after swinging in a corner for Pape Sarr to head home in their 3-0 London derby win at West Ham last weekend, but he struggled against Villarreal in Europe.

The 22-year-old was unconvincing out wide and was fairly fortunate not to be shown a red card after bringing down Nicolas Pepe on the counter-attack, having already been booked, with members of the media branding Simons “unconvincing”.

That being said, he did display flashes of true quality and cut-in from the left with a few dangerous efforts, but Thomas Frank has been told he must unlock Simons.

Interestingly, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard recently drew attention to attitude concerns surrounding the attacker, after hearing certain rumours in Germany, but so far, there is nothing to suggest Frank will have a problem with this.

Spurs legend Rafael van der Vaart also tipped Simons to be world-class all the way back in 2023, and journalist Suleyman Ozturk has now shared a similar view when speaking on Voetbal’s latest ‘Tour of Europe’ episode.

Xavi Simons insight shared after Tottenham message from Thomas Frank

Commenting on Frank’s recent claim that Simons can play on the left regularly, Ozturk shared what he’s noticed about the forward when he picks up the ball out wide – tipping him to become a “sensation” at Tottenham.

The former PSG starlet, who was also a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, dazzled for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

Xavi Simons for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season	Stats
Appearances	25
Minutes played	2,157
Goals	10
Assists	7
Bookings	5
Shots at goal per 90 minutes	2
Passing accuracy	82.9%
Average match rating	7.32
via WhoScored

One of Frank’s major tasks in his debut Tottenham season is getting the best out of Simons, with the player’s versatility likely meaning we’ll see him utilised in more positions as Spurs’ boss experiments throughout 25/26.

World Cup-winning opener last featured in the format in Bob Willis Trophy in 2020

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2025

Jason Roy hasn’t featured in red-ball cricket since 2020•Getty Images

Jason Roy, England’s World Cup-winning opener, has made a surprise comeback to red-ball cricket, after being named in Surrey’s XI to take on Warwickshire in the County Championship at Edgbaston*.Roy, 34, averages 36.46 in 87 previous red-ball matches in the course of his career, with nine centuries including a best of 143 against Lancashire in 2015. However, he has not played the format since making scores of 4 and 14 in a one-off Bob Willis Trophy appearance for Surrey against Hampshire in the Covid-hit summer of 2020.That, in turn, was Roy’s first and last outing since his short-lived England Test career in the summer of 2019. Fresh from his starring role in that summer’s World Cup victory, Roy was picked to open the batting in five Tests against Ireland and Australia. However, his hard-handed technique was found out by Australia’s seamers in particular, and despite moving into the middle-order for his final appearance at Old Trafford, he was dropped ahead of the series decider after averaging 13.75 in eight innings.His return to the format comes with Surrey looking to fill the gap created by the absence of the club’s ECB-contracted batters, Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith, who are rested for this fixture alongside Gus Atkinson ahead of the impending Test against Zimbabwe later this month.Roy’s availability also reflects his declining stock on the global T20 circuit. Despite being one of the pivotal figures of England’s white-ball revolution from 2015 onwards, Roy was the notable omission from the team’s World Cup defence in India in 2023, and was overlooked for this year’s IPL after withdrawing for personal reasons on three occasions in 2020, 2022 and 2024. With his final 50-over match for England coming in Bangladesh in March 2023, it is now more than two years since he played anything longer than a 20-over innings.Surrey, the three-times County Champions, are currently third in the Division One table – one place behind Warwickshire and ten points adrift of table-topping Nottinghamshire. However, they found their form in the last round with a three-day victory over Somerset at the Kia Oval. Their prospects have been boosted by the arrival of their overseas players Nathan Smith and Kurtis Patterson, while Tom Lawes also returns for the first time this season.May 9, 11am GMT – This story was updated with confirmation of Surrey’s XI

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Bruno Lage deve ter uma novidade à sua disposição para o confronto do Botafogo diante do Flamengo. O centroavante Tiquinho Soares entrou em reta final de recuperação de sua lesão.

RelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo anuncia que abrirá espaço no camarote no Nilton Santos para festas infantisBotafogo31/08/2023BotafogoConmebol divulga áudio do VAR em lance de gol do Botafogo contra o Defensa y JusticiaBotafogo31/08/2023Mercado do EsportePalmeiras na ponta, Botafogo e São Paulo em alta: veja ranking de sócios por clubeMercado do Esporte31/08/2023

Nesta quinta-feira (31), o camisa 9 conseguiu treinar com a equipe sub-20 do Alvinegro e os jogadores que não foram relacionados para a partida contra o Defensa Y Justicia, na Argentina. No decorrer da atividade, o atleta sinalizou que está recuperado do estiramento no ligamento colateral medial do joelho esquerdo.

