When it comes to identifying the best striker on the planet, there are few more qualified people around than two-time Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, Ronaldo Nazario.
The Brazilian icon is regarded as one of the finest number nines to ever grace the beautiful game, scoring 330 goals for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSV and the two Milan clubs.
He was present at the 2026 World Cup, where he watched some of the present generation’s brightest stars put on clinics on football’s biggest stage. Lionel Messi, Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and many more big-name stars were at their very best.
Ronaldo Nazario Snubs Harry Kane as World’s Best Striker
England’s Harry Kane looks worried via REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
But it’s only right that R9, also known as The Phenomenon, was asked to give his thoughts on the best players in his position. Ahead of England’s Harry Kane and Erling Haaland of Norway going head-to-head in the quarter-finals of this year’s tournament, Ronaldo was asked to end the debate.
Instead, he opted for the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer, Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman was desperate to fire Les Bleus to the trophy once again, netting 10 goals along the way to claim the Golden Boot.
While he fell short of that aim and had to settle for fourth place, the 27-year-old was still one of the best performers in the competition, and still has a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Asked about the best No.9 in the world, Ronaldo said: “I think Mbappe is doing amazing and he’s still very young. He’s playing with the number 10, but he’s a number nine.”
Mbappe ended the season trophyless for club and country, but still managed to score 42 goals in just 44 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid.
Mbappe vs Haaland vs Kane
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Winslow Townson
While he picked out Mbappe as the best of the bunch, Ronaldo made sure to sing the praises of both Haaland and Kane too.
Discussing all three world-class forwards, he said: “I’m so happy to see players like them doing well with my characteristics of when I played. I’m just happy for them. Years ago, we were talking about how we miss number nines. No, we have three like this, it’s good for everyone.”
More specifically focusing on Kane vs Haaland, who were set to play in the game he was attending at the time, the Brazil icon added: “I’m so happy to see Harry Kane and Haaland. Number nines, original nines. I’m so happy to see them doing well.”
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 28-07-26.
Anthony Joshua has revealed how he truly feels about Tyson Fury ahead of their heavily-rumoured fight slated to take place at the end of the year.
After his one-sided victory over YouTuber Jake Paul and the tragic car crash in Nigeria in December 2025, Joshua returned to the ring when he took on Albanian Kristian Prenga.
A fight that seemed to be set up as a warm-up for the all-British heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury, though the fight did not go exactly how Joshua would have wanted.
Joshua’s Chaotic Victory Over Prenga
In what was a blockbuster two-round contest, Joshua found himself on the floor from an uppercut by Prenga within 20 seconds of the first, before a flush right hook to the jaw saw the Watford man wobbling at the knees a minute later.
His showdown with Fury seemed to be up in smoke as the glove of Joshua touched the mat for a second knockdown towards the end of the round, having not recovered from the blows before.
A miraculous second round by Joshua saw a quick recovery and a push on the offensive, hitting Prenga with powerful blows, and with 30 seconds left of the second round, a flurry of blows by Joshua sent Prenga to the floor and ended a truly unpredictable affair.
A loss would have surely seen any chance of the once-in-a-generation fight against Fury off the cards. A rivalry spanning years, with mental gymnastics between the two taking place in interviews and on social media, in both playful and vicious ways.
Anthony Joshua’s Honest Opinion of Tyson Fury
In an interview with The Stomping Ground, Joshua revealed what he truly feels about ‘The Gypsy King’:
“I don’t know him enough to hate him; I just want to beat him. It’s nothing personal. It’s all good, I don’t know why they’re so moody all the time. It’s only a fight.”
Speculation about the fight has been brewing for years, with fans expecting an undisputed world heavyweight championship fight when the pair controlled the heavyweight division in 2020.
Credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
Yet, it seems that both really want the fight as they approach the end of their careers, as Fury publicly called out Joshua after his victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov, saying:
“I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for. I want you, AJ. Let’s give the fight fans what they want, the Battle of Britain.”
