Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • Chot Reyes: “We are going to be underdogs” as TNT enters PBA finals

    Chot Reyes: “We are going to be underdogs” as TNT enters PBA finals

    The TNT Tropang Giga clinched a berth in the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after edging the Meralco Bolts, 99–96, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    Jordan Heading powered the Tropang Giga with a game-high 31 points, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana added 12 and 10 points, respectively, to secure the hard-fought victory. The win sends TNT to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference.

     

    Despite their consistency on the big stage, head coach Chot Reyes emphasized that TNT will enter the championship round as underdogs regardless of whether they face San Miguel or Barangay Ginebra.

     

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    “It’s going to be a big shift in mindset, because to be very honest coming into this series, we were slightly favored to win. But going into the next series, whether it’s San Miguel or Barangay Ginebra, we are going to be underdogs, obviously, because they have the size,” Reyes said in the postgame press conference.

     

    “We don’t have their size, their depth, their talent, and then the crowd support. But like Jordan said, that’s something we cannot control. Right now, our focus is going to be our rest and our recovery, and preparing as best we can while waiting for the result of the other series,” he added.

    TNT will have a brief respite before the finals begin, and Reyes is hoping the break gives Roger Pogoy enough time to recover from a left hamstring injury. Pogoy exited Game 4 clutching the hamstring and was sidelined for Game 5.

     

    “Hopefully, but you know how this pulled hamstring is, you know, that’s very unpredictable. It really is going to depend on how quickly he can heal,” Reyes noted.

     

    The veteran coach reiterated that TNT will not rush Pogoy back into action unless he is fully ready.

     

    “One thing that’s sure is that we are not going to rush him back. We are not going to rush him back. And we are going to play him when he is ready. We are not going to force the na medyo 50% or 60% okay siya. So we are not going to risk that.

     

    “It’s not only the healing of the muscle itself or whatever, but it’s also gaining back your strength on that leg. You have the ability to push off that, to put weight on it. So it’s not only the healing of the pulled muscle, the hamstring, but also the strengthening,” he concluded.

     

    The PBA has yet to release the finals schedule, and TNT now awaits the outcome of the other semifinal clash between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel—an intense series poised to go down to the wire.

     

     

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  • “Super surreal, super humbled”: LeBron James humbled by special edition patch honor on his jersey

    “Super surreal, super humbled”: LeBron James humbled by special edition patch honor on his jersey

    National Basketball Association (NBA) all-time scoring leader and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has received a unique tribute from the league in recognition of his unprecedented longevity and accomplishments across 23 seasons.

     

    Topps, one of the most iconic sports trading card companies, unveiled a special edition patch that LeBron will wear for the remainder of the 2025–26 NBA season. The commemorative emblem will be prominently featured on his Lakers jersey, serving as a season-long celebration of his sustained excellence and durability—an achievement rarely seen in NBA history.

     

    The design of the patch is symbolic: it incorporates blue, red, and yellow, representing the colors of the three NBA franchises LeBron has suited up for—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. The logo also includes the words “NBA seasons,” the number 23 (a nod to both his jersey number and total seasons played), and a silhouette of LeBron performing his iconic pre-game chalk toss.

     

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    James debuted the special patch during the Lakers’ 124–112 loss to the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday, January 13 (Philippine Standard Time). While the game did not result in a win, the moment still marked a significant milestone in LeBron’s storied career.

    Following the matchup, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer reflected on the honor, expressing deep gratitude and emotion about the league’s gesture.

     

    “Just super cool. Super surreal. Super humbled. Blessed. I walked in here and seen it for the first time, and it was like an emotional moment as well. I just started thinking about the whole, from the beginning to where we are now. It’s been a heck of a journey,” LeBron said to the media.

     

    The tribute highlights the rare feat of remaining a productive and dominant basketball player well into one’s 40s—something LeBron has managed through dedication, conditioning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With four NBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and countless records, his career continues to expand the limits of what longevity and sustained elite performance look like in professional sports.

     

    The commemorative patch is expected to become a sought-after collector’s item among fans and memorabilia enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of significance to LeBron’s 23rd season. As the Lakers continue their campaign, James’ on-court presence—paired with this special recognition—serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy he continues to build, one historic season at a time.

