Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes that leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic career.

The versatile full-back emphasized that the entire footballing world, not just their home nation, will be uniting to support the veteran forward’s quest.

Defending legacy without pressure

Dalot has backed his compatriot Ronaldo to secure a fairytale ending on the grandest international stage. The United full-back was named in Roberto Martinez’s initial 27-man training squad, which temporarily includes a fourth goalkeeper in Genclerbirligi stopper Ricardo Velho. However, this preliminary group will be shaved down to the final 26-man limit ahead of the official FIFA submission deadline on June 2.

Global football union expected

In an insightful interview with CazéTV, the defender explained the romantic narrative surrounding the legendary striker. “I think it’s not just a Portuguese union, I think it’s also a global union, a union of football,” Dalot said.

“For everything that Cristiano has done, not only for Portugal, but also for football itself, it would be beautiful for him to end his football career with a World Cup on his CV. If you ask me: does he need a World Cup to be considered one of the best of all time? No, but I think it would bring more beauty to his career and it could obviously be a beautiful trophy for him to have, without a doubt.

“I hope that happens, because besides wanting him to win, as a fan of his and as a football fan, I would also know that for my country it would be an important trophy. To be a part of that would be spectacular.”

Last dance for icons

The tournament marks a definitive changing of the guard, with both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approaching their final global campaigns. Unlike his eternal rival, who already guided Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, the 41-year-old Portuguese icon retains an intense burning ambition to secure the elusive trophy. Ronaldo enters the competition with unparalleled international pedigree, holding the staggering all-time records for both international appearances and goals, having netted 143 times in 226 matches for his country.

Miami preparations take shape

Portugal will initiate their training camp on June 1, tackling warm-up fixtures against Chile and Nigeria before traveling to their Miami base. Martinez’s squad face a tricky tactical opening test when they debut against DR Congo on June 17. Group stage clashes against Uzbekistan and Colombia follow swiftly, challenging the star-studded Selecao to navigate their initial path safely as they target a deep run into the knockout stages.

PureGym is encouraging people to step away from their screens and go for a walk, in a new initiative timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month. 

The low-cost gym operator commissioned Media Insight to find out how much people are scrolling and the findings were shocking. The nation’s thumbs are moving an average of 2.8km a week as they trawl through social media.

PureGym is encouraging people to switch out the 2.8km thumb scroll for a 2.8km Joy Stroll. This is intended to offer a simple, achievable way for people to replace phone use with movement, fresh air and connection.

Scrolling is a damaging habit with mental health repercussions – 91 per cent admit they continue to scroll even though they know they should stop.

Seventy nine per cent have experienced at least one physical symptom linked to extended periods of scrolling, including poor sleep (32 per cent); low energy (21 per cent) and brain fog (15 per cent).

Many said the habit leaves them feeling guilty, unmotivated, drained or anxious.

It delays sleep for 53 per cent, as well as getting out of bed for many. Eighteen per cent say they have skipped exercise as a result. 

Only 53 per cent feel in control of their habit, with younger adults and women among those struggling the most.

Barney Harrison, group chief customer officer at PureGym says: “Joy Stroll is all about reclaiming time and turning a mindless habit into a brilliant, feel-good moment. Swapping 20 minutes of phone time for a bit of fresh air and movement is a total game-changer for your headspace. It’s simple, it’s fun, and we can’t wait to see the nation step away from the screen and into their stroll.”

The Joy Stroll movement launched in Manchester on 28th May, hosted by TV personality Chris Hughes. Participants completed a 2.8km guided walk, featuring a series of interactive “glowments”, including a smoothie shot station, compliment exchanges and music and creative activities designed to boost mood and encourage connection. 

Now PureGym is encouraging people across the UK to take part in their own Joy Stroll. Further community activity and social participation is planned to grow the movement.

ENDNOTE

This is a timely initiative, given that UK doctors have said this week that social media is as bad for young people as smoking.

Children have died as a result of social media use.

Parents of young victims met with Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, this week to lobby for a ban on social media use for under-16s, as has been enforced in Australia. Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, has said new measures will be introduced by the end of 2026.

This is an opportunity for gym operators to get ahead of the curve by starting the conversation on intentional phone use and encouraging members to swap out scrolling for exercise.

This isn’t a benign habit, the consequences are serious and can’t be ignored, so it’s great to see PureGym tackling this issue in a fun and community-driven way. 

Fitness First is an early adopter of digital wellness technology, Kip – a tap-on tag which disables chosen apps while allowing some relevant smartphone functions to remain active. This offers a simple way of encouraging under-16s not to use social media in gyms and although it can’t be enforced, it starts the conversation. 

