AP – Sports
November 5, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement from Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he won’t play for Portugal anymore. He’s ended an international career that spanned six World Cups, a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record. Ronaldo shared the news on Thursday in a video message. He says it is time to pass on the No. 7 shirt. He expressed gratitude for his 23 years with the national team. Ronaldo’s final appearance for Portugal was in a 1-0 win over Wales in September. He plans to continue playing at the club level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, aiming for his 1,000th career goal.
Here’s a look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s major milestones with Portugal’s national team
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey with Portugal has come to an end. Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, the 41-year-old forward announced Thursday he was done playing for the national team. Here’s a look at the defining milestones of Ronaldo’s 23-year career with Portugal’s national team.
LIV Golf is winding down operations, lawyer says in bankruptcy hearing
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — LIV Golf is winding down its operations instead of launching a new version because of a lack of financial support. A lawyer representing the organization announced the decision in a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday in New Jersey. LIV Golf lost Saudi Arabia funding in April after having spent more than $5 billion since 2022. LIV filed for bankruptcy in September. Since announcing plans for a new version, top players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have bailed. Instead of planning for a new version for 2027, LIV enters a liquidation phase.
Bill Belichick again is among five coaching candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Bill Belichick again is among five coaching candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan join Belichick in the Coach category for possible election into the Hall’s Class of 2027. The list was announced Thursday by the Canton, Ohio-based Pro Football Hall of Fame. Members of the Hall’s coaching subcommittee made their selections from an original field of 14 nominees. The subcommittee will select one candidate to be considered when the Hall’s selection committee determines a new class of enshrinees in early 2027. All five reached this stage last year when Belichick advanced in the process.
Once in the shadow of basketball, New Mexico football jumps into the AP Top 25 for the first time
The University of New Mexico’s football team is making headlines by cracking the AP Top 25 for the first time, coming in at No. 22. Led by coach Jason Eck, the Lobos are showing they’re more than just a basketball school. They’re drawing large crowds and excitement in football, too. Eck, who took the job before the 2025 season, has guided the team to a 7-1 record this season. The Lobos are trying to capture their first outright conference championship since 1964. Eck’s charismatic leadership and engaging social media presence have energized fans and players, creating a buzz around the program and city.
Spain soccer coach and Real Madrid president at funeral of player who died after collision
NAVAHERMOSA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s national soccer coach and the president of Real Madrid have joined the family and teammates of Jesús de Miguel at his funeral after the Spanish player died following an on-field collision. The 30-year-old De Miguel died on Tuesday. On Monday he suffered cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division game. De Miguel’s Tenerife teammates were at the funeral after traveling from the Canary Islands. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez were also in attendance.
FIFA council member Tashima to run against Infantino in election, Japanese media report
GENEVA (AP) — Kohzo Tashima intends to run for FIFA president against Gianni Infantino, according to Japanese media. If confirmed, Tashima would be the first serious rival since Infantino’s controversial plan in July to sell stakes in future World Cup profits. The Japanese newspaper Asahi reported that Tashima announced his intention to run in the election next March, with unanimous support from JFA board members. Tashima, a former Japan national team player, has been on FIFA’s ruling committee since 2015. Candidates need backing from five of FIFA’s 211 member federations and must pass an eligibility check.
Harry Kane extends deal at Bayern Munich until 2029 a week after winning Ballon d’Or
MUNICH (AP) — Harry Kane has extended his contract at Bayern Munich until 2029, a week after winning the Ballon d’Or. The German champion announced the new deal for the England captain. Kane moved to Bayern from Tottenham in 2023 and his contract had been due to run out at the end of this season. Kane says he feels “right at home” in Munich and his family is happy to stay in Germany.
Rory McIlroy gets 2-shot penalty after first round in Abu Dhabi as Laporta leads with a 62
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rory McIlroy has been handed a two-shot penalty after his first round at the Abu Dhabi Championship. Officials have ruled that McIlroy improved his lie on a hole where he made double-bogey to spoil his card. McIlroy’s score of 6 at the par-4 12th hole has turned into an even uglier 8 and left him posting a 2-under 70 to be eight shots off the lead. Francesco Laporta is in first place after a bogey-free 62. McIlroy’s actions have dented his bid to win a record-tying eighth season-long Race to Dubai title. He was seen pressing his club on grass behind his ball that had rolled back down the hill and into a divot after he duffed an attempted chip onto the green.
The nature of Ronaldo’s international retirement is in stark contrast to his great rival Messi
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s glorious Portugal career ultimately ended in acrimony. What a contrast to his great rival Lionel Messi, who also retired from international soccer this year, but only after leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals. As has been the case throughout their record-breaking careers, it is impossible not to compare the two greatest players of their generation and, for many, the greatest of all time. While Ronaldo’s video message to announce his retirement on Thursday was undoubtedly emotional, it came after a bitter fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus that led to the Manchester United and Real Madrid great walking out on what turned out to be his last international call up.