     

     

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  • PHILTA eyes tennis growth in the Philippines as Manila is set to host first-ever WTA 125 event

    PHILTA eyes tennis growth in the Philippines as Manila is set to host first-ever WTA 125 event

    Manila is set to serve up a historic moment for Philippine tennis, as the city prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has officially been added to the 2026 WTA calendar, elevating Manila onto the global tennis stage with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be contested on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. Beyond the competition itself, the event signals a new chapter for Philippine tennis, giving local fans the rare opportunity to witness world-class players in action on home soil.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open press conference took place on Tuesday, January 13, at Lanson Palace in Pasay City. Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) executive director Tonnette Mendoza highlighted that one of the primary reasons for hosting the event in Manila is to foster the growth of tennis in the Philippines, a country where basketball still dominates the sporting landscape.

     

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    “You know, just being near all these big, really good players, they are top 100 in the world, still at a different level, it’s really going to encourage them to be better at tennis. And then, of course, we really want the kids to come and watch. It’s hard to watch really world-class tennis, you have to go to another country. So it’s good that they are here,” Mendoza said.

    PHILTA also announced ticket prices for the milestone event, which were met with positive feedback for their affordability. Tickets range from P200 for the qualifying matches to P2,000 for the main draw, giving ordinary fans access to high-level competition.

     

    “Well, we really, of course we want to recover some of our expenses, but because the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is really helping us, we are able to keep our prices low. You know, at that level, and we are not thinking of making lots and lots of money. What we really want is for the people to come over,” Mendoza added, emphasizing the organization’s focus on accessibility and community engagement.

     

    Rising Filipino tennis stars Alex Eala and Tenny Madis will represent the country after securing wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For both athletes, competing at home offers not just a chance to gain invaluable experience against top international opponents, but also an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino tennis players.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open will be held at the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, promising thrilling tennis action while solidifying the Philippines’ presence on the global tennis stage. Beyond the matches, the event represents a major step forward for the sport in the country, giving fans and young athletes alike a chance to witness world-class competition without leaving home.

     

     

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  • Rising Filipina star Tenny Madis excited for WTA 125 debut at Philippine Women’s Open

    Rising Filipina star Tenny Madis excited for WTA 125 debut at Philippine Women’s Open

    Manila is set to serve up a historic moment for Philippine tennis, as the city prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has been officially added to the 2026 WTA calendar, putting Manila on the global tennis stage with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be played on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. The event promises high-level competition while giving local fans a rare opportunity to witness world-class tennis on home soil.

     

    Rising Filipino tennis stars Tenny Madis and Alex Eala will represent the country after securing wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open will mark her debut at a WTA 125 tournament—an opportunity she describes as both thrilling and special.

     

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    “I’m so very grateful for the wild card. It’s a great opportunity to compete at this higher level and gain valuable experience. So I see it as an invitation to do better, to do my best. It feels so special to compete at home and I’m very excited. Super excited kasi makalaban ko yung mga higher level na players,” Madis said during the Philippine Women’s Open press conference in Pasay City.

    The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, capturing the Gentry Open Women’s singles title and the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship. She also secured two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, further establishing herself as one of the country’s brightest tennis prospects.

     

    Madis is now training intensively at the Philippine Tennis Academy under coach Bobie Angelo, focusing on improving her strength and preparing for the challenges of competing against higher-ranked WTA players.

     

    “I have been training consistently, with my team at the Philippine Tennis Academy, with coach Bobie Angelo, and my teammates as well. Yes, it’s very intensive training and mag-improve pa po yung muscles,” she shared.

     

    “The lessons po na ma-ano ko is to do my best and have fun. Palagi lang sinasabi ng coach ko, coach Bobie, laban para sa bayan and gapang talaga para sa bayan. So my goal is to compete well. And I just focus on to enjoy every match. And, yeah, to compete hard,” Madis added, highlighting her determination to represent the Philippines with pride.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open will be held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, offering thrilling tennis action for fans while providing a platform for local players to gain invaluable international experience. Beyond the competition, the tournament represents a major step forward for Philippine tennis, helping the country cement its presence on the global stage and inspiring the next generation of Filipino tennis players.

