KingKhanWC
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Cracking match!
Al Nassr 4-3 Al Alhi
Ronaldo with a brace.
Al Nassr 4-3 Al Alhi
Ronaldo with a brace.
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Contact the PP Team
Why is there so much outrage at Saudi interest in football?
- Thread starter MenInG
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Never watched a full Saudi game (only seen goals here and there), how's the level of football?
KingKhanWC
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Al Nassr have Mane, Ronaldo and Talisca as their 3 up front. This 3 would make into almost all Premier League teams. Its difficult to say but imo Al Nassr would make top half of the premier league, meaning the quality is high.
If they keep buying big names, the league will defo be in the top 5 of the world.
Give it watch, matches are shown live on DAZN.
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Al Nassr 5-1 Ohod: Ronaldo-less Al Nassr cruise to victory in Kings Cup opener.
Al Nassr showed utter dominance in the second half to win their Kings Cup opening match against Ohod 5-1 after a momentary lapse in concentration that allowed Ohod an equaliser at the brink of half time.
Al Nassr XI – Alaqidi, Al Ghanam, Alamri, Laporte, Qassem, Al Khaibari, Brozovic, Mane, Otavio, Ghareeb; Talisca
Ohod XI – Qbous, Al-Alawi, Ramalho, Gerald Takwara, Faisal Darwish, Meza Colli, Al-Ghawainem, Al-Otaibi, Aribi, Mohamed Kamal, Jabbar
Al Nassr showed utter dominance in the second half to win their Kings Cup opening match against Ohod 5-1 after a momentary lapse in concentration that allowed Ohod an equaliser at the brink of half time.
Al Nassr XI – Alaqidi, Al Ghanam, Alamri, Laporte, Qassem, Al Khaibari, Brozovic, Mane, Otavio, Ghareeb; Talisca
Ohod XI – Qbous, Al-Alawi, Ramalho, Gerald Takwara, Faisal Darwish, Meza Colli, Al-Ghawainem, Al-Otaibi, Aribi, Mohamed Kamal, Jabbar
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Al Ta'ee vs Al Nassr score, result, highlights as Ronaldo's penalty rescues key away win
Cristiano Ronaldo's late penalty secured a 2-1 Al Nassr victory away at Al Ta'ee to increase their winning run to six successive league matches.
The visitors took a deserved first half lead as Ronaldo's clever pass was lashed home by Talisca, but the second half saw a string of missed chances for Luis Castro's team, as Ronaldo hit the woodwork twice.
That frustration in front of goal was eventually punished as Virgil Misidjan raced clear to equalise for Al Ta'ee late on.
However, there was still time for one final twist in the contest as Ronaldo stepped up to slam home his tenth Saudi Pro League goal of the season from the spot.
Cristiano Ronaldo's late penalty secured a 2-1 Al Nassr victory away at Al Ta'ee to increase their winning run to six successive league matches.
The visitors took a deserved first half lead as Ronaldo's clever pass was lashed home by Talisca, but the second half saw a string of missed chances for Luis Castro's team, as Ronaldo hit the woodwork twice.
That frustration in front of goal was eventually punished as Virgil Misidjan raced clear to equalise for Al Ta'ee late on.
However, there was still time for one final twist in the contest as Ronaldo stepped up to slam home his tenth Saudi Pro League goal of the season from the spot.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic says footballers who move to Saudi Arabia risk their legacies becoming about money rather than talent.
The Swede, 42, retired in June at AC Milan after a trophy-laden career.
The former Manchester United and Paris St-Germain striker says he received offers from China and Saudi Arabia.
I think players that reach a certain level, they have to stop at a certain stage - the big stage, he said.
High profile players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema and England midfielder Jordan Henderson have moved to Saudi Arabia in the last 12 months.
I don't care about sportswashing, says Saudi crown prince.
The Saudi Pro League has been on a mass recruitment drive since the start of 2023 and four of its top clubs Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr were taken over by the state Public Investment Fund (PIF) which also owns Newcastle United earlier this year.
Having spent time playing for an array of Europe's most prestigious clubs, Ibrahimovic joined MLS side LA Galaxy from United in 2018 before returning for a second spell with AC Milan, helping them win the title in 2021-22.
In his final season he only played four times and started one match, scoring one goal, following a series of injuries.