+ Próximos jogos do Botafogo: veja calendário com datas e adversários

O camisa 9 deve estar no treinamento da sexta-feira (1), data na qual o elenco se reapresenta de olho no clássico diante do Flamengo,  pela 22ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A expectativa é de que Tiquinho fique à disposição de Bruno Lage, podendo ficar no banco de reservas, dependendo do número de minutos que seu estafe entenda que o atacante possa jogar.

Tiquinho Soares não atua desde 6 de agosto, quando sofreu uma lesão durante o empate em 0 a 0 com o Cruzeiro, pelo Brasileirão. A previsão de sua recuperação era de até cinco semanas.

+ Marçal critica postura do Botafogo na partida contra o Defensa Y Justicia

Após um período de recuperação intensiva,com três sessões de fisioterapia por dia, o atacante conseguiu ter condições de retornar ao gramado. Tiquinho Soares tem 13 gols em 17 partidas no Brasileirão e é um dos principais artilheiros do futebol brasileiro em 2023, com 25 feitos marcados em 38 jogos.

O Botafogo é líder do Brasileirão, com 51 pontos, 11 a mais que o Palmeiras.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed a major boost in his bid to face former club Liverpool, with the Real Madrid defender’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing ahead of schedule. The 27-year-old England international has returned to light training and could feature at Anfield on November 4, seven weeks after suffering an injury against Marseille.

Alexander-Arnold could mark return against Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold’s rehabilitation from his hamstring injury is reportedly progressing ahead of schedule, giving Real Madrid a glimmer of hope that he could make a sensational return to action against Liverpool in the Champions League. The England international suffered the injury only five minutes into Madrid’s European group-stage clash against Marseille on September 16, and initial reports suggested he would miss at least eight weeks of action

However, BBC Sport reports that medical staff at Valdebebas are encouraged by his recovery rate, with sources indicating he could rejoin full training within the next ten days. That timeline would put him on course for a potential return just in time for the trip to Anfield — a match that would mark his first appearance at the stadium since leaving Liverpool in June. The fixture itself adds a layer of poignancy to his comeback story, given his deep connection with his hometown club and the legacy he left behind.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlexander-Arnold: Teenager to superstar

Alexander-Arnold’s potential return to fitness carries immense emotional and symbolic weight, not just for Real Madrid but for Liverpool supporters as well. During nearly a decade in Liverpool’s first team, the right-back evolved from a promising academy graduate into one of the defining players of the Jurgen Klopp era. His tactical reinvention of the full-back role — operating as both a playmaker and defender — saw him set new creative standards, while his local roots and leadership made him a beloved figure among supporters.

However, his decision to leave Anfield in the summer of 2025 sparked significant debate. After allowing his contract to expire, Alexander-Arnold signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid, with only a nominal compensation fee exchanged between the clubs to secure his Spain move before the Club World Cup

Many Liverpool fans felt betrayed by his exit, especially given his status as vice-captain. Over his nine full seasons with Liverpool, he made 354 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 86 assists, helping the Reds to two Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, two domestic cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Beyond the silverware, he was central to Klopp’s high-octane system and Arne Slot's debut season Premier League crown.

Getty Images SportSlow start to Real Madrid career for Alexander-Arnold

Since joining Los Blancos, however, Alexander-Arnold’s adaptation to life in Spain has been challenging. With only 156 minutes played across five appearances in all competitions, competition from Dani Carvajal and tactical experimentation under new manager Xabi Alonso limited his involvement early on. His hamstring injury in September further delayed progress, but those close to the club insist his commitment to recovery has been exemplary.

Alonso is said to be impressed by the defender’s discipline and professionalism, describing him privately as “the ultimate modern professional.” For Alexander-Arnold, a successful return at Anfield could mark not only a personal comeback but also the beginning of his establishment as a regular in Madrid’s starting XI.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Real Madrid lacking a fit right-back

Real Madrid’s defensive situation remains a major concern ahead of their trip to Merseyside. With Carvajal sidelined for at least a month due to a calf injury — and suspended for the Liverpool game — the Spanish champions are facing a shortage of natural right-backs. Xabi Alonso has been forced to deploy Federico Valverde in the position temporarily; however, there is cautious optimism that Alexander-Arnold will be ready in time to reclaim his spot. His availability would be a significant boost to Madrid, especially given the tactical importance of width and creativity against a Liverpool side that remains lethal in transition.