     

     

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  • Philippine skaters gear up for Four Continents Championships after SEA Games success

    Philippine skaters gear up for Four Continents Championships after SEA Games success

    The Philippines closed out the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, on a strong note, finishing sixth overall in the medal tally with a total of 277 medals: 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes. The country’s athletes displayed grit and determination across a wide range of disciplines, proving that Filipino sports continue to grow in competitiveness at the regional level.

     

    Among the standout performances were those from the country’s skating contingent. Figure skating emerged as a bright spot for Team Philippines, with Maxine Bautista capturing a silver medal and Paolo Borromeo securing the bronze in their respective events. Their podium finishes were a testament to the growing talent and dedication in the Philippine skating scene, signaling that the country is producing skaters capable of making a mark on larger international stages.

     

    Buoyed by the success of Bautista and Borromeo at the SEA Games, Philippine Skating Union chief Nikki Cheng expressed confidence in the team’s prospects at the upcoming Four Continents Championships, which will be held in Beijing, China, from January 21 to 25. The prestigious event is considered one of the major international competitions in figure skating, attracting top athletes from across Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.

     

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    “Right after the Southeast Asian Games, Maxine and Paolo went back home and went straight away to training. The Four Continents Championships is of course a very big event. It’s considered one of the international skating championship events and we are very glad that we have Philippine representatives that qualified to this championships,” Cheng said in a media interaction, highlighting the athletes’ swift transition from regional competition to international preparation.

    The Philippines will send a total of four skaters to Beijing, with Isabella Gamez and Aleksandr Korovin joining the duo of Bautista and Borromeo. While Bautista and Borromeo gained experience at the SEA Games, Gamez and Korovin did not compete in Thailand because the program did not feature the pair skating event. However, Cheng emphasized that their absence from the SEA Games did not indicate a lack of effort or preparation.

     

    “Gamez and Korovin competed in the 2025 Golden Spin in Zagreb, Croatia, last December and finished 13th. That gave them good exposure and preparation for the challenges ahead at Four Continents,” Cheng said, noting the importance of competing against a strong international field to sharpen their skills.

     

    The pair has been training intensively in Russia over the past year, fine-tuning their routines and building consistency in their performances. Cheng highlighted their dedication and discipline, underscoring that the team is entering the Four Continents Championships in peak condition.

    “They are currently training in Russia. It’s been a few months or actually for the whole year they were there. And so they are preparing intensely for Four Continents,” Cheng added.

     

    With a mix of regional experience from the SEA Games and international exposure from competitions like the Golden Spin, the Philippines will field a competitive lineup in Beijing. Fans and officials alike will be watching closely, hoping that the country’s skaters can translate their hard work into strong performances on the Four Continents stage, setting the stage for even bigger achievements in the years to come.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum in the tightly contested series but also highlighted the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, while also recording 11 rebounds and 11 assists, completing a spectacular triple-double that showcased his all-around impact. Beyond his scoring, Thompson’s court vision, playmaking, and defensive presence allowed Ginebra to dominate on both ends of the floor. The point guard’s performance underscored why he is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and clutch players in the league, capable of carrying his team through high-pressure playoff games.

     

    While Thompson commanded the spotlight, wingman Jayson David provided a critical spark off the bench. Playing roughly 27 minutes, David chipped in 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists. His game-high plus-minus of +22 reflected the tangible impact he had on both ends of the court, helping Ginebra maintain control during key stretches and energize the team whenever the Beermen attempted to close the gap.

     

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    San Miguel, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Star center June Mar Fajardo had an uncharacteristic night, scoring just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting. Despite his scoring woes, Fajardo still contributed a strong 20 rebounds and five assists, showing his usual presence on the glass and ability to facilitate his teammates. However, the Beermen’s reliance on Fajardo’s scoring proved costly, as Ginebra capitalized on their perimeter shooting and fast-break opportunities.

     

    Following the win, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized the challenge of facing a team of San Miguel’s caliber, praising their consistent excellence and legendary status in the league.

