Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Why Ronaldo has been released by Portugal as star misses out on Haaland record

talksport.com, 18 November 2024, 11:35
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the chance to create more history in Portugal's clash with Croatia after being released from the squad.

Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal during the reverse fixture in September when Roberto Martinez's men ran out 2-1 winners.

The 39-year-old, who became the first man in history to reach the astonishing figure, has continued to lead the line for his country.

Ronaldo brought up his record-extending 134th and 135th international goals in a 5-1 win over Poland on Friday.

Speaking after the victory, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner shared his plans for his retirement but insisted he is still enjoying playing.

Despite this, the Al Nassr talisman has been released from Portugal's squad alongside a host of Premier League stars for tonight's game.

read more on Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo hints at new job after football as Portugal star sets new record

Cristiano Ronaldo nets stunning bicycle kick to surpass incredible Diego Maradona record

Ronaldo has featured in all five of his country's games this season, starting four en route to scoring five goals in the Nations League.

Why is Ronaldo not playing for Portugal?

The former Manchester United superstar's goals against Poland helped Portugal finish top of their Nations League group.

A Selecao confirmed their position as League A Group 1 winners with 13 points from five games to qualify for the next round.

Martinez's men are six ahead of second-placed Croatia, meaning their Nations League finale on Monday is a dead rubber contest.

Most read in Football

Harry Kane statue hidden away for five years finally unveiled - and fans are in disbelief

England legend 'bewildered' by Thomas Tuchel holiday decision

Rodrigo Bentancur handed lengthy ban and will miss Tottenham's nightmare fixture run

Arsenal hit with fresh injury headache as star man forced off during international game

As a result, key stars Ronaldo, his former Man United teammate Bruno Fernandes, who was already missing through suspension, Chelsea's Pedro Neto, and Man City's Bernardo Silva have been released.

Former Belgium manager Martinez revealed he is keen to try out new players and give some of Portugal's younger stars some exposure.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Martinez said: "In the first stage, we made six changes from one game to the next.

"It's important for us to be first - and we already are. We need to be competitive to add to the group, it's getting harder and harder to get into the starting eleven. There's a World Cup finals in 18 months.

"The game against Croatia is important, we need to look at other players.

"We're going to let go of Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended - so we're going to call up Fábio Silva and [Geovany] Quenda from the Under-21s."

Ronaldo is already close to clocking 1700 minutes for club and country this season and returns to action for Al Nassr on Friday.

However, he will now miss the chance to finish as the Nations League's top scorer from the group phase of the competition.

The forward is currently joint second in the standings on five goals - only two behind Erling Haaland, who has played one more game.

The Norwegian overtook Ronaldo by banging a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Kazakhstan on Sunday to top the pile.

Ronaldo meanwhile could now freefall from second due to his absence against Croatia.

Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko, who is also on five goals, has completed his international duties, but Sweden have another match to play.

Read More on talkSPORT

Keane has Wright in stitches after future son-in-law Harwood-Bellis scores against Ireland

Mike Tyson 'almost died' before Jake Paul fight as he says 'I lost half my blood'

Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, on five and four goals respectively, both struck in a 2-1 triumph against Slovakia on Tuesday.

The Sporting Lisbon and Newcastle strikers are expected to front Sweden's attack once more against minnows Azerbaijan - having also both netted in September's reverse fixture.

Liverpool legend Ray Houghton explains how Mo Salah is emulating Cristiano Ronaldo