A call-out that Joshua replied to, saying: “I’ve never had a problem getting in the ring with you. I punched you up when we were kids, and after watching you here tonight I’ll punch you up again.”
Following Joshua’s victory, a planned date and location has emerged for the contest, meaning that the bout could be just a short time away.
Liverpool are now preparing to table a huge £128m bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, as more details emerge on a potential deal.
Liverpool’s interest in the France international is clear after they missed out on signing number one target Yan Diomande earlier in the summer, and they now want the 23-year-old at Anfield next season.
It was interesting that he seemingly wasn’t their top target in this window, given they also tried to sign him last summer, but they are now ready to step up their efforts to get a deal over the line.
While the Reds have brought in Victor Munoz to strengthen the quality and depth they have on the wings, they are still lacking a top-class Mohamed Salah replacement following the Egyptian’s exit this summer.
While Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha will currently compete for a spot on the left flank, it is a different story on the right with Federico Chiesa, Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong battling for that spot as things stand.
Liverpool know they need a player capable of replicating the goals and assists Salah has for them over the years, and there aren’t many better options who could be available this summer than Barcola.
Liverpool Ready to Submit £128m Offer for Barcola
via Reuters
According to DaveOCKOP, Liverpool are set to launch a huge offer to Paris Saint-Germain to land a player they’ve wanted for one year.
The report says that the bid will be worth €110m up front, with €40m in performance-based add-ons. That would take the value of the offer to €150m (£128m).
The 31-year-old competed in the 100m breaststroke on Saturday night at the Tollcross International Centre in Glasgow, but had to settle for bronze as he finished behind Sam Williamson and 18-year-old Jersey native Filip Nowacki.
But it was the ensuing interview that really caught the attention of viewers and Ramsay-Peaty’s estranged family. Clearly disappointed by the result, the Olympian conceded that the falling out with his family “has taken its toll.”
Ramsay-Peaty Family Feud Explained
Credit: REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
The three-time Olympic gold medallist appeared to be referencing his parents, Caroline and Mark, in the post-competition interview. Ramsay-Peaty blamed the stress of the feud on his tired performance, resulting in a bronze rather than an expected gold.
The British swimmer was supported by his pregnant wife Holly at the event, with their relationship reportedly being the source of the fallout with his family. This was the first time that Ramsay-Peaty’s parents had not been in attendance for a major event he was participating in.
The origins of the conflict go back to 2024, when Ramsay-Peaty and his then-future wife refused to invite wider members of the Peaty family to their engagement party and wedding. The swimmer’s mother was also left off the list for Holly’s hen do. Posting on Instagram two months later, Ramsay-Peaty responded to discussion surrounding the feud, stating that there are “two sides to every story.”
Peaty Family Response to the Commonwealth Games Interview
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Following the controversial interview, an anonymous source representing the Peaty family spoke to the Daily Mail, hitting back at the swimmer’s comments.
“Just take accountability for your own actions for once, Adam, instead of blaming us.
“The hurt you feel over a medal does not compare to the hurt your mother felt when she said she did not want to be on this planet anymore…
“The hurt you inflicted on her when you stopped her from seeing her grandson [from a previous relationship] out of spite, who she loves with every fibre of her being, and stopped from watching you marry.
“You made comments to friends that we would try and disrupt your games. We haven’t been there. To blame us for your failure is not right, Adam.”
Don’t blame your family for your bronze. You need to look closer to home and in the mirror.
“You are having a crisis of conscience. Shame on you all. Blame yourself for isolating yourself from the support network that has been there since you were born.
“We love you, Adam, that’s all we have done, and are proud of what you have achieved, but we don’t like who you have become. You became famous. You met Holly and you changed.”
Ramsay-Peaty’s remarks during the interview blaming his parents for his bronze medal have attracted criticism online. The 31-year-old secured another bronze in the 50m breaststroke, but again would’ve been hoping for a redemptive gold. The triple world record holder’s next chance at major gold will come at the European Aquatics Championships in August, where he has secured 16 golds in the past.