    “June Mar had a tough night. I didn’t know if it was his shoulders or what, but he was missing shots he normally takes. We will take that, whatever advantage we can get. They are a legendary team in the All-Filipino. June Mar is legendary, and it’s quite intimidating to play them,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    Cone elaborated on the depth and experience of the Beermen roster, noting the presence of multiple All-Stars and former champions.

     

    “There is Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and CJ Perez, then June Mar. That’s a formidable team. Then you add Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz, so it’s really tough,” he added.

     

    The veteran coach admitted that the greatest challenge in facing San Miguel is not just talent but mentality—a lesson Ginebra learned the hard way during a seven-game Philippine Cup series in Season 49, when they fell to the Beermen in the semifinals.

     

    “The biggest problem we have with this team is just believing that we can beat them. That is the hardest thing for us to overcome. We need to internalize the idea that we can beat them, and that’s really the biggest battle we need to overcome,” Cone concluded, underscoring the psychological hurdle that accompanies taking on one of the league’s most decorated franchises.

     

    Ginebra’s Game 4 triumph not only evened the series at 2–2 but also sent a message that the Gin Kings are capable of matching San Miguel blow for blow. With the series shifting momentum and both teams vying for a crucial advantage, the remaining games promise to be highly competitive, showcasing the intensity, skill, and drama that have defined this longstanding PBA rivalry.

     

     

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  • “Walang trade”: Dennis Pineda clears the air on Alec Stockton’s future with Converge

    “Walang trade”: Dennis Pineda clears the air on Alec Stockton’s future with Converge

    The Converge FiberXers enjoyed a respectable run in the ongoing 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, reaching the quarterfinals and showing flashes of their potential as one of the league’s rising squads. However, their campaign came to an abrupt and painful end after a heartbreaking loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—despite carrying a twice-to-beat advantage.

     

    Converge’s quarterfinal exit was punctuated by a dramatic finish that continues to be discussed by fans and analysts. With the FiberXers holding a slim lead late in their do-or-die matchup, guard Alec Stockton committed a crucial foul on Ginebra’s Jeremiah Gray, who was attempting a three-pointer. Gray calmly sank all three free throws, forcing the game into overtime, where Ginebra eventually pulled away and secured the win.

     

    Following the defeat, speculation quickly emerged regarding Stockton’s future with the franchise, with some questioning whether the late-game blunder might trigger roster changes. However, Converge head coach Dennis Pineda moved to silence trade rumors during an appearance on Snow Badua’s “No Cooking Show” podcast, addressing the situation head-on.

     

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    “Walang trade. Naeepektuhan ang mga players at naapektuhan ang samahan ng team,” Pineda said, making it clear that the organization has no plans to move Stockton and emphasizing the importance of maintaining team chemistry and morale.

    Despite the disappointment, Pineda expressed pride in his squad’s overall performance throughout the Philippine Cup. Converge—one of the younger teams in the league—finished fourth in the eliminations with an impressive 7–4 win-loss record. Their competitive showing against top-tier opponents highlighted the group’s growth and potential moving forward.

     

    “Nakita ko ang attitude ng team, wala pong sumuko. Di n’yo nakita na nag-give up ang team, determinado na manalo. Mga bagito, pero nakapag-bigay po kami ng saya. Maganda ang Game Two vs. Barangay Ginebra,” he added, commending his players for their resilience and fighting spirit even in the toughest moments.

     

    Pineda, who previously served as Governor of Pampanga from 2013 to 2019, also addressed another lingering topic: the status of Dave Ildefonso, whose potential move to Converge has been widely discussed. The coach confirmed that Ildefonso will honor his existing contract with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) before any formal transfer can take place.

     

    “I need to respect ‘yung kontrata n’ya with Abra,” Pineda concluded, reinforcing the team’s commitment to professionalism and transparent dealings with players and partner organizations.

     

     

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  • “We know Meralco will come back really hard”: Inside Chot Reyes’ mindset ahead of Game 5

    “We know Meralco will come back really hard”: Inside Chot Reyes’ mindset ahead of Game 5

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved to within a single victory of clinching a coveted berth in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102–83, in a commanding Game 4 performance on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With the win, TNT seized a 3–1 advantage in the best-of-seven semifinal showdown, placing enormous pressure on a Meralco squad now desperately seeking answers.

