“The big one he never won”

Former Premier League star Troy Deeney has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be included in the GOAT debate for a reason. This comes after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup this summer at the Round of 16 stage by Spain.

Pundit Deeney appeared on Sun Football to talk about the Portugal international, expressing his doubts about his inclusion among the highest class of football stars. The former striker pointed out that Cristiano Ronaldo was dependent on other players creating for him before he could deliver.

“Everything for Ronaldo, especially at Juventus, even at Real Madrid, a lot of it had to be to get him the ball. You’ve got to go wide, get Bale on to cross you the ball, Benzema had to sacrifice what he was doing to give him the ball. So I think his legacy will be, for the younger generation, stats-based and all the trophies he’s won.

I think for purists of football, we would look at it and go ‘he’s been great, we can appreciate it’, but I don’t know if you’d put him in that top greatest players of all time because there’s a lot of other people because, again, the big one he never one, which is the World Cup”, he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo is unanimously considered to be, along with Lionel Messi, the greatest player to play in this generation. Some fans even consider the 41-year-old to be one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

The veteran forward was part of the Portugal side that got eliminated from the FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in five appearances in the tournament. He has now scored 976 career goals and needs only 24 more to reach the landmark tally of 1,000 goals, which no player has officially attained.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to win the Saudi Pro League title at the end of the 2025-26 season, adding to his extensive trophy collection. The forward remains one of the biggest people to have caused a change to world football on the last two decades, and will continue to be regarded as one of the greatest.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal hires new coach after FIFA World Cup exit: Reports

Portugal have named former Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus as their new Head Coach following their disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Seleçao were sent packing from the tournament by neighbours Spain at the Round of 16 stage, losing 1-0 in the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of his teammates played under Roberto Martinez at the tournament, with the Spaniard having decided to leave at the end of the tournament. He held on to his decision and left his position, leaving it vacant for Jesus to replace him.

Jorge Jesus has enjoyed a successful career so far, most recently leading Al-Nassr to Saudi Pro League glory in the 2025-26 season. He left the club at the end of the season, and will now lead the Portuguese national team for the next four years, at least.