For the player himself, the Anfield clash represents far more than just another European fixture. It’s an opportunity for reconciliation with his old fan base, who remain divided about his exit, and a chance to demonstrate that his controversial move was justified.

Being a goalkeeper may be the trickiest position on a football pitch, but in the Premier League, there’s nowhere to hide.

Whether you’re gunning for the title or hoping to stay up by the skin of your teeth, a top shot-stopper can make all the difference come the end of the season.

This year has once again highlighted the best and worst of those between the sticks, with Manchester City’s move for Gianluigi Donnarumma proving to be an eye-catching transfer.

Ranking factors

To help place every No 1 in the correct order from best to worst, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well they have played over the last few months Club – whether their performances meet the required standards of their team Reliability – how trusted they can be to avoid errors Overperformance – whether they can make saves they would not be expected to

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

Man City

Italy

Alisson

33

Liverpool

Brazil

David Raya

30

Arsenal

Spain

Emiliano Martinez

33

Aston Villa

Argentina

Jordan Pickford

31

Everton

England

Matz Sels

33

Nottingham Forest

Belgium

Dean Henderson

28

Crystal Palace

England

Nick Pope

33

Newcastle

England

Robin Roefs

22

Sunderland

Netherlands

Bernd Leno

33

Fulham

Germany

Guglielmo Vicario

29

Tottenham

Italy

Djordje Petrovic

26

Bournemouth

Serbia

Senne Lammens

23

Man Utd

Belgium

Bart Verbruggen

23

Brighton

Netherlands

Caoimhin Kelleher

26

Brentford

Ireland

Robert Sanchez

27

Chelsea

Spain

Lucas Perri

27

Leeds

Brazil

Alphonse Areola

32

West Ham

France

Jose Sa

32

Wolves

Portugal

Martin Dubravka

36

Burnley

Slovakia

12 20-16 Martin Dubravka, Jose Sa, Alphonse Areola, Lucas Perri, Robert Sanchez

Robin Roefs cost Sunderland around £9m following their return to the Premier League, and after replacing Anthony Patterson as first choice at the Stadium of Light, made an excellent start in England.

Should he continue his form, the 22-year-old’s value will only increase, and he could have a big part to play in the Black Cats’ attempts to remain in the top flight.

8 Nick Pope Newcastle

Nick Pope’s season last time out was affected by injury, but he has still proved himself as a solid goalkeeper for Newcastle United.

Now a Wembley winner following Carabao Cup success, the former Burnley shot-stopper has formed part of an impressive Toon outfit that looks primed to secure Champions League football.

While perhaps past his best, Pope remains a goalkeeper who seems at home in the Premier League, though compared to his counterparts, middle of the pack feels about right.

7 Dean Henderson Crystal Palace

Dean Henderson is by no means the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but he has finally found a home at Crystal Palace, where he is now flourishing following his exit from Manchester United.

Henderson has marshalled a relatively tight defence and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield.

6 Matz Sels Nottingham Forest

Matz Sels has been a delight for Nottingham Forest, epitomising his team’s role as the division’s surprise package by becoming one of the Reds’ most important players.

He also received the Golden Glove award alongside Arsenal’s David Raya after keeping 13 clean sheets in 24/25. Simply put, Forest wouldn’t rather have anyone else in goal than the Belgian.

Years

Club

2010-2014

Lierse

2014-2016

Gent

2016-2018

Newcastle

2017-2018

Anderlecht (loan)

2018-2024

Strasbourg

2024-present

Nottingham Forest

5 Jordan Pickford Everton

Jordan Pickford has been Everton and England’s number one for some time now, and he has continued to shine following David Moyes’ return to Merseyside.

His highlights last season included shutouts against Arsenal and Chelsea, while his status as the undisputed Three Lions No 1 has to count for something.

4 Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa

A Yashin Trophy winner, it’s difficult to criticise Emiliano Martinez too much, as for all of his wind-up antics and dodgy dancing, the Argentinian has continued to be a useful blockade in front of the Aston Villa goal.

Now highly experienced following his exploits on the international stage and in the Champions League, Martinez has matured – loosely speaking – into one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

3 David Raya Arsenal

David Raya has arguably been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in recent seasons. The Spaniard totally vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to install him as the Gunners No 1 last season, and has continued to shine in goal at the Emirates Stadium, excelling at the top level.

He comfortably sits in the top three and has been rewarded with a new Arsenal contract in 2025.