I had an offer also from China, I had an offer also from Saudi, he said in an interview with Piers Morgan. But the situation is, what do you want? What objectives do you have? You have to be remembered for your talent, not for what you earned. What we are training every day for, what we are being recognized for is our talent, and that is what you want to be remembered for. You cannot a lower stage and finish your career in a different way. But some players needed the situations where you can earn a lot of money because they didn't earn enough.
Saudi Arabia's increased investment in sport in recent years has proven controversial because of the country's poor human rights record, with the rights of women, treatment of LGBTQ+ people and the use of the death penalty coming under scrutiny.
Henderson, a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Liverpool, was criticized after he made a surprise move to Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq. He later said the criticism, which included one LGBTQ+ fans' group saying he had lost the respect of so many people, really hurt and that money has never been a motivation.
Ibrahimovic says the moral concerns raised by playing in Saudi Arabia would not be a problem for him.
Listen, wherever you play football, it's football, he added. Football connects people. It's a dream we share.
As a professional football player, as long as you play football [that's enough]. And Saudi is growing. MLS is growing. China had a peak and then I don't know the situation changed there. But a moral thing? No. We do things for ourselves and our family. Who will judge you in five or 10 years when you have a wealthy, healthy life? Nothing is for free you don't work for free. I don't work for free. I don't need money, but I am very expensive.
Source: BBC
The Swede, 42, retired in June at AC Milan after a trophy-laden career.
The former Manchester United and Paris St-Germain striker says he received offers from China and Saudi Arabia.
I think players that reach a certain level, they have to stop at a certain stage - the big stage, he said.
High profile players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema and England midfielder Jordan Henderson have moved to Saudi Arabia in the last 12 months.
I don't care about sportswashing, says Saudi crown prince.
The Saudi Pro League has been on a mass recruitment drive since the start of 2023 and four of its top clubs Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr were taken over by the state Public Investment Fund (PIF) which also owns Newcastle United earlier this year.
Having spent time playing for an array of Europe's most prestigious clubs, Ibrahimovic joined MLS side LA Galaxy from United in 2018 before returning for a second spell with AC Milan, helping them win the title in 2021-22.
In his final season he only played four times and started one match, scoring one goal, following a series of injuries.
I had an offer also from China, I had an offer also from Saudi, he said in an interview with Piers Morgan. But the situation is, what do you want? What objectives do you have? You have to be remembered for your talent, not for what you earned. What we are training every day for, what we are being recognized for is our talent, and that is what you want to be remembered for. You cannot a lower stage and finish your career in a different way. But some players needed the situations where you can earn a lot of money because they didn't earn enough.
Saudi Arabia's increased investment in sport in recent years has proven controversial because of the country's poor human rights record, with the rights of women, treatment of LGBTQ+ people and the use of the death penalty coming under scrutiny.
Henderson, a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Liverpool, was criticized after he made a surprise move to Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq. He later said the criticism, which included one LGBTQ+ fans' group saying he had lost the respect of so many people, really hurt and that money has never been a motivation.
Ibrahimovic says the moral concerns raised by playing in Saudi Arabia would not be a problem for him.
Listen, wherever you play football, it's football, he added. Football connects people. It's a dream we share.
As a professional football player, as long as you play football [that's enough]. And Saudi is growing. MLS is growing. China had a peak and then I don't know the situation changed there. But a moral thing? No. We do things for ourselves and our family. Who will judge you in five or 10 years when you have a wealthy, healthy life? Nothing is for free you don't work for free. I don't work for free. I don't need money, but I am very expensive.
Source: BBC
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Al Nassr vs Abha as Karl Toko Ekambi stuns wasteful Cristiano Ronaldo on late goal
Al Nassr didn’t have their best day, but they seemed en route towards extending their winning streak to seven, moving within a point of the Saudi Pro League summit in the process.
Karl Toko Ekambi had other ideas.
The Cameroon international drove a stake into the hearts of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side as his 92nd minute equaliser stunned the hosts and shared the points, punishing Al Nassr for their inability to finish a wave of chances across the 90 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo struggled in front of net, seeing his six-game scoring streak come to an end as he missed multiple opportunities to score. He was involved in the two goals, producing a sensational back-heel to ignite Otavio’s opener just three minutes in, but he failed to put a host of other opportunities on frame.
Sadio Mane was the best player on the pitch, troubling the Abha defensive unit down the left flank throughout the match. However, despite dominance through the first half and in stretches across the final 45 minutes, Al Nassr were unable to make good on their extensive attacking intent, and their missed chances allowed Abha to hang around as the 90 minutes waned.