Kip founder, Shaun Traynor, says he’s early to this issue and some people still need convincing, but he stresses it’s an important issue: “Once people smoked on planes and in offices. Then we put horror images on the packets to stop them. Social media is on the same journey, just 20 years behind. The question isn’t whether this is a health issue. We’re past that. The question is who’s going to coach the world through it. Nobody taught us how to use these devices. That has to change.”

Jun Arceo hopes the stars align for him on Sunday. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The National Tournament of Club Champions powered by Lexus will see first time men’s and seniors titlists on Sunday when Jules Gaerlan also tries to unseat the single most dominant force in her division at Eagle Ridge.

Jonar Austria and Davao’s Chris Tan will dispute the centerpiece title after carving out contrasting semifinal victories at the Aoki layout, even as Kyung Young-jung and Jun Arceo sealed a match up for the Senior’s diadem after close victories over dogged rivals on another humid day.

And then there is Gaerlan, who bundled out Jonah Ilagan in the Final Four, 3&2, to set up a titular clash with Matet Salivio, the most decorated women’s player here with three titles who is seeking to win for the second straight year.

The favorites, save for Salivio, bombed out on a busy day as Gary Sales, who was seeking a fourth men’s title, got the boot from Chucho Martinez, 1-up, before Rodel Mangulabnan, the prohibitive Senior’s pick, left the tournament after taking a 19th hole loss to Kyung.

“This has become very interesting,” Arceo, who got to the finals after a 2&1 win over Manuel Santos, told the Inquirer after going this deep in his rookie stint. “I haven’t played [a] match with (Kyung), but all I know [is] that he is very good because I have seen him play in the Interclub.”

Arceo has also played for several clubs in the PAL Interclub before, but admits that the individual nature of this tournament is something that excites him.

“It’s hard to win golf tournaments,” the 57 year old Arceo, who regularly plays with his two sons at The Orchard every Sunday, went on. “It’s difficult to have the stars align for you too often.

“And in terms of winning a tournament of this magnitude, this is big.”

The tournament takes a much needed breather on Saturday before the three title matches are played at the Faldo layout on Sunday.

A prominent campaigner in national tournaments, Austria then took Martinez out with relative ease, 5&4, before Tan, who is bidding to become the first bet from Mindanao to win the event, scored a 1-up win over top seed Roy Nudalo.

Salivio scored a 3&2 win over Marianne Bustos in the morning to advance opposite Marianna Reyes in the semifinals. The seasoned Salivio then bundled out the young Reyes, 3&2, underscoring her readiness to win yet again against the ex-jungolfer. INQ

Aspirant Lams Lamina during the PVL Draft Combine Day 1. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Capital1, which owns the second overall pick in the coming PVL Rookie Draft, has its eyes on National U setter Lams Lamina.

And that choice would remain even if the team owned the top overall pick, according to a source familiar with the team’s plans.

READ: PVL: Lams Lamina eager to prove herself in the pros

The source said Lamina is the missing piece for Capital1, which has surrounded Rookie of the Year and Season Best Outside Spiker Bella Belen with former Cignal stars and Most Valuable Players Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season.

Capital1 coach Jorge de Brito declined to comment directly on the team’s interest in the two-time UAAP Best Setter, but he acknowledged that Lamina could make an immediate impact and help strengthen the offense built around Belen, Santos and Gandler.

“She has a lot of skills as a setter. But in fact, this draft class has good setters. (Tin) Ubaldo and Lams, they’re good, good setters. They can fit in our team, but also in any other team. It depends,” De Brito told the Inquirer.

Standing in Capital1’s way is Galeries Tower, which secured the No. 1 overall pick in last Monday’s lottery, riding its second best odds of 30 percent of winning the top selection. Capital1, which entered the draw with the highest odds, settled for the second pick ahead of Draft Night on June 3 at Novotel.

Galeries is strongly considering Japan SV.League standout Alyssa Solomon, who remains undecided whether to pursue her PVL dream or continue weighing international offers. However, coach Aying Esteban said the team has yet to finalize its choice.

“Until now, we’re still discussing with the coaches and management who the team really needs,” Esteban said in Filipino. “Honestly, there are still a lot of things our team needs this season. Of course, having the first pick is a big advantage, but at the same time, we also need scorers, defenders and players for different positions.”

Solomon skipped Day 2 of the Draft Combine and is expected to make a decision soon, with two days remaining before the withdrawal deadline.

