The Daily · Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Ronaldo Weds, Maresca Speaks, and Football's Off-Field Stories Dominate
A day largely shaped by stories away from the pitch. The most personal of them: Cristiano Ronaldo married Georgina Rodriguez at a civil ceremony in Portugal, formalising a relationship of several years in what stands as one of the more remarkable footnotes to his extraordinary career. Meanwhile, the football world continued to process the death of Jorge Messi, with Inter Miami defender Facundo Mura confirming the squad has been deeply affected — and no timetable set for Lionel Messi's return.
Off the field in a different sense, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis escalated his dispute with Crystal Palace by launching a defamation lawsuit over a banner displayed at Selhurst Park last season, depicting him holding a gun to Morgan Gibbs-White's head. It is a serious legal step between two Premier League clubs. Donald Trump also waded into football governance, warning FIFA it would be making a 'terrible mistake' to remove Gianni Infantino — an unusual intervention that added political weight to an already fraught situation at the top of world football.
In Scotland, Rangers received a damaging injury update: Youssef Chermiti has suffered an ACL injury and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, gave his first substantive interview as Manchester City manager, touching on the task of succeeding Guardiola — the same Guardiola who, Paolo Maldini revealed, came remarkably close to taking the Italy job.
The record
Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Georgina Rodriguez in Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has married his long-time girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez at a civil ceremony in Portugal. The couple, who have been together for several years, formalised their relationship in what is a significant personal milestone for one of football's most prominent figures.
Forest Owner Marinakis Sues Crystal Palace for Defamation Over Banner
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is suing Crystal Palace for defamation following an incident last season in which a banner was displayed at Selhurst Park depicting him holding a gun to the head of Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The legal action marks a significant escalation of the dispute between the two clubs.
Trump Warns FIFA Against Removing Infantino as President
US President Donald Trump has warned FIFA it would be making a 'terrible mistake' if it removed Gianni Infantino as head of world football's governing body. The statement adds political pressure to any potential moves against the FIFA president.
Rangers Striker Chermiti Faces Significant Absence After ACL Injury
Youssef Chermiti will be sidelined for a significant period after suffering an ACL injury during Rangers' defeat to Hibernian on Sunday. ACL injuries typically require lengthy rehabilitation, making this a serious blow to Rangers' attacking options.
Maresca Opens Up on Replacing Guardiola and Captaincy Decisions at City
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has spoken about the challenge of following Pep Guardiola, his interest in artificial intelligence, and an unresolved captaincy situation at the club. The interview offers an early insight into Maresca's thinking as he settles into life at City.
Maldini Reveals Guardiola Came Close to Taking Italy Job
Paolo Maldini has revealed that Pep Guardiola came close to becoming Italy head coach, with talks progressing far enough that Guardiola began writing out potential lineups. The move ultimately did not happen, but Maldini's account confirms the depth of negotiations between Guardiola and the Italian football federation.
CF Montréal sign Alexis Sánchez as Designated Player
CF Montréal have signed Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez on a Designated Player contract. The former Arsenal and Manchester United attacker joins the MLS side, with the club confirming the deal on Tuesday.