DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Ronaldo ends disappointing debut season in Saudi empty-handed
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Osama Khairy | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 28 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr could not resist the temptation to sign five-times Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in January, but although the prolific Portuguese forward scored an impressive number of goals, they finished the season empty-handed. Ronaldo's hopes of silverware ended on Saturday as Al-Ittihad clinched the league title for the first time since 2009 with one match to spare. The first trophy to slip from his grasp was the Saudi Super Cup when his team lost 3-1 to Al-Ittihad in the semi-finals in January. Al-Nassr suffered a heavy blow in the league race title on March 9 when they lost 1-0 to Al-Ittihad, Brazilian Romarinho scoring the winning goal and overshadowing Ronaldo. That left the 38-year-old Ronaldo's hopes of winning a trophy dependent on Al-Ittihad stumbling in the league and that did not happen.

☆ Lionel Messi breaks a Cristiano Ronaldo record as PSG wins Ligue 1 title
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —There was another landmark in the long rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday. As Paris Saint-Germain sealed an 11th Ligue 1 title, Messi scored his 496th goal in Europe’s top five leagues, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous record of 495 goals. Kevin Gameiro equalized for Strasbourg twenty minutes later, but PSG still coasted to the league title despite the match ended in a draw. It was a record-breaking day for PSG as well as Messi, as the club overtook Saint-Etienne’s haul of 10 Ligue 1 trophies to claim the outright record. Messi scored PSG's only goal of the night.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Sajdah’ goal celebration goes viral
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-26 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

His gesture went viral on social media, spurring a whirlpool of comments from fans across the region. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s joy with the third goal and his prostration to God in thankfulness,” tweeted Ali Alabdallah, a Saudi sports correspondent, to his 411,000 followers. Portuguese star player Cristiano Ronaldo takes a low bow after scoring a goal during the match between Al Nassr and Al-Shabab on May 23. The movement, which includes a bow to the ground and touching the grass with one’s forehead, is a celebratory gesture performed mostly by Muslim footballers. Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr last year.

☆ Vinicius Jr calls LaLiga and Spain racist for chants after sending-off
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - Valencia v Real Madrid - Mestalla, Valencia, Spain - May 21, 2023 Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior gestures towards a fan after witnessing abuse as Valencia's Jose Gaya and... Read moreMay 21 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Brazil forward Vinicius Jr has called LaLiga and Spain racist after receiving racial slurs from the stands in Sunday's defeat at Valencia's Mestalla stadium. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal and the rivals encourage it," Vinicius posted on Twitter after the game. I am sorry for those Spaniards who disagree but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. The Spanish league has previously lodged complaints of racist chanting or insults against Vinicius Jr, the latest of which was a claim before a court in Mallorca after fans were filmed racially abusing the forward. Spanish police are also investigating a possible hate crime against Vinicius Jr after a mannequin wearing his number 20 shirt was hung from a bridge outside Real Madrid's training ground in January.

☆ Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr. racially abused during Spanish La Liga match
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, was subjected to racist chanting during his team’s defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium in Spain’s La Liga, according to club manager Carlo Ancelotti. Vinícius Jr. was sent off in the final minutes of the game for his involvement in an altercation with Valencia player Hugo Duro. ‘This isn’t football, this is @LaLiga’”The Real Madrid player then posted a longer statement on his Twitter. “Valencia CF wishes to publicly condemn any type of insult, attack or downgrading in football,” it reads. “Valencia CF can’t tolerate someone accusing our fans of being racist, we strongly reject Ancelotti’s comments,” the post said.

☆ These U.S. stocks have the most to lose — and gain — from China
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Yun Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Goldman Sachs analyzed company 10-K filings to determine the geographic revenue exposure of each stock in the S & P 500. They found a number of stocks with revenue exposure to Greater China of over 40%. If China continues to show an uneven path of recovery in the wake of its stringent Covid restrictions being lifted, these stocks could be hurt. Companies that generate a significant amount of sales from Greater China were exclusively in the chip industry, according to Goldman. Monolithic Power Systems is on the top of the list with 65% of its 2022 revenue derived from Greater China, according to Goldman.

☆ Real Madrid dethroned as ‘Kings of Europe’ as the club looks to usher in new generation of stars
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Even before the full-time whistle blew in Manchester City’s 4-0 mauling in the Champions League semifinal Wednesday, Real Madrid players looked to have accepted their fate. To see a club like Real Madrid get put to the sword is always a surprise, but it’s even more shocking when you consider it was this team – in this competition. Luka Modrić has been one of the best players in the world during his time at Real Madrid. In truth, the chastening defeat against Manchester City has only amplified what madridistas already knew. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti looked on as his side lost 4-0 on Wednesday.

☆ Starbucks, Estée Lauder, Qualcomm: Global companies warn of slower-than-expected recovery in China
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Starbucks (SBUX) and Qualcomm (QCOM) have also flagged uncertainties related to the country, which is a top market for both. Beijing abandoned its zero-Covid policy in December and scrapped longstanding quarantine requirements for international arrivals in January, ending restrictions that had isolated its economy. The welcomed, if abrupt, policy U-turn led to hopes that China could help propel global growth as it had before the pandemic. The idea was that as soon as the zero-Covid policy would be over, the Chinese households and consumers would just go berserk. Starbucks warned last Tuesday that sales growth in China was starting to cool — and likely would continue that trajectory over the next six months.

