Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of Euro 2024 - and potentially international football - following a shoot-out defeat to France. AFP
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of Euro 2024 - and potentially international football - following a shoot-out defeat to France. AFP
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of Euro 2024 - and potentially international football - following a shoot-out defeat to France. AFP
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of Euro 2024 - and potentially international football - following a shoot-out defeat to France. AFP

Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football?


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is widely expected to retire from international football following their 5-3 shoot-out defeat to France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday.

It was a disappointing tournament for the 39-year-old striker, who failed to score in open play having missed a penalty against Slovenia in the last 16.

His only successful contributions both from the penalty spot in shoot-outs – the 3-0 win over Slovenia in the last 16 and Portugal's first spot kick against Frane in their quarter-final loss.

“Everything is too raw,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, when asked if that was Ronaldo's last game for his country. “We are suffering a defeat as a team – there are no individual decisions at this point.”

It was a record sixth and final European Championship for Ronaldo. He ended the match consoling fellow veteran Pepe as the 41-year-old defender cried on his captain's shoulder.

“We need to go through this moment of our loss, which is very painful,” Pepe said.

Ronaldo, who plays his club football in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, has yet to comment on his international future.

Here is a factbox on Ronaldo's international career.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo consoles teammate Pepe following the penalty shoot-out loss to France. Getty
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo consoles teammate Pepe following the penalty shoot-out loss to France. Getty

Early days

* Born February 5, 1985 in Funchal, Madeira.

* Represented Portugal in youth football since 2001.

* Made his senior team debut in 2003, age 18.

* Played for Portugal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens at age 19.

* Played youth club football at Nacional before joining Sporting in 2002.

International career

* Ronaldo has represented Portugal in six European Championships and four World Cup tournaments.

* Ronaldo holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130 for Portugal and is the country's most-capped player with 212 appearances.

* At the 2004 and 2016 European Championships, he helped Portugal reach the final and won the tournament in 2016.

* Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006 age 21, scoring his first World Cup goal in a game against Iran.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal kisses the Henri Delaunay trophy to celebrate after their 1-0 win against France in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France in Paris, France. All photos by Getty Images
    Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal kisses the Henri Delaunay trophy to celebrate after their 1-0 win against France in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France in Paris, France. All photos by Getty Images
  • Ronaldo of Portugal kisses the Henri Delaunay trophy.
    Ronaldo of Portugal kisses the Henri Delaunay trophy.
  • Ronaldo celebrates during the award ceremony.
    Ronaldo celebrates during the award ceremony.
  • Portugal players celebrate after their side win against France.
    Portugal players celebrate after their side win against France.
  • Ronaldo lifts the Henri Delaunay trophy after his side's 1-0 win against France.
    Ronaldo lifts the Henri Delaunay trophy after his side's 1-0 win against France.
  • Ronaldo is centre of media attention as he celebrates winning at the final whistle.
    Ronaldo is centre of media attention as he celebrates winning at the final whistle.
  • Fernando Santos, manager of Portugal, is thrown into the air by his players after his side win against France.
    Fernando Santos, manager of Portugal, is thrown into the air by his players after his side win against France.
  • Ronaldo Portugal celebrates winning at the final whistle.
    Ronaldo Portugal celebrates winning at the final whistle.
  • Santos and Ronaldo celebrate winning at the final whistle.
    Santos and Ronaldo celebrate winning at the final whistle.
  • Ronaldo of Portugal shouts encouragement to his teammates from the bench.
    Ronaldo of Portugal shouts encouragement to his teammates from the bench.
  • Ronaldo is challenged by Patrice Evra and Dimitri Payet of France.
    Ronaldo is challenged by Patrice Evra and Dimitri Payet of France.
  • Ronaldo of Portugal holds his knee.
    Ronaldo of Portugal holds his knee.
  • Ronaldo of Portugal lies injured.
    Ronaldo of Portugal lies injured.
  • Bacary Sagna of France wins a header above Ronaldo.
    Bacary Sagna of France wins a header above Ronaldo.

* Portugal reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals, which is their best performance at the tournament in Ronaldo's career.

* In 2018 Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.

* He led Portugal to victory in the inaugural Uefa Nations League in 2019.

* In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo became the first and only male player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament with a total of eight goals.

Euro milestones

* Ronaldo marked his European Championship debut against Greece in June 2004 with a goal.

* His overall total of 14 goals is the most at the Euros. France great Michel Platini is in second place with nine.

* Ronaldo was top scorer at the 2012 and 2020 Euros and won the Silver Boot in 2016.

* Having played in every Euros since 2004, Ronaldo holds the record for most tournament appearances and is the only player to score at five in a row. Portugal teammate Pepe and Croatia's Luka Modric are joint-second with five tournament appearances.

* Ronaldo has played 30 matches at the Euros, the most of any player. Portugal teammate Pepe is second with 23.

FA CUP FINAL

Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)

Manchester United 0

Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

'Hocus%20Pocus%202'
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WTL%20SCHEDULE
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Crime%20Wave
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Company%20profile
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MATCH INFO

Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0
De Bruyne (70')

Man of the Match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
%3Cp%3EBy%202030%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%20aims%20to%20achieve%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2039.3%20million%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20nearly%2064%25%20up%20from%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20Dh90%20billion%20contribution%20to%20GDP%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2084%25%20more%20than%20Dh49%20billion%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20178%2C000%20new%20jobs%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20bringing%20the%20total%20to%20about%20366%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2052%2C000%20hotel%20rooms%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20up%2053%25%20from%2034%2C000%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%207.2%20million%20international%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20almost%2090%25%20higher%20compared%20to%202023's%203.8%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%203.9%20international%20overnight%20hotel%20stays%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2022%25%20more%20from%203.2%20nights%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

RESULTS

Main card

Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision

Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision

Lightweight 60kg:  Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision

Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision

Light heavyweight 81.4kg:  Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

SPECS

Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

if you go

The flights

Emirates have direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow from Dh3,115. Alternatively, if you want to see a bit of Edinburgh first, then you can fly there direct with Etihad from Abu Dhabi.

The hotel

Located in the heart of Mackintosh's Glasgow, the Dakota Deluxe is perhaps the most refined hotel anywhere in the city. Doubles from Dh850

 Events and tours

There are various Mackintosh specific events throughout 2018 – for more details and to see a map of his surviving designs see glasgowmackintosh.com

For walking tours focussing on the Glasgow Style, see the website of the Glasgow School of Art. 

More information

For ideas on planning a trip to Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here

Michael Young: Where is Lebanon headed?

Kareem Shaheen: I owe everything to Beirut

Raghida Dergham: We have to bounce back

RESULT

Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Company%20profile
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UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Updated: July 06, 2024, 9:17 AM