     

    Poy Erram delivered what was arguably his most dominant outing of the conference, spearheading TNT’s interior attack with 27 points on a hyper-efficient 9-of-11 clip. The veteran big man added nine rebounds and two assists, imposing his presence on both ends of the floor and setting the tone early. His energy and aggressiveness helped the Tropang Giga establish control from the opening quarter, forcing Meralco into difficult looks and limiting their ability to generate momentum.

     

    Complementing Erram’s strong performance were Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana, who chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively. Their perimeter scoring provided TNT with the offensive balance needed to keep the Bolts scrambling defensively throughout the night. With multiple players stepping up amid the team’s injury setbacks, TNT executed with precision and composure, refusing to allow Meralco any significant run.

     

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    Despite holding a significant series lead and appearing to gain rhythm at the most crucial stretch of the playoffs, TNT head coach Chot Reyes cautioned against overconfidence. He emphasized that the Tropang Giga are preparing for Meralco’s urgency and intensity in the upcoming matchup.

    “We have no illusions that this is going to be an easy series. We know Meralco will come back really hard. After the last game, when we lost the series and the series was 2-1, we already expected that it would be tough,” Reyes said in a media interaction.

     

    Reyes’ concern is amplified by TNT’s ongoing injury woes. The team continues to navigate the absence of several key contributors, including Roger Pogoy (hamstring), Rey Nambatac (ankle), and Kelly Williams (illness). Pogoy’s condition is particularly troubling for the Tropang Giga, with indications that the sharpshooter may miss the remainder of the semifinal series should it extend to a full seven games.

     

    “Hopefully, Rey heals and recovers, same thing with Roger. So right now, our focus is rest. As coaches, it’s our job to anticipate whatever adjustments they make for the next game,” Reyes added, underscoring the need for strategic preparation and internal adjustments.

     

    With manpower concerns and the Bolts expected to push back with urgency in an elimination scenario, Reyes has called on his remaining rotation to elevate their efforts both physically and mentally. He reiterated that the team must maintain discipline and avoid any hint of complacency heading into the potentially series-clinching encounter.

     

    “We need to be ready for a huge battle in Game 5. We just have to continue figuring things out. It’s now up to the others to fill that void,” Reyes concluded.

     

    TNT will now look to capitalize on the opportunity to close out the series when the semifinal duel resumes on Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. A win would send the Tropang Giga back to the Philippine Cup Finals and keep their championship aspirations firmly within reach, while a Meralco victory would shift momentum and extend what has already been an intense and physically demanding series.

     

     

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  • CR7 chases 1,000 goals and more: The records Ronaldo could break this year

    CR7 chases 1,000 goals and more: The records Ronaldo could break this year

    Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most decorated and celebrated footballers in history, and even at 40 years old, the Al-Nassr superstar continues to chase new milestones. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching and his form still remarkably strong, Ronaldo could be on track to add several historic records to an already unmatched résumé.

     

    Below are six major records Ronaldo could realistically break in 2026:

     

    1. First player to score 1,000 official career goals

    Ronaldo sits at 957 official goals, needing just 43 more to reach one of the most mythic landmarks in football. Staying fit will be key, but based on his current scoring rate, he could hit the milestone in the early stages of the 2026–27 season.

     

    Ronaldo has openly stated that he intends to keep playing until he reaches this target.

     

    “It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated,” Ronaldo said at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

     

    “My passion is high and I want to continue… You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.”

     

    If accomplished, he would become the first player in football history to reach 1,000 verified goals.

     

    2. Winning a league title in four different countries

    Only a few elite players have captured top-flight titles in four different countries, and Ronaldo could join that exclusive club this season.

     

    He has already won:

    • England – Premier League

       

    • Spain – La Liga

       

    • Italy – Serie A

       

    All that remains is a title in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr have been strong this season but recently slipped to second place behind Al-Hilal. Should they reclaim the top spot and win the league, Ronaldo will add yet another historic achievement to his legacy.

     

    Renowned players who have won titles in four nations include Zlatan Ibrahimović, Arjen Robben, David Beckham, and Deco, among others.