☆ 'As long as he's happy', Argentina boss unconcerned about Messi moves
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 10 (Reuters) - Argentina's World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni said he does not care where Lionel Messi plays his club football as long as he feels comfortable and happy. French media on Tuesday reported that a move to a Saudi club was a "done deal", adding that the Argentina captain was in the process of finalising details before signing a contract. "Let him go to where he will feel comfortable with his team mates and the club's fans," Scaloni told Qatar's Al-Kass channel. "The matter does not affect us as a national team as long as he's happy when he joins us and we need him to be happy." Messi, who apologised to PSG and his team mates last week, returned to training on Monday.

☆ Messi's father dismisses Saudi links
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 9 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi has not "signed or agreed" a deal to play in Saudi Arabia next season, the Argentine's father said after reports on Tuesday linked the Paris St Germain forward with a move to the Middle East. Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation in recent days after the Ligue 1 side suspended him for making a trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result. On Tuesday, French media reported that Messi's move to Saudi Arabia was a "done deal", adding that the 35-year-old was in the process of finalising details before signing a contract. The decision will never be made before Lionel finishes the league (season) with PSG," Messi's father Jorge said in a statement on Instagram. He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, when he faced his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

☆ Messi back in training with PSG
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 8 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi is training with Paris St Germain again, the Ligue 1 team said on Monday, after the forward was suspended for making a trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result. Messi, who apologised to PSG and his team mates on Friday, was left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at second-bottom Troyes on Sunday. PSG posted a picture of Messi training on social media, along with the caption: "The Argentinian striker from Paris Saint-Germain was back in training on Monday 8 May." The oil-rich nation appointed Messi its tourism ambassador last year and he visited Jeddah in May 2022. He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, when he faced great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

☆ Al Hilal coach Diaz ignoring Messi speculation with focus on Asian final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TOKYO, May 5 (Reuters) - Al Hilal coach Ramon Diaz refused to be drawn on claims the Saudi Arabian club are attempting to sign Lionel Messi as he focused on his side's clash with Urawa Red Diamonds in the second leg of the Asian Champions League final on Saturday. "Now we're focused on the game," said Diaz, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Riyadh last week. "We have the final and after the final we'll see what's going to happen." Al Hilal are chasing a record-extending fifth Asian Champions League success and are the holders after defeating Pohang Steelers in the 2021 final. "This team won the Asian Champions League twice (in the last three editions).

☆ Messi apologises to PSG for Saudi trip
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 5 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi apologised to Paris St Germain and his team mates on Friday after being suspended for making a trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week and missing a training session as a result. French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with the squad the day after the Ligue 1 leaders' 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient on Sunday. I had this trip organised and I couldn't cancel it, I had already cancelled it before," Messi said in a video on Instagram. "I apologise to my team mates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me," added the Argentina forward. He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, when he faced great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

☆ Messi receives offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal - source
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Ramiro Scandolo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BUENOS AIRES, May 4 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi has received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, a source close to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain told Reuters on Thursday. The offer from the Saudi club is the only one Messi has received so far, the source added. A second source close to Messi told Reuters the suspension was imposed after the forward told PSG he would not stay in Paris following this season and felt the club lacked a project. A source close to PSG denied this, telling Reuters Messi travelled without permission from the French club and despite there being a training session scheduled on Monday. The source did not comment on whether Messi had already told PSG he intended to leave at the end of the season.

☆ Ronaldo's Saudi title hopes revived after leaders lose
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Saudi Arabia's Founding Day wearing local traditional clothes at Al-Nassr Football Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 22, 2023. Al-Nassr FC/Handout via REUTERSMay 4 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of winning the Saudi league title with Al-Nassr were given a shot in the arm on Wednesday when leaders Ittihad lost 2-1 to Al-Taawoun. Ittihad are still in the driver's seat on 59 points, three ahead of Al Nassr, with five games left to play. Ronaldo, who has scored 12 league goals since joining Al-Nassr in January, posted a photo on Twitter with Al-Nassr's motto "ANA AALAMY" in Arabic in the early hours on Thursday. reporting by Ahmed El Khashab, writing by Shady Amir; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

While Qualcomm hopes smartphone sales will recover in China in the second half of the year, CEO Cristiano Amon told investors on a conference call that "we have not seen evidence of meaningful recovery and are not incorporating improvements into our planning assumptions." The company said a larger-than-normal decline in its chip revenue forecast from the prior quarter was mainly due "to the timing of purchases by a modem-only handset customer." Qualcomm forecast chips revenue of $6.9 billion to $7.5 billion. Qualcomm also faces stiffer competition, especially for high end smartphone chips, from Taiwan's MediaTek (2454.TW). Qualcomm forecast total revenue of $8.1 billion to $8.9 billion in the third quarter.

