May 2025 Archive — What mattered this month

May brought three big stories you need to know: a possible Cristiano Ronaldo exit after a dramatic final, deadly service-delivery protests in Diepkloof, Soweto, and a $9.4 billion takeover of Skechers. Each story changed plans for fans, local communities, and investors. Below is a clear, useful rundown of what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next.

Top stories from May 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr: Ronaldo scored his 99th goal for Al Nassr in a thrilling 3-2 loss to Al Fateh. After the match he hinted he might leave, sparking transfer talk ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup. Al Nassr finished third and missed out on AFC Champions League Elite qualification — a result that could reshape club strategy and Ronaldo’s next move. If you follow club football, watch official club statements, transfer windows, and Club World Cup squad lists for confirmation.

Diepkloof protests shut highways: Frustration over failing services exploded in Diepkloof, where residents blocked Johannesburg highways demanding better water, sanitation, and housing. The protest turned violent when a truck forced through roadblocks, leaving two people dead and prompting authorities to suspend the action. This isn’t just a headline — it highlights gaps in municipal service delivery and how quickly tensions can escalate. Keep an eye on council responses, police updates, and local community meetings for practical remedies and timelines.

Skechers goes private in $9.4B deal: 3G Capital agreed to buy Skechers for $9.4 billion, taking the brand private at $63 per share while keeping CEO Robert Greenberg in charge. The move follows record Q1 2025 sales and comes amid trade and tariff uncertainty. Going private often speeds decision-making but reduces public reporting. For customers, that can mean faster product shifts; for investors, it changes liquidity and disclosure. Watch for regulatory approvals and statements about changes to supply chains or retail partnerships.

Why these stories matter — and what you can do

For sports fans: Ronaldo’s future affects marketing, sponsorships, and where the biggest matches will be watched. Follow reputable sports outlets and official club channels to avoid rumors.

For residents and activists in Johannesburg: The Diepkloof events are a call to action. If you’re affected, document service failures, attend local ward meetings, and demand clear timelines from officials. Local NGOs and community forums often push for faster, concrete fixes — join them or follow their updates.

For investors and industry watchers: The Skechers buyout shows how private equity reshapes retail brands. Expect less public financial detail and possible strategic shifts. If you’re a shareholder, check buyout notices and deadlines; if you’re a supplier or partner, review contract terms and contingency plans.

Want to read the full reports? Use our May 2025 archive filters to jump to any of these stories, follow live updates, or subscribe to email alerts. We’ll keep tracking developments and bring practical updates as they happen.