Episode 3413: Ronaldo Cleared For World Cup, Estêv-Wow, Evan Tourism, Dual Star Brian Hayes
It’s been a good few days for Cristiano Ronaldo who was hosted by Trump at the White House and an envoy of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and today news emerged that he’s been cleared to start in Portugal’s opening match of the World Cup after Fifa’s disciplinary committee ruled to suspend the final two games of his three-game ban after his red card against Ireland. This was one development the world very much saw coming.

Chelsea star Estêvao ran Barca ragged last night in a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Ken reports.

Brian Hayes was nominated for the 2025 Hurler of the Year for his exceptional performances for the Cork hurlers, even if the season ended in a heavy defeat. He has turned the pain of that defeat into fuel for his club St Finbarr’s, and he got 3-3 from midfield as they qualified for the Munster club **football** final last Sunday. Is he the best dual player in the country right now? Brian joins us on the show today.

©INPHO/James Crombie
And we salute the 13 young Irish men who went to Cremona to pay homage to the mighty Evan Ferguson… and were rewarded with his first Serie A goal.

Click the player at the top of the page to play the show. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’ ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife.
Go to PatreonEverton players were slapping each other in the face, getting themselves sent off, losing Seamus Coleman to injury before ten minutes had elapsed… and still walked out of Manchester with all three points.
OUT NOW FOR WORLD SERVICE MEMBERS.https://t.co/TL25voatDv pic.twitter.com/vK5UQRqE4D
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) November 25, 2025