RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo has calmed fears over his fitness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after recovering from a right hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks with Al Nassr, returning to action in early April and quickly reminding fans why he remains Portugal’s talisman at age 41.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered the muscle injury on Feb. 28 during Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Fayha, forcing him off late in a 3-1 victory. Initial reports suggested a minor setback, but coach Jorge Jesus later described it as “more serious than we first thought,” prompting Ronaldo to travel to Madrid for specialized treatment before continuing rehabilitation in Riyadh.

The absence sparked widespread concern about his readiness for what could be his sixth and final World Cup. Ronaldo missed Portugal’s March friendlies against Mexico and the United States, as well as several club fixtures. Yet national team coach Roberto Martinez repeatedly downplayed the issue, calling it a “minor muscle injury” and insisting Ronaldo faced “no danger” of missing the tournament in North America.

Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo’s overall physical condition this season had been excellent and that the setback would not derail Portugal’s plans. “He has a minor injury and will probably be back playing and training next week,” the coach said in late March. “Everything Cristiano has done physically during the season shows that he’s in great shape.”

Ronaldo provided his own positive update via social media in late March, posting gym photos with the caption “Getting better every day.” The images showed him performing leg exercises, signaling steady progress in his recovery. By early April, he had rejoined full training with Al Nassr and was cleared for a return to competitive action.

On April 3, Ronaldo marked his comeback in emphatic fashion, scoring twice — including a penalty and a clinical finish — in Al Nassr’s 5-2 league win over Al Najma. The quick return to the scoresheet eased lingering doubts and boosted morale ahead of the club’s title push and Portugal’s World Cup preparations.

Fabrizio Romano reported April 2 that Ronaldo was “back available for Al Nassr and set to be called up” for Portugal duty as well. His place in the national squad was never seriously in question, despite the brief absence during the international window.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. He remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and captain, with his experience and goal threat still central to the team’s hopes. Martinez has made clear that Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos will lead the line in Group K, alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and either DR Congo or Jamaica. Portugal opens its campaign June 17 in Houston.

The injury highlighted the physical demands on an aging superstar who maintains an intense training regimen. Ronaldo has long invested in recovery science, cryotherapy and personalized programs, often training in Madrid with specialists. His ability to bounce back quickly aligns with a career defined by resilience, from early setbacks at Sporting Lisbon to record-breaking spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Portugal qualified comfortably for the expanded 2026 tournament and enters as one of the favorites in a relatively favorable group. Yet questions persist about how to balance Ronaldo’s legendary status with the rising talents around him, including Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao and Vitinha. Martinez has stressed that the highest standards apply to everyone, including the captain.

Ronaldo’s club form with Al Nassr remains strong when fit. The Saudi Pro League leaders rely on his goals and leadership as they chase domestic silverware. His return coincided with teammate Sadio Mane also recovering from injury, giving the side a timely boost.

Broader discussions around Ronaldo’s role at the World Cup have intensified. Some analysts suggest his presence could create selection headaches, while former teammate Ricardo Quaresma argued that Ronaldo’s “last dance” will fuel Portugal’s ambition and desire to win the title for him. “We have more will to win because Cristiano is there,” Quaresma said.

Ronaldo has hinted at retirement after the tournament, making 2026 potentially his final major international stage. He has spoken of the special motivation to lift the trophy in what could be his swan song, adding emotional weight to Portugal’s campaign.

Medical experts note that hamstring injuries in players over 40 can be tricky due to reduced muscle elasticity and recovery speed. However, Ronaldo’s disciplined lifestyle — strict diet, sleep and training — has helped him manage such issues throughout his career. Daily evaluations during rehab ensured a cautious but effective return.

As April 2026 progresses, Ronaldo continues building match sharpness with Al Nassr. Portugal’s final pre-tournament camp will offer the chance to integrate him fully with the squad. Training base plans include sessions in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, providing ideal conditions to fine-tune fitness before the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Fans have reacted with relief and excitement to Ronaldo’s comeback. Social media filled with clips of his brace against Al Najma, while hashtags celebrating his recovery trended globally. Supporters view the injury as a minor bump rather than a serious threat to his World Cup participation.