Lams Lamina —UAAP MEDIA

If Lamina is selected by Galeries, De Brito said Capital1 will still have several promising prospects to choose from among the 42 player rookie pool.

“[We’ll pick] any good player who will fit our team. At the end of the day, you need all positions. There are good open spikers here, but we also have good open spikers on our team. The opposite spikers are also good. If there’s someone who can develop and help our team, for sure, it’s going to be good,” said the former Alas Pilipinas coach.

“I’m not surprised by the talent we have here. We’ve been watching them in the UAAP and NCAA. The level is getting better and it’s becoming harder to choose. Hopefully, the league can add more teams so all of them can be drafted and play because they need opportunities to keep developing. If not, we’re going to waste a lot of talent,” he added.

Another source told the Inquirer that Capital1 is also considering star libero and Belen’s close friend, Detdet Pepito, should Lamina no longer be available.

Lamina was asked on Thursday about the possibility of reuniting with Belen in the professional ranks, but the former National University standout said she remains focused on the present and is prepared to play for whichever team selects her.

“For me, I’m not really thinking about that yet because we honestly don’t know which team will pick us. Whoever drafts me, I’ll just give my best and do everything I can to help the team,” Lamina said. INQ

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar played a superb innings against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, May 26. Batting at No. 4, he slammed an unbeaten 93 in just 33 balls. The stunning innings featured five fours and nine sixes as RCB entered the IPL final for the second year in a row.

Batting first in Qualifier 1, RCB put up 254-5 on the board. Apart from the skipper, Virat Kohli (43 off 25) and Krunal Pandya (43 off 28) contributed crucial knocks. Patidar and Krunal featured in a 95-run stand for the fourth wicket in 45 balls. Chasing 255, GT only managed 162.

Patidar has batted at No. 4 in the IPL 32 times. In this feature, we compare his stats with those of Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer after the latter had also batted at No. 4 in 32 innings in the T20 league.

Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has a better average and strike rate after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?

In 32 IPL innings at No. 4, Patidar has totaled 1,029 runs, averaging 35.48 at a strike rate of 175. In five innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he has 164 runs, averaging 32.80 at a strike rate of 178.20. Also, in five innings against GT, he has hammered 134 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 197.05.

After 32 innings at No. 4, Shreyas had scored 889 runs at an average of 35.56 and a strike rate of 125.21. In 22 innings for Delhi Capitals (DC), he had 643 runs at an average of 33.84 and a strike rate of 123.89. Also, in 10 innings for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he had 246 runs, averaging 41 at a strike rate of 128.79.

Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has more 50-plus scores after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?

In 32 IPL innings at No. 4, Patidar has smashed 11 fifties. He hit 93* off 33 balls against GT in Dharmasala in Qualifier 1. Patidar also slammed 64 off 32 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium last year. The innings comprised five fours and four sixes. Further, he struck 63 off 40 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati in IPL 2026.

(Patidar vs Shreyas – Batting stats comparison after 32 IPL innings at No. 4)

After 32 IPL innings at No. 4, Shreyas had scored five half-centuries. His best at that stage was 96, which came off 57 balls for DC against Gujarat Lions (GL) in IPL 2017. The knock featured 15 fours and two sixes. He had also scored 65* off 50 balls for DC against MI in Dubai in the 2020 IPL final. The valiant knock featured six fours and two sixes.

Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has a better record in wins after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?

In 20 innings in wins, Patidar has scored 622 runs, averaging 36.58 at a strike rate of 187.34, with six fifties. In 12 innings in losses, he has scored 407 runs, averaging 33.91 and a strike rate of 158.98, with the aid of five fifties.

(Patidar vs Shreyas – Batting stats comparison in wins after 32 IPL innings at No. 4)

In 16 innings in wins, Shreyas had 470 runs at an average of 42.72 and a strike rate of 128.06, with two half-centuries. In 15 innings in losses, he had 380 runs at an average of 29.23 and a strike rate of 122.18, with three half-centuries. In one tied match, he had scored 39 runs.

Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer – Who has a better record in chases after batting at No. 4 in 32 IPL innings?

In 16 innings in chases, Patidar has notched up 368 runs, averaging 24.53 at a strike rate of 164.28, with three fifties. In 16 innings while batting first, he has scored 661 runs, averaging 47.21 at a strike rate of 181.59, with eight fifties.

(Patidar vs Shreyas – Batting stats comparison in chases after 32 IPL innings at No. 4)

In 15 innings in chases, Shreyas had 438 runs at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 133.53, with three half-centuries. In 17 innings while batting first, he had 451 runs at an average of 30.06 and a strike rate of 118.06, with two fifties.