Cristiano Ronaldo can be considered “the best finisher of all time”, says Andrea Barzagli, with the former Juventus defender saluting the “hunger” of an iconic former team-mate.

Ronaldo, 40, remains a formidable force, ... The Al-Nassr striker’s experience contrasts sharply with Yamal’s youthful ambition. The stage is set: Yamal Vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Perhaps it’s down to timing, perhaps fortune played a part. But deeper than that is the understanding of what Ronaldo represented: an unrelenting force of will, a refusal to accept failure, and an ...