For Portugal, the focus remains on peaking at the right moment. The team won the Nations League with Ronaldo and boasts a blend of experience and youth capable of challenging for the title. Yet success will depend on Ronaldo staying fit and delivering in key moments inside the box, where his finishing remains lethal.

Ronaldo’s journey to 2026 has been one of relentless ambition. From breaking scoring records to adapting his game at Al Nassr, he continues to set standards few can match. The hamstring scare served as a reminder of his mortality on the pitch, but his rapid recovery reinforced his enduring elite status.

As the countdown to the World Cup intensifies, all eyes will remain on Ronaldo’s fitness and form. Portugal travels with high expectations, fueled in part by the desire to send their greatest player out on a high note — or perhaps with the ultimate prize.

Whether Ronaldo lifts the trophy or simply bows out after one final memorable tournament, his presence ensures Portugal remains a team to watch. For now, the superstar is back scoring goals and easing concerns, ready to write another chapter in one of football’s most remarkable careers.

Kevin Warsh would enter the world’s most powerful central bank with a fortune of at least $131 million, according to financial disclosures released Tuesday – an amount that would make him the wealthiest chair in the Federal Reserve’s history.

The U.S. Office of Government Ethics released his nearly 70-page financial disclosures, part of the standard vetting process for senior government nominees. 

The filings also show that Warsh’s wife, Jane Lauder – an heiress to the global beauty company Estée Lauder and a businesswoman – holds millions of dollars in additional assets, further adding to the family’s overall wealth.

His potential ascent comes at a turbulent moment for the central bank.

The Federal Reserve is facing mounting pressure on multiple fronts, including a Justice Department criminal probe involving Chair Jerome Powell, a Supreme Court case weighing limits on the Fed’s independence, and persistent cost-of-living concerns testing President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.

WHAT TRUMP’S NEXT PICK TO LEAD THE FEDERAL RESERVE MEANS FOR YOUR WALLET

President Donald Trump in January nominated Kevin Warsh as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. (Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Adding to the uncertainty, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is holding up Warsh’s nomination amid bipartisan concerns tied to the probe involving Powell.

Even so, lawmakers are preparing to move forward with the confirmation process.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said Tuesday that a confirmation hearing is scheduled for next week.

“It’ll be a two-step process,” Scott said on FOX Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.” “Next week, we’ll have a hearing with Kevin Warsh. We’ll talk through the economy, price stability and inflation, and the independence of the Fed. And then the second step later on, we’ll have a vote.”

Scott added that he expects broad Republican support for Warsh, noting the nominee previously advanced through the Senate by unanimous consent.

TRUMP’S NEWEST VOICE AT THE FED HAS ADVICE FOR KEVIN WARSH BEFORE HE TAKES THE HELM

However, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has emerged as a key holdout.

Tillis has previously vowed to block any Federal Reserve nominee until the Trump administration concludes its criminal probe involving Powell. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, his opposition carries significant weight. Overriding it would require a discharge vote on the Senate floor – an extraordinary step requiring 60 votes and widely seen as a long shot.

Sen. Thom Tillis speaks to members of the media on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2026. (Alex Kent/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Last month, Tillis met with Warsh on Capitol Hill. Ahead of the meeting, Tillis told Fox News Digital that he supports Warsh – whom Trump tapped in January – but wants the Powell investigation resolved before backing the nomination.

“I have very few questions. I’m a real fan of [Warsh], and I’m hoping we can get disposition of the Powell investigation, so I’d be in a position to vote for him,” Tillis told Fox News Digital.

Powell confirmed the DOJ investigation in a Jan. 11 video statement, calling the move “unprecedented” and describing it as another example of what he said were Trump’s ongoing threats against the central bank. 

FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR POWELL UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OVER HQ RENOVATION

His decision to respond so publicly – after days of private consultation with advisors – marked a sharp departure from his typically measured approach during his eight-year tenure leading the Fed.

Powell, widely viewed as one of the most crisis-tested Federal Reserve chairs in modern U.S. history, built his career as a lawyer and investment banker in New York before entering public service in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. 

He joined the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors in 2012 and was nominated by Trump to lead the central bank in 2017.