In the absence of Rabada, Jansen and Ngidi, the 19-year-old will spearhead South Africa in the first Test in Zimbabwe

Firdose Moonda27-Jun-2025

SA coach Shukri Conrad on Kwena Maphaka: ‘He’s a young buck that shows maturity way beyond his years’•AFP/Getty Images

At 19, left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka will be entrusted with leading South Africa’s pace attack in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in a foreshadowing of things to come.Maphaka made his Test debut against Pakistan at Newlands earlier this year, as the fourth seamer in an attack that included Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder. He bowled 21.2 overs across the two innings, finished with 3 for 90 and was very much the baby of the pack, but with Rabada and Jansen rested for the series, Mulder concentrating on his role as a No.3 batter, and Lungi Ngidi only joining the squad for the second Test, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has identified Maphaka, who bowls at 140-plus kph, as his spearhead.Related

Ahead of Test debut, T20 star Brevis wants to be 'the same guy that plays all formats'

Raza, Curran and Ngarava out of Zimbabwe vs South Africa Tests

Injured Bavuma out of Zimbabwe Tests, Maharaj named captain

“With Lungi not being here for the first Test, Kwena’s going to lead the bowling attack,” Conrad said in the lead up to the first Test. “As a 19-year-old, when you get given that responsibility, it doesn’t only speak volumes for how highly you are rated, but also the calibre and the mentality that he possesses. He’s a young buck that shows maturity way beyond his years.”The two-match series in Zimbabwe is not part of the WTC and is sandwiched between South Africa’s 2023-25 campaign – which they won – and their next one, which starts with tough tours to Pakistan and India. As such, Conrad is using the Zimbabwe Tests to blood younger talent, with five uncapped players in the squad and three (Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis and Codi Yusuf) set to make their debuts on Saturday, and is also exposing newcomers like Maphaka.”We’ve obviously got to be very smart in identifying when we put him out in the shop window and I think this would be a great time for him,” Conrad said. “In Zimbabwe, in Test cricket specifically, he is not the third quick behind KG and Marco necessarily but he is the main dog. That responsibility will grow massively.”Maphaka will have Mulder, debutant Yusuf and Corbin Bosch – who has only one Test cap but also a decade of domestic experience – as fellow quicks in an attack that also includes Keshav Maharaj. And though Conrad has given Maphaka the job of setting the tone, he also issued a caution to those expecting to see only fireworks from the youngster. “It’s all about being patient. Just like you need to be patient with batters, you need to be patient with bowlers as well,” Conrad said. “We’re not going to see the best of Kwena in the next couple of months, but these are all the building blocks so that we can see the best of Kwena in say three or four years’ time.”To date, Maphaka has played four first-class matches including his first Test. He made his first-class debut in June 2023, under Conrad, in a South Africa A tour to Sri Lanka. He has subsequently played two matches for his domestic team, the Lions, with best match returns of 6 for 78 against the Warriors. Maphaka has also played in the SA20 and the IPL and will be part of South Africa’s T20I squad for the tri-series in Zimbabwe that follows the Tests.

Cristiano Ronaldo sent an emotional eight-word message to his Al-Nassr team-mates after they crashed out of the King's Cup with a 2-1 defeat to 10-man Al-Ittihad. The Portuguese icon has urged his colleagues to brush off the disappointment and prepare for future battles, as they still have the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League 2 to fight for.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr beaten by Benzema brilliance

Although Al-Nassr started the game on the front foot, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s old Real Madrid team-mate turned rival, struck first in the 15th minute after latching onto a slick through-ball from Moussa Diaby. However, Ronaldo, unwilling to let the game slip, soon turned provider. He teed up Angelo Gabriel, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner to make it 1–1 on the half-hour mark. The scales were evenly balanced until Houssem Aouar pounced on a defensive lapse to restore Al-Ittihad’s lead, just before the half-time break. Ronaldo & Co. came out of the tunnel like a team on a mission, and they were lent a helping hand when Al-Ittihad were reduced to 10 men after Ahmed Al Julaydan was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Aiman Yahya. 