18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery open to selling experienced defender in January?
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is allegedly open to selling one of his experienced defenders during the January transfer window.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur
The FA have confirmed that they have slapped Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur with a seven-game ban and £100,000 fine for an offensive remark he made about teammate Son Heung-min and South Koreans.
18 November 2024
talksport.com
England legend 'bewildered' by Thomas Tuchel holiday decision
While he's not even England manager yet, Thomas Tuchel's decision to take a holiday before his start date is an opinion divider.
18 November 2024
talksport.com
Rodrigo Bentancur handed lengthy ban and will miss Tottenham's nightmare run
Rodrigo Bentancur has been hit with a seven-match ban for making a racial slur, the FA have confirmed.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Bundesliga invincible 'in active negotiations' with Premier League giants
Chelsea have reportedly been in active negotiations with a Bayer Leverkusen star with next season in mind.
18 November 2024
talksport.com
Arsenal hit with fresh injury headache as star forced off during Belgium game
If Arsenal fans were sick of the international break before, they'll be furious now after ANOTHER star picked up an injury.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spurs transfer news: Interest in shock reunion with former midfielder?
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in securing a reunion with Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks.
18 November 2024
talksport.com
£150m double transfer raid could give Ruben Amorim new look Man United
The Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United has officially begun and two fresh faces could accelerate the transformation.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona transfer news: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia boost comes for La Liga leaders, PSG?
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly received encouragement to retain an interest in Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
18 November 2024
talksport.com
England star Harry Kane could soon have a goal record that will never be broken
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shows no signs of slowing down with his England goalscoring record seemingly set to stand for decades.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Liverpool to rival Red Devils for Serie A star?
Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs tracking a Serie A star ahead of 2025.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool transfer news: Reds given green light to sign £66.9m Arne Slot favourite
Benfica midfielder and former Arne Slot protege Orkun Kokcu has waxed lyrical about the Liverpool manager's impact on his career amid links with an eventual transfer to Anfield.
18 November 2024
talksport.com
Ex-Premier League manager dumbfounded by Deeney's huge claim about Salah
Alan Pardew couldn't believe what he was hearing when listening to Troy Deeney's claim on talkSPORT that Mohamed Salah isn't world class.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monday's Transfer Talk Update: Joshua Zirkzee, Igor Jesus, Hugo Larsson
With all eyes fixed on the January transfer market, clubs around the UK and Europe are already lining up potential mid-season moves.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monday's Nations League predictions including Spain vs. Switzerland
Croatia vs. Portugal (Monday, 7.45pm) Concluding League A Group 1 of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League with a top-of-the-table showdown, Croatia and Portugal butt heads at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Monday evening. The Selecao have already confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals as group winners, but their hosts need a point to be absolutely sure of a position in the knockout stages.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Mauritaniavs.Cape Verde
The race for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations goes down to the wire in Group C as Mauritania and Cape Verde lock horns at the Stade de la Capitale on Tuesday.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cameroonvs.Zimbabwe
With top spot in Group J of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers still up for grabs, Cameroon and Zimbabwe will do battle at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Tuesday. The home side are unbeaten in each of their last seven meetings against the visitors, whose last win in this fixture came back in the 1994 World Cup qualifying round of matches.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United's Viktor Gyokeres transfer boost as Ruben Amorim could link up with Sporting Lisbon striker
Manchester United have received a boost in their reported pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres after Jose Fonte said that Sporting Lisbon may be forced to offload the striker due to financial constraints.
18 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City
Manchester City have reportedly written to all 19 other Premier League clubs to outline their concerns about the legalities of proposed redrafted finance rules ahead of next week's vote.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sierra Leonevs.Zambia
The race for top spot in Group G of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers goes down to the wire as Zambia take on Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kyle Walker replacement: Pep Guardiola identifies star as ideal successor to Manchester City defender
Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on former player and current Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong as a potential successor to Kyle Walker.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Guinea-Bissauvs.Mozambique
With a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the line, Guinea-Bissau will entertain the challenge of Mozambique in their final qualifying fixture at Estadio 24 de Setembro on Tuesday evening. The hosts will need to win to stand any chance of leapfrogging their visitors into second place in Group I, while the away side simply need to avoid defeat to book a place in Morocco next year.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Malivs.Eswatini
Mali and Eswatini will draw the curtain on their respective Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns with a meeting at Stade du 26 Mars on Tuesday evening. The home side need just a point from this one to confirm their place as winners of Group I, while the away side will need to come out on top to stand any chance of avoiding finishing bottom of the group.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Egyptvs.Botswana
With their place in Egypt already guaranteed, Egypt bring their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign to an end on Tuesday when they play host to Botswana in Cairo's 30 June Stadium on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Tuchel receives glowing report card but England boss left with Kane conundrum
Before heading back to the England Under-21s, Lee Carsley will provide Thomas Tuchel with a 'very detailed handover', according to the FA.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ivory Coastvs.Chad
Ivory Coast and Chad draw the curtain on their quest for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they lock horns at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Italy1 - 3France
France snatched top spot in the UEFA Nations League Group 2 from Italy's grasp on Sunday evening as they secured a 3-1 victory in Milan, courtesy of three goals delivered by set-piece specialist Lucas Digne.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kenyavs.Namibia
With nothing meaningful left to play for, Kenya and Namibia will conclude their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a meeting at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday. Sitting third and fourth in Group J, both teams are set to miss out on the upcoming continental showpiece heading into the final round of qualifying matches.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
England5 - 0Rep. Ireland
England broke a national team winning record with their 5-0 drubbing of the Republic of Ireland in Lee Carsley's last match at the helm.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bradfordvs.Rotherham
League Two promotion hopefuls Bradford City are set to host League One side Rotherham United at the University of Bradford Stadium on Tuesday in their third match in the EFL Trophy.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Maltavs.Andorra
Malta are set to host Andorra on Tuesday at Ta'Qali National Stadium in their final UEFA Nations League D group game and will hope to end their campaign on a high.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
England5 - 0Rep. Ireland
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has questioned the desire of his players during the second half of their 5-0 defeat to England on Sunday night.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
UAEvs.Qatar
World Cup hopefuls United Arab Emirates will hope to push towards the two automatic qualification spots in their six-team group when they welcome Qatar to Al Nahyan Stadiumin on Tuesday in their sixth game of the AFC World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Wright in stitches at Keane joke after future son-in-law scores against Ireland
A penny for Roy Keane's reaction when Taylor Harwood-Bellis nodded home on his England debut against the Republic of Ireland.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Two England stars get 9/10 ratings as Saka warned he has 'serious competition'
Lee Carlsey has signed off his interim stint as England boss in style.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
North Koreavs.Uzbekistan
In their sixth game of the group stage of AFC World Cup qualifying, North Korea will play Uzbekistan on Tuesday at Lao National Stadium.
Show more