Like Powell, Warsh is not an economist by training. Instead, he brings a background in law and finance that has shaped his views on the Federal Reserve.

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Kevin Warsh, former governor of the Federal Reserve, has been nominated to lead the central bank. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University in 1992 and a law degree from Harvard in 1995. He built his career at Morgan Stanley and, at 35, became the youngest person to serve on the Fed’s board in 2006.

Though he stepped down in 2011, he was widely recognized as the Fed’s key liaison to Wall Street during the 2008 financial crisis. He previously worked in the Bush administration as a special assistant to the president for economic policy and executive secretary at the National Economic Council.

Warsh was among Trump’s leading candidates to replace Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen in 2017. However, Trump ultimately nominated Powell to the role.

LOS ANGELES — At 41, LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations, delivering vintage performances for the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers as the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down and the 2026 playoffs approach. Yet with free agency on the horizon this summer, the four-time champion’s future remains the biggest storyline surrounding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

James posted a 26-point, 11-assist, eight-rebound double-double in a road win over the Golden State Warriors on April 9, showcasing the all-around dominance that has defined his record 23rd season. Just days later, he scored 18 points in only 17 minutes during what appeared to be the final regular-season home game, fueling excitement for the postseason while managing minor foot issues that kept him questionable in recent matchups.

The Lakers, bolstered by the midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic, have navigated significant injuries to key players including Austin Reaves and others. James has shouldered a heavier load at times, stepping up as the primary option and helping keep Los Angeles in playoff contention in the Western Conference. On his “Mind the Game” podcast, James expressed genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming playoffs, calling the postseason “lit” and noting he does not know how many more he has left.

Father-son highlights with rookie Bronny James have added emotional depth to the campaign. The pair have shared the court multiple times, producing memorable moments including assists and joint plays that underscore one of the most unique stories in league history. Bronny, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, has seen limited but growing minutes, often flashing defensive potential and occasional scoring bursts off the bench.

Despite the on-court resilience, James’ long-term status with the Lakers is uncertain. He exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season last summer, but he enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. NBA insiders report a growing consensus that James may not return to Los Angeles for a potential 24th season, with speculation centering on a possible homecoming to the Cleveland Cavaliers or a high-profile move to the Golden State Warriors to team with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in pursuit of another title.

Cleveland, where James won his first championship and built his legacy, remains a sentimental favorite for many. The Cavaliers have emerged as a strong Eastern Conference contender, and a reunion could provide a narrative-rich final chapter. Meanwhile, Golden State offers the chance to close his career alongside one of the greatest shooters ever, potentially forming a superteam dynamic in the twilight of both stars’ careers. Some reports suggest the Lakers would welcome James back if he chooses to stay, with team president Rob Pelinka expressing a desire for him to retire as a Laker.

James has been characteristically coy about his plans, focusing publicly on the present. He has not ruled out retirement but has given no indication he is ready to walk away while still performing at an elite level. His per-game averages this season hover around 20-22 points, seven assists and six rebounds — remarkable production for any player, let alone one in his 40s. He continues to lead fast-break points and impact games with his basketball IQ and passing vision.

The 2025-26 season started with challenges for James. He missed the opener and several early games due to sciatica, marking the first time in his career he sat out opening night. Load management and foot/knee concerns have limited him at times, ending his streak for certain individual awards earlier in the year. Yet he has adapted, conserving energy for critical stretches and the playoffs.

Lakers fans and analysts have debated whether James has “played his way back” into the franchise’s long-term plans. A late-season turnaround, driven partly by his leadership amid injuries, has shifted some earlier assumptions that his Lakers tenure might end this year. The addition of Doncic has injected new dynamism, creating intriguing offensive possibilities if the core stays intact.

Off the court, James maintains his vast business empire and philanthropic efforts through the LeBron James Family Foundation. His influence extends far beyond basketball, with continued involvement in media projects and social initiatives. Family remains central; sharing the court with Bronny has been a highlight he has openly cherished.

