Sports
#QuinasDeOuro2024: Portugal Recognizes Ronaldo With Prestigious Platinum Award
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer and football icon, was awarded the prestigious Platinum Quinas trophy at the 2024 Quinas de Ouro gala, held on Monday evening in recognition of his extraordinary career and contributions to Portuguese football.
The Platinum Quinas trophy, the highest honour presented by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), was bestowed upon Ronaldo for his exceptional achievements with the national team, cementing his legacy as a symbol of Portugal on the global stage.
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The 39-year-old, now playing for Al-Nassr, has earned 216 caps and scored 133 goals for Portugal, solidifying his place in football history.
In a reflection on his career, Ronaldo shared his pride in the milestone. “It is an honour to receive this trophy. I see it as a beginning. Thank you to the FPF for this award, marking a long journey filled with hard work,” Ronaldo posted on social media the following day.
The footballer, known for his determination, humorously added, “I can’t wait to see what my legs have to offer me in the next few years. If the 1000th goal comes, that’s fine… but if it doesn’t happen, I’m already the top scorer in history.”
Ronaldo also expressed his gratitude in Portuguese, saying, “É um orgulho receber este prémio pela minha carreira na Seleção. Ainda há muito por conquistar! Obrigado, @selecaoportugal!” (“It is an honor to receive this award for my career with the National Team. There is still a lot to achieve! Thank you, @selecaoportugal”).
The gala, which celebrates excellence in Portuguese football, saw the attendance of distinguished guests including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and FPF President Fernando Gomes.
Ronaldo, who famously led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, praised the country’s football infrastructure.
“We have everything: magnificent stadiums, excellent coaches, potential in these players, and the stars we have. Not only in football but in other sports as well,” he remarked.
The event also honoured several other notable figures from Portuguese football. Former international Pepe, who retired in August after 141 caps with the national team, was celebrated for his remarkable career.
The ceremony also recognised players such as Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, and Vitinha for their outstanding performances in the 2024 Ballon d’Or and Yashin award races.
Other awards included a special tribute to Jorge Jesus, coach of Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal, for his record 34 consecutive wins, and João Matos, who was honoured for earning 200 caps with the Portuguese futsal national team.
The evening also paid tribute to the late José Manuel Constantino, the former president of the Portuguese Olympic Committee, and recognised Olympic and Paralympic athletes who earned medals at the 2024 Paris Games.
In a touching moment, FPF President Fernando Gomes acknowledged the contributions of several Portuguese clubs to the development of top talent, with representatives from Sporting, FC Porto, Benfica, Sporting de Braga, and Vitória de Guimarães attending the ceremony.
As the event concluded, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva were called upon by Portuguese U21 coach Rui Jorge to take up the mantle of responsibility for the future of Portuguese football, ensuring the continued growth and success of the national team.
Sports
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.
Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.
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According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.
Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.
After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.
Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.
Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Sports
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.
This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.
Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.
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The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.
Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.
Sports
Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.
This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.
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The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.
Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.
With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.