Top News

16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly dropped their interest in signing former youth product and current Lille midfielder Angel Gomes on a free transfer this summer. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal have reportedly entered discussions with Nico Williams's camp over a summer deal for the Athletic Bilbao attacker, who is also wanted by Barcelona and Bayern Munich. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Dario Essugo in an £18.5m deal after already securing the signature of Geovany Quenda. 15 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool vs Newcastle. Reds against Magpies. Two hugely passionate fanbases. But just one trophy up for grabs at Wembley. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The poor performances of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have given Liverpool boss Arne Slot an unwelcome selection dilemma ahead of the EFL Cup final, Reds expert David Lynch has argued. 15 March 2025 talksport.com Kylian Mbappe's brace over Villarreal etched his name into the history books once more as he overtook Ronaldo's impressive record. 15 March 2025 talksport.com If Huddersfield Town supporters didn't already love Jon Worthington for his exploits as a player, then his first game in charge will endear him even more. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Atletico Madrid will welcome Barcelona to Wanda Metropolitano in La Liga on Sunday night. 15 March 2025 talksport.com Dele Alli's Como debut ended in disaster after he was sent off less than ten minutes after coming off the bench in a 2-1 loss to AC Milan. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Fenerbahce are reported to have received an offer for Manchester United target Yusuf Akcicek from a Premier League club. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Villarreal in Saturday evening's key La Liga contest at Estadio de la Ceramica. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ruud van Nistelrooy welcomes his former club, Manchester United, to the King Power Stadium this weekend, as his Leicester City side search for their first win in almost two months. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reported to be in pole position to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ahead of Newcastle United in the summer transfer window. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of Manchester City duo Ederson and Bernardo Silva. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Head coach Vitor Pereira has insisted that his Wolverhampton Wanderers squad "cannot sleep" after their 2-1 victory at Southampton on Saturday afternoon. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The agent of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has claimed Liverpool held interest in signing the player from Manchester City before he left England last summer. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Everton fought West Ham United to a 1-1 stalemate at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League and continued their impressive form under David Moyes. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have missed the opportunity to climb back into the top four of the Premier League after being held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by fellow Champions League hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 15 March 2025 talksport.com A Haji Wright hat-trick has helped Frank Lampard's Coventry City claim one of their biggest scalps this season. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Anthony Elanga bagged a brace as Nottingham Forest moved to within one point of second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table with a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The reigning champions meet the desperate contenders in Sunday's EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium, where Liverpool and Newcastle United collide in a mouthwatering showpiece event. 15 March 2025 talksport.com The BBC will no longer show England's Six Nations games as they have struck a new deal with ITV. 15 March 2025 talksport.com Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly warned staff to expect major fan disruption during Sunday's clash against Marseille. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly determined to bring Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has said that he is expecting Gavi to stay "for many years" at Camp Nou amid speculation surrounding a potential move away from the Catalan giants. 15 March 2025 talksport.com Erling Haaland has made Premier League history yet again with his latest goal for Manchester City. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly failed with a €65m (£55m) bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but the Catalan club's head coach Hansi Flick is unsure whether the Dutchman will sign a new deal at Camp Nou. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Deportivo La Coruna will be aiming to move closer to the Segunda Division playoff spots when they continue their campaign with a contest against Castellon on Monday night. 15 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pep Guardiola has made a total of four changes to his Manchester City starting lineup for afternoon's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium. 15 March 2025 talksport.com Six permanent managers have followed Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement at Manchester United, but there's only one Sir Jim Ratcliffe would have avoided.