As the regular season concludes, the Lakers prepare for a tough playoff path in a competitive Western Conference. James has emphasized that the postseason resets everything, regardless of regular-season results. His experience — 10 NBA Finals appearances and four rings — positions him as a steadying force for a younger supporting cast.

Speculation about his destination has intensified in recent weeks. ESPN and other outlets have detailed factors James will weigh: proximity to family in Ohio, competitive contention windows, coaching stability and lifestyle preferences in Los Angeles versus other markets. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports continues to represent him in what could be one of the most anticipated free-agency decisions in years.

Dwight Howard, a former Lakers teammate and Hall of Famer, publicly encouraged James to consider Cleveland for a fitting end to his career. Other voices in the league predict at least one more season, with tremendous interest from multiple teams should he hit the market.

James’ longevity stands as one of sports’ greatest achievements. Drafted first overall in 2003 straight out of high school, he has evolved from a prodigy to a global icon while maintaining elite athleticism and skill. His ability to adapt — shifting from slasher to facilitator to stretch forward — has prolonged his prime far beyond conventional expectations.

For the Lakers, retaining or replacing James carries franchise-altering implications. The organization has signaled commitment to building around its stars, but salary-cap realities and roster construction will influence any decisions. If James departs, Los Angeles would pivot toward a Doncic-centric future with younger pieces.

Playoff excitement is palpable. James has spoken about the unique intensity of the postseason and his eagerness to compete. Even as questions swirl about his future, his focus remains on helping the Lakers advance as far as possible in 2026.

Bronny’s development adds another layer. The father-son duo has created historic moments, from shared minutes to on-court connections. Their partnership symbolizes generational passing in the NBA, even as debates persist about Bronny’s path and opportunities.

As April 2026 progresses, all eyes remain on James. Will he chase one more ring in a new uniform, return to his roots in Cleveland, or conclude his Lakers chapter with a deep playoff run? The King has yet to tip his hand, but his continued excellence ensures the conversation will dominate the NBA landscape through the summer.

Whatever path he chooses, LeBron James’ impact on the game — and the memories he continues to create — cements his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats. The 2026 playoffs offer another stage for his enduring legacy, with free agency promising a dramatic next chapter in an already cinematic career.

After hitting a 52-week high of around Rs 74 apiece in May last year, the renewable energy stock plunged nearly 49% over the next 10 months to a 52-week low of Rs 38.19. However, bulls have since regained control, driving a sharp rebound in recent sessions.

April saw markets rebound sharply following the incessant selloff in March, amid rising hopes for peace talks and a ceasefire between Iran and the US in the Middle East, which had triggered a skyrocketing rally in oil prices and made analysts worry over the possible impact on India’s macroeconomics.

Suzlon Energy shares rode on the overall bullish sentiment. After hitting the record low level at the end of March, the stock rallied nearly 27% to hit today’s intraday high of more than Rs 48 apiece.

Market value swells by Rs 13,900 crore in April

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The strong surge in the share price led to strong gains in Suzlon Energy’s market value. The total market capitalisation of the company soared by more than Rs 13,900 crore in April so far to nearly Rs 66,270 crore today.
The stock has rallied nearly 500% in three years, and more than 1,000% in five years. For context, the stock had hit an all-time low of Rs 1.70 apiece during the infamous COVID crash of March 2020. The stock has so far rallied a whopping 2,700% since then.

FIIs increase stake in Suzlon Energy

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) quietly increased their exposure to Suzlon Energy in the March quarter, even as they overall remained strong net sellers of Indian equities during the same period. FIIs raised their stake in the renewable energy company by about 1.68 crore shares sequentially. Their holding stood at 3.07 crore shares, or 22.42%, at the end of the March quarter, compared with 3.06 crore shares, or 22.34%, in the December quarter.

Operationally, Suzlon has delivered decent numbers in the recent past. The company reported a 15% year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated profit to Rs 445 crore in the December quarter, while revenue jumped 42% YoY to Rs 4,228 crore, reflecting robust execution and order conversion.

With India accelerating its renewable energy push, particularly in wind capacity addition, Suzlon remains well placed to benefit from sector tailwinds. The recent FII buying, despite broader market selling, suggests institutional investors may be positioning for that next phase of growth.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)