Hot football news this afternoon (June 18): Ronaldo sparks controversy, Malaysian football faces unprecedented upheaval

Malaysian football suddenly sees a sweeping overhaul in key roles, Vietnam’s national team reaches a historic point with three naturalized players, while Cristiano Ronaldo is at the heart of controversy at the 2026 World Cup and Manchester United are in a strong position to recruit Khephren Thuram.

Comprehensive overhaul in Malaysian football

Malaysian football is witnessing a large‑scale personnel restructuring as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) simultaneously parts ways with many key staff in both the senior national team and the U23 squad. Those leaving their posts include CEO Robert Douglas Friend, head coach Peter Cklamovski, assistants Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, along with U23 coach Nafuzi Zain and goalkeeper coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin. This decision comes amid Malaysian football facing numerous debates over its development direction despite heavy investment in recent years.

The departure of coach Cklamovski is particularly noteworthy, as he was once expected to elevate the “Malayan Tigers” to regional prominence. This overhaul is seen as the beginning of a comprehensive restructuring process, but also raises many questions about the future of Malaysian football.

Three “foreign‑born” players make history

The Vietnam national team could create an unprecedented milestone at the ASEAN Championship 2026 when for the first time fielding three naturalized players of foreign origin: Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Do Hoang Hen. This is seen as a notable step in enhancing Vietnam’s competitiveness amid the strong naturalization wave from Southeast Asian rivals.

Among them, Xuan Son and Hoang Hen have proven their ability in V‑League, while Tai Loc has just completed eligibility to play for the national team after a season scoring 9 goals for Ninh Binh. However, VFF insists it is not pursuing a mass naturalization policy, with local players continuing to play core roles. If they appear together on the field, this trio is expected to bring a new look to Vietnam’s attack in their quest to defend the Southeast Asian title.

Ronaldo and his battle against time

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo still holds his World Cup ambition, but Portugal’s 1‑1 draw with DR Congo shows he is no longer the same frightening force. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but failed to score, assist, or register a shot on target. These modest numbers and his inability to make a difference have sparked debate about CR7’s role in Portugal’s lineup. Although coach Roberto Martinez still trusts the legendary striker, many argue the team needs to reduce dependence on him to maximize the strength of its young stars. Ronaldo’s fighting spirit has never waned, but the 2026 World Cup poses the biggest question: Is time still on his side?

Ronaldo faces a storm of criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo is becoming a focal point of controversy at the 2026 World Cup after a lackluster performance in Portugal’s 1‑1 draw with DR Congo. Playing the full 90 minutes but managing no goals, no assists, and virtually disappearing from attack, CR7 has received many negative reviews from experts.

Thierry Henry emphasized that football is a team story rather than an individual one, while Chris Sutton believed that coach Roberto Martinez should have made substitutions earlier. Major newspapers like The Independent, Gazzetta dello Sport, and Bild also criticized Ronaldo’s performance. Nonetheless, Martinez defended his player, but the wave of debate raises the question of whether Portugal can go far if they continue to place Ronaldo at the center of their attacking system.

Manchester United paves the way for Thuram

Manchester United has a great opportunity to recruit Khephren Thuram as Juventus is ready to listen to offers for the French midfielder. After a disappointing season and failing to qualify for the Champions League, Juventus is forced to balance finances by considering selling some stars, with Thuram valued at £35‑39 million. Notably, the 25‑year‑old prefers to continue playing in Europe rather than moving to Saudi Arabia, giving Manchester United an advantage in the race for his signature.

With the future of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte uncertain, Thuram is seen as an ideal option to strengthen the midfield due to his physique, tackling ability, and abundant energy.

Football news roundup

ASEAN Championship 2026: Vietnam’s national team has been set a minimum target by VFF of reaching the final, aiming to defend the title. The team will gather on June 22, train in South Korea, and play friendlies before facing Timor‑Leste on July 24. Overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang joins the squad for the first time, expressing his determination to contribute.

At the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo sparked controversy as Portugal drew 1‑1 with DR Congo, put in a lackluster performance, and heard fans chanting Messi’s name. Meanwhile, Messi scored a hat‑trick for Argentina and confirmed he will not participate in the 2030 World Cup.

The transfer market is also heating up with deals involving Raphinha, Rashford, Victor Munoz, Diogo Costa, and Tchouameni.