     

    3. First player to score in six different World Cups

    Ronaldo already holds numerous World Cup records, but scoring in the 2026 tournament would make him the first player ever to score in six different World Cups.

     

    He is the only player entering the 2026 World Cup with this opportunity. Lionel Messi, although also set for a sixth appearance, did not score in the 2010 edition and therefore cannot challenge for this particular record.

     

    4. First player to score 200 penalties

    With 180 penalty goals, Ronaldo already holds the record for the most penalties scored in football history.

     

    If he converts 20 more in 2026, he will become the first player ever to score 200 penalty goals. The number may seem high, but Ronaldo remains his club’s main penalty taker—and in 2020 alone, he took 20 penalties and converted 17.

     

    5. First player to score 500 goals after turning 30

    Ronaldo recently surpassed Ronnie Rooke to become the highest-scoring player over the age of 30. He currently sits at 494 goals scored since turning 30. Just six more goals will make him the first player ever to reach 500+ goals after hitting that age.

     

    Given that he routinely scores in double digits each year, this milestone is well within reach.

    At an age when most footballers have long retired, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations and rewrite the standards of longevity and elite performance. Whether he reaches 1,000 goals, scores at a sixth World Cup, or secures a fourth league title in a fourth country, each milestone would further cement his status as one of football’s greatest icons.

     

    As 2026 unfolds, Ronaldo’s pursuit of history will remain one of the sport’s most compelling storylines—proof that even after two decades at the top, he is still far from finished.

     

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez reflects on her experience covering the 2025 SEA Games as a sports correspondent

    Alyssa Valdez reflects on her experience covering the 2025 SEA Games as a sports correspondent

    Alyssa Valdez, the iconic Alas Pilipinas and Creamline Cool Smashers star, is widely regarded as the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines and a key figure in bringing the sport into the national mainstream.

     

    However, Valdez was notably absent from Alas Pilipinas’ squad for the recently concluded 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, instead taking on a new challenge as a media correspondent for Cignal, the official broadcaster of the SEA Games in the Philippines.

     

    In the latest episode of her podcast, “The Transition Playbook,” the 32-year-old admitted she was initially nervous about her new role, given that it was an entirely different environment from competing on the court.

     

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    “Honestly, when I took the job, I was asking Boom Gonzales kung paano ba gagawin? Sobrang kabado talaga ako,” Valdez shared, recalling the anxiety she felt stepping into broadcasting.

    Valdez added that working alongside familiar faces added a unique layer of pressure.

    “I was once teammates with all these players, most especially sa women’s indoor volleyball, di ba? So medyo iba din talaga yung kaba,” she explained.

     

    Despite the initial awkwardness, Valdez embraced her new responsibilities, finding that covering the games gave her a fresh perspective on sports and the athletes she had once competed alongside.

     

    “I’d say, nagging iba yung relationship ko with sports. Kasi, one, as an athlete, alam mo yung pinaghirapan nung mga athlete na lumalaban to represent the country. Iba yung pag-approach ko din sa kanila. I just feel like iba yung pag-approach ko sa kanila bilang atleta pa rin. So, yun yung actually dinala ko when I went there. And yun naman yung advice din sa akin nila Boom. Iba din yung pagiging conversation when you talk parang as athletes to athletes. So, yun yung dinala ko. But siguro now, mas lumawak yung learnings about sports,” Valdez said.

     

    With a major international assignment under her belt, Valdez is now contemplating whether sports broadcasting could be a future career path after she retires from volleyball.

     

    “I think if I’m gonna do it, I really want to explore more. But if I’m gonna do it, I really have to learn and really study all the things na kasama nun. Kasi, siyempre, ibang world na yun. So, I really want to be ready if magkaroon ulit ng chance na mapunta ako sa ganong sitwasyon,” she concluded.

     

    Valdez’s experience at the SEA Games highlights her adaptability and dedication to Philippine sports, showing that her influence extends beyond the court. By embracing a role in sports media, she not only gains a new perspective but also continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.

     

    Whether she chooses to pursue broadcasting full-time or focuses on her volleyball career, Alyssa Valdez remains a trailblazer, bridging the worlds of elite competition and sports storytelling.

     

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