Nonetheless, what followed was a storm of frustration. Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane both squandered golden chances to equalise. Whereas Ronaldo, desperate for his 951st career strike, saw his looping header skim agonisingly over the crossbar. Al-Nassr fired 22 shots, with five on target, but couldn’t break down an Al-Ittihad defence that refused to buckle. When the final whistle blew, the dream of lifting the King’s Cup had slipped away once again. Yet moments later, the captain gathered his teammates, offering words not of blame, but of belief to motivate a crestfallen side. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "We stand tall, learn, and move forward together."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGlory continues to elude the king of goals

Since his headline-grabbing move to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has delivered moments of brilliance, but major silverware remains painfully elusive. His lone triumph so far came in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. But beyond that, heartbreak has followed as Al-Nassr have stumbled in multiple finals, including domestic cup defeats and early exits from continental tournaments. The club has yet to capture the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, or Super Cup under Ronaldo’s watch. For a player decorated with five Champions League titles, one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid, such near-misses sting deeply.

A rare day off for Ronaldo

Even at 40, Ronaldo’s fire burns brighter than ever. He has been relentless in his pursuit of the 1000-goal mark, a personal milestone that he has set for himself to achieve. However, on Tuesday evening, he couldn't get his act together. He made five attempts to score, but only one of them tested the goalkeeper. His influence in the attacking third was minimal as he was able to create just one scoring opportunity, the assist to Gabriel and even failed to complete one successful dribble or cross. It was a rare off-day for a player who has been in prolific form this season, scoring six goals in six Saudi Pro League matches. He is hungry for more, and earlier this month, at the Portugal Football Globe Awards, Ronaldo made his ambitions clear after receiving the inaugural Prestige Award.

"I want to keep playing for a few years, not many, I have to be honest," he admitted. "I want to thank all my team-mates, for having learned from all of them – and even from this younger generation as well. For me, it's a privilege to be with you. People, especially my family, say, 'It's time for you to stop. You've done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?' But I don't think so. I think I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I'm sure that when it's over, I'll leave feeling fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don't have many more years, but I try to enjoy the few I have to the fullest."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyAl-Nassr still leading the way in the Pro League

Despite the disappointment, Al-Nassr’s season is far from over. Under Jorge Jesus, the team has been dominant in the Saudi Pro League, sitting top of the table with 18 points. They are three clear of second-placed Al-Taawoun and a comfortable eight ahead of defending champions Al-Ittihad, the very side that knocked them out of the cup. Their next challenge comes this Saturday at home against Al Feiha, a chance to bounce back on the winning track and to set a reminder that their title chase remains firmly in motion.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a promising start to the campaign under Thomas Frank and could now be about to pursue a very familiar face to fans of the Premier League.

Tottenham look to build on solid start to Premier League campaign

The international break is always a frustrating time for supporters itching for their club to return. However, the Lilywhites will be positively reflecting on a fine start that has seen them climb to third in the top-flight standings.

Tactical tweaks and a renewed threat from set pieces have made Tottenham a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, albeit they will need to be switched on to handle the challenge of facing Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea in the coming weeks.

While Tottenham have been at the centre of takeover interest from tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, among other parties, it doesn’t appear they are for sale, and a £100 million cash injection from the Lewis family will offer greater financial flexibility moving forward.

Whether this investment could be put towards the January window remains to be seen. Reports suggest Spurs are preparing a £26 million bid for Vasco da Gama star Rayan, indicating they are scouring the world for talent to enhance their bid for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa are among his lengthy list of admirers, though Tottenham’s project is as enticing as ever for potential new recruits.

Related "Cost your team" – Thomas Frank sent warning over Tottenham star who "can't be bothered"

Spurs’ boss could have a problem to solve.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Oct 10, 2025

Truthfully, the sky is the limit for Frank if his side continue this excellent run of form, with Spurs averaging close to 2 points per game since the Dane took over from Ange Postecoglou.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far

Stats

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

Nevertheless, there is a long way to go, and help may be required to ensure the North Londoners are in pole position to capitalise, hence their interest in a favourite of the Danish coach.

Tottenham want to sign Kevin Schade

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are monitoring Brentford attacker Kevin Schade and could look to make a play for his arrival, albeit the transfer may be more likely to occur in the summer of 2026.

Plettenberg says he is “one to watch” this season, with the winger’s contract expiring in under three years.

The Germany international has scored once in eight appearances this term, contributing to his overall total of 15 goals and five assists in 82 outings for the Bees

.

Labelled “top class” by Frank, he brought Schade to the Gtech Community Stadium from Freiburg in 2023 and his faith has been repaid, with the 23-year-old establishing himself as a force predominantly on the left flank.

This term, the Potsdam-born man has created five chances and completed three successful crosses in the Premier League, per Fotmob, shining in a Brentford side that have struggled for momentum under Keith Andrews.

Either way, he could now be set for a move across the capital, though Tottenham will need to fend off competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund for his signature.