Ronaldo's statement after Jorge Jesus fallout and Zidane's France start debated
October 8, 2026 00:30
A BBC Sport podcast episode featuring John Bennett with guests Julien Laurens and Guillem Balaguer covered several high-profile international-football topics. The panel discussed Cristiano Ronaldo's lengthy statement following a fallout with Jorge Jesus and asked whether his behaviour should surprise anyone.
They also examined Zinedine Zidane's early matches in charge of France and how he might impose his management, Lionel Messi's international goodbye, and how Spain have evolved since their World Cup win. Other items on the episode included a mention of Kylian Mbappé and a milestone for Virgil van Dijk, plus talk of Pep Guardiola possibly planning a return to the Etihad.
KEY FACTS
0'45 Mbappé out cycling?
3'41 Lionel Messi's goodbye
9'27 Cristiano Ronaldo's statement
22'05 Zinedine Zidane's first matches in charge of France
31'05 How have Spain pushed on from their World Cup win?
33'26 Virgil van Dijk reaches 100 caps
36'36 Pep Guardiola returns to the Etihad?