Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has once again set tongues wagging after hinting at a possible exit from Al Nassr just hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up its season.
“This chapter is over,” the 40-year-old football legend posted cryptically on social media, alongside a photo in his Al Nassr kit.
But he added, “The story? Still being written.”
Having scored 24 goals this season and finishing as the league’s top scorer, Ronaldo remains without a major trophy since joining the Saudi club in late 2022. Al Nassr crashed out of the Asian Champions League last month and finished third in the domestic league, only managing a comeback into continental contention after a successful appeal over an ineligible player.
His contract with Al Nassr officially ends on June 30, but speculation over his next move is already heating up.
What’s Next for Him?
Ronaldo is being linked with a surprise short-term deal that could see him play at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which kicks off on June 14. Though Al Nassr didn’t qualify, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently teased that “there are discussions” with clubs interested in signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the tournament.
Reports suggest Brazilian teams like Palmeiras and Botafogo, both Club World Cup participants, are possible suitors. A blockbuster Ronaldo vs Messi clash could be on the cards if he joins a side in the same group as Messi’s Inter Miami.
Other Rumours Swirl
While some sources hint at a verbal agreement with Al Nassr to extend his deal until 2026, nothing has been signed. A shock AFC Champions League exit and doubts over the club’s future ambitions have reportedly unsettled the star.
A Moroccan switch to Wydad Casablanca was floated, but dismissed as “just a friendly talk.” Meanwhile, fans continue to debate whether Ronaldo will stay in Saudi Arabia, move to the US, return to Europe, or take on a final challenge in Brazil.
With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.
Abu Dhabi is set to make basketball history this September as it hosts the first-ever EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup, bringing four of Europe’s top clubs together for a two-day showdown at Etihad Arena.
Taking place on September 18 and 19, 2026, the inaugural tournament will feature Real Madrid, Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul and Dubai Basketball in a Final Four-style competition.
The event is being delivered through a partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Euroleague Basketball, adding another major international sporting event to the capital’s growing calendar.
Two days, four teams and one new trophy
The action gets underway on Friday, September 18, with two semi-finals.
6pm: Olympiacos Piraeus vs Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul
9pm: Dubai Basketball vs Real Madrid
The winners will advance to Saturday night’s championship game, while the losing teams will meet earlier in the day for the third-place match.
On Saturday, September 19:
6pm: Third-place game
9pm: Inaugural EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup Final
The winner will make history as the first team to lift the new trophy.
Abu Dhabi adds another major basketball event
The tournament builds on Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a destination for elite basketball. The capital has hosted a number of major basketball showcases in recent years, helping bring some of the sport’s biggest clubs and stars to UAE audiences.
The new SuperCup will also give fans the chance to see Dubai Basketball compete against some of the biggest names in European club basketball, including Real Madrid.
DCT Abu Dhabi said the event forms part of the emirate’s wider strategy to expand its international sporting calendar while attracting visitors and creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga described the competition as a new chapter for European club basketball, while CEO Chus Bueno said Abu Dhabi would provide fans with an opportunity to experience the sport at its highest level.
Tickets
Full-package tickets are already available through Etihad Arena, while single-day tickets are scheduled to go on sale on August 31.
EuroLeague SuperCup Prices
Ticket category
Price
Baseline Upper Bowl 2
Dh572
Baseline Upper Bowl 1
Dh668
Central Lower Bowl 2
Dh1,338
Central Lower Bowl 1
Dh1,434
Hollywood 2 Hospitality
Dh9,188
First-row Bench
Dh7,751
First-row Courtside
Dh10,911
Event details
Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi When: September 18–19, 2026 Teams: Real Madrid, Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, Dubai Basketball For tickets, go to www.etihadarena.ae
A Dubai-based student robotics team has put the UAE on the global STEM map after securing a major award at one of the world’s leading robotics competitions and earning an invitation to an elite international event in the US.
Team UFORCE, representing Unique World Robotics (UWR), finished third in the prestigious Inspire Award category at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event, held in Indiana from June 18 to 21.
The Inspire Award is FTC’s highest judged honour, recognising excellence in robot design, engineering, programming, innovation, teamwork and community impact. Team UFORCE competed against 96 top robotics teams from around the world.
Invited to exclusive global event
Following its strong performance, Team UFORCE also competed at the Multinational Tech Invitational (MTI) in Maryland, an invitation-only competition featuring just 44 of the world’s best FTC teams selected from more than 11,000 active teams globally.
Showcasing UAE STEM talent
The 16-member team includes students from schools across Dubai and Sharjah, highlighting the UAE’s growing talent in robotics and engineering.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, innovation and perseverance of our students and mentors,” said Bansan Thomas George, founder of Unique World Robotics.
Head coach Mohammed Mukhtar said competing on global platforms demonstrates the ability of young innovators from the UAE to excel internationally.
Team captain Aarnav Bhargava described the competitions as a valuable opportunity to develop technical skills, teamwork and confidence while competing against some of the world’s best robotics teams.
About FIRST Tech Challenge
FIRST Tech Challenge is one of the world’s largest youth robotics programmes and is supported by organisations including Google, Amazon and NASA.
The programme also offers students access to scholarships, mentorship opportunities and pathways to leading universities and STEM institutions.
The achievement also reflects the growing impact of firstrobotics.ae, a UAE volunteer-led robotics community that supports students interested in robotics, artificial intelligence and STEM education.
For UAE fast bowler Muhammad Rohid, being among the highest-valued local players at the DP World ILT20’s first-ever player auction was more than a career milestone, it was proof that homegrown cricketers now have a genuine pathway to the professional game.
The left-arm pacer was signed by MI Emirates for $140,000 ahead of Season 4, making him the fifth-highest-priced UAE player in the historic auction. Rohid believes the league is changing the future of cricket in the Emirates by giving young players a platform to showcase their talent alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.
“The biggest thing the DP World ILT20 has done is create a clear pathway for UAE players,” Rohid said. “Young cricketers can now see that if they perform well, opportunities will come, whether that’s with a franchise or the national team.”
The 24-year-old credits the tournament with helping him develop both on and off the field. He recalled one of his standout moments from
Season 4, when he was told he would be playing in Qualifier 2 just 10 minutes before the toss. Despite the late call-up, Rohid delivered figures of 2 for 19, dismissing Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone during a match-winning spell.
“The biggest lesson I learned was to always stay ready because opportunities can come at any moment,” he said. “The environment taught me to trust my preparation, stay calm under pressure and back my abilities.”
Rohid also highlighted the value of sharing a dressing room with international stars such as Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Shakib Al Hasan.
“Watching how they prepare, train and handle pressure has been a huge learning experience. They were always willing to share advice, and those conversations helped me become a better player.”
The pacer has since become a regular member of the UAE national team, featuring in ODIs and T20 Internationals, while also earning selection for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he represented the UAE against New Zealand.
Looking ahead, Rohid says his focus remains on improving his game and becoming a bowler his captain can rely on in every situation.
“I want to keep getting better every season and contribute more for both the UAE and MI Emirates. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received and hope to make the most of them.”
Season 5 of the DP World ILT20 is scheduled to take place in November and December 2026.