The company said a larger-than-normal decline in its chip revenue forecast from the prior quarter was mainly due "to the timing of purchases by a modem-only handset customer." Qualcomm forecast chips revenue of $6.9 billion to $7.5 billion. Smartphone demand has remained weak despite promotions and price cuts. Qualcomm also faces stiffer competition, especially for high end smartphone chips, from Taiwan's MediaTek (2454.TW). Qualcomm forecast revenue of $8.1 billion to $8.9 billion in the third quarter.

☆ Qualcomm gives light forecast, phone chip sales fall 17%
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Analysts were expecting current-quarter earnings guidance of $2.16 per share, but Qualcomm said it expected it that to be around $1.80. Qualcomm reported second-quarter earnings on Wednesday that were in line with analyst expectations but saw sales from handset chips, a core business for the company, decline 17% on an annual basis. The biggest part of QCT's sales come from handset chips, which are the processors at the heart of most Android phones. Qualcomm reported $6.11 billion in handset sales, down 17% from last year. Qualcomm said it made $900 million in share repurchases and paid $800 million in dividends during the quarter.

French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday that Qatari-owned PSG had suspended Messi for two weeks and decided against exercising an option to renew his contract for a third season after he made an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi is a Saudi ambassador for tourism and his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, signed for Saudi club Al-Nassr in December in a deal reported to be worth around $220 million per year. Messi's trip to Saudi Arabia resulted in him being suspended without pay and banned from training with his team mates by PSG, L'Equipe said. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb confirmed Messi's trip to the Kingdom. "I am happy to welcome Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel Messi and his family on his second vacation in Saudi," Al Khateeb wrote on his Twitter account.

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo: Soccer star tops Forbes' highest-paid athlete list for 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has become the highest paid athlete in the world, with a move to Al-Nassr nearly doubling his salary, according to Forbes. According to Forbes, Ronaldo has an estimated $75 million playing salary and has cashed in on a number of marketing opportunities. Both have lost sponsors since joining the controversial Saudi-backed breakaway group but have more than made up for it in prize money. Ronaldo was last named the world's highest-paid athlete in 2017. The American wasn’t even in the top 50 highest-paid athletes in 2022 but has now jumped up to sixth.

☆ Qualcomm's disappointing guidance on slow China recovery will force our hand on the stock
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Jeff Marks | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Revenue in the quarter fell about 17% year-over-year to $9.27 billion, beating analysts' forecasts of $9.1 billion, according to Refinitiv. In the quarter, Qualcomm won 12 new designs across its Snapdragon Cockpit and Snapdragon Connectivity 5G platforms with automakers. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade.

☆ Ronaldo tops Forbes' highest-paid athletes list in 2023 after Saudi move
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 2 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr nearly doubled his annual playing salary while Paris St Germain duo Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe round off the top three, according to Forbes. Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi soccer club on a deal until 2025 after leaving Manchester United last year, earned $136 million with Forbes saying his annual playing salary went up to an estimated $75 million. Ronaldo's contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($219.98 million). Los Angeles Lakers player and NBA great LeBron James ($119.5 million) and Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez ($110 million) rounded out the top five. Four-times NBA champion Stephen Curry ($100.4 million) and Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant ($89.1 million) are the other two basketball players on the list.

☆ Ronaldo scores to keep Al-Nassr's slim title hopes alive
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 29 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in four games on Friday to help Al-Nassr to a 4-0 win over Al-Raed, keeping alive the team's slim Saudi Pro League title hopes. With five matches remaining this season, Al-Nassr remain second in the league, three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad having played a game more than their rivals. Ronaldo's smile was back at Alawwal Park on Friday, however, as he celebrated a fourth-minute headed goal in trademark fashion. The 38-year-old Portuguese forward also contributed to Abdul Rahman Gharib's second goal with another header but his frown returned when he was denied a penalty in the second half. Reporting by Ahmed Mostafa and Osama Khairy, editing by Nick Mulvenney and Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Leao double boosts Milan's top-four hopes in 2-0 win over Lecce
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MILAN, April 23 (Reuters) - AC Milan's Rafael Leao scored twice to earn a 2-0 home win over Lecce on Sunday in the race for a top-four spot in Serie A. "We could have found more offensive situations, but we played as a mature and true team, winning deservedly," coach Stefano Pioli said. "There are only a few games left and we need to score points to qualify in the top four." Despite dominating possession, Milan had to wait until 15 minutes from time for the Portugal forward to double the lead. Lecce, who have failed to win in eight games since February, stay 16th with 28 points, two points above the relegation zone.

These kind of megadeals are at the vanguard of billions of dollars of annual spending on classic cars globally in a wave of investment in this alternative asset. "The track record of the past 30 years tells us classic cars have become a financial asset class we want our clients to have in their portfolios." [1/5] A general view of the classic car collection of Florian Zimmermann, owner of over 300 classic cars, in a warehouse in Lindau, Germany, April 5, 2023. "Electrification will favour classic cars," said Cristiano Bolzoni, head of Maserati's vintage car unit Maserati Classiche. "The classic car community has changed tremendously over the past five to 10 years," Zimmermann said.

Search resuls for: "Cristiano"

25 mentions found