Abha, led by the dangerous Toko Ekambi, had a few chances themselves go begging, and Saad Bguir’s penalty gave them a way in before halftime. As Al Nassr continued to misfire through the entire second half, Toko Ekambi cropped up two minutes into stoppage time with the all-important moment to pull the sides level.
Al Nassr didn’t have their best day, but they seemed en route towards extending their winning streak to seven, moving within a point of the Saudi Pro League summit in the process.
Karl Toko Ekambi had other ideas.
The Cameroon international drove a stake into the hearts of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side as his 92nd minute equaliser stunned the hosts and shared the points, punishing Al Nassr for their inability to finish a wave of chances across the 90 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo struggled in front of net, seeing his six-game scoring streak come to an end as he missed multiple opportunities to score. He was involved in the two goals, producing a sensational back-heel to ignite Otavio’s opener just three minutes in, but he failed to put a host of other opportunities on frame.
Sadio Mane was the best player on the pitch, troubling the Abha defensive unit down the left flank throughout the match. However, despite dominance through the first half and in stretches across the final 45 minutes, Al Nassr were unable to make good on their extensive attacking intent, and their missed chances allowed Abha to hang around as the 90 minutes waned.
Abha, led by the dangerous Toko Ekambi, had a few chances themselves go begging, and Saad Bguir’s penalty gave them a way in before halftime. As Al Nassr continued to misfire through the entire second half, Toko Ekambi cropped up two minutes into stoppage time with the all-important moment to pull the sides level.
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Al Nassr is reportedly in talks to appoint Alessandro Del Piero as the new sporting director.
Arab News
Arab News
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The Saudi Arabian Football Federation on Monday submitted a letter of intent to bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi officials said the bid would deliver a world-class tournament and draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation, and deep-rooted passion for football.
Yasser Al-Misehal, SAFF president, said: This is the second step of a hugely exciting journey that the nation is embarking on. The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia’s development, experience its culture and become part of its history.
Officials previously said that Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid was backed by the Kingdom’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Reflecting on the bid, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia’s desire to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a reflection of the Kingdom’s progress in all sectors.
Source: Arab News
Saudi officials said the bid would deliver a world-class tournament and draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation, and deep-rooted passion for football.
Yasser Al-Misehal, SAFF president, said: This is the second step of a hugely exciting journey that the nation is embarking on. The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia’s development, experience its culture and become part of its history.
Officials previously said that Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid was backed by the Kingdom’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Reflecting on the bid, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia’s desire to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a reflection of the Kingdom’s progress in all sectors.
Source: Arab News
Saudi's with all their money are threatening the top European sides. When Jack Walker and Roman Abramovich did the same hardly anyone complained as it was English Football. For years top English clubs have been doing the same to lesser European leagues what the Arab's are doing to English ones. It is called double standards and hypocrisy.
Even then I don't think European clubs have much to worry about for the foreseeable future. The EPL and UCL are still the tournaments that most top players want to win. Only the players nearing the end of their careers are moving to Saudi where match attendance is not very high. They are not even competing for any meaningful tournaments or competitions.
Even then I don't think European clubs have much to worry about for the foreseeable future. The EPL and UCL are still the tournaments that most top players want to win. Only the players nearing the end of their careers are moving to Saudi where match attendance is not very high. They are not even competing for any meaningful tournaments or competitions.
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Fifa’s relaxed stadium rule clears path for Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup
Fifa has relaxed the bidding rules around stadiums for the 2034 men’s World Cup, in a move that allows countries with fewer established football venues to host the tournament.
The decision is at odds with attempts in other sports to create more sustainable events and minimise the construction of “white elephants”.
Fifa has allocated the 2034 tournament to bidders from Asia and Oceania under its policy of rotation. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to host the tournament within minutes of bids opening.
Fifa requires stadiums with a minimum capacity of 40,000 for the tournament, with key matches needing room for 60,000 and 80,000 spectators.
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid proposal for the 2027 Asian Cup included four stadiums of 40,000 capacity or more: two in Riyadh that are being upgraded, one in Jeddah and a new build in Dammam. Construction on Dammam Stadium commenced last month.
www.theguardian.com
Fifa has relaxed the bidding rules around stadiums for the 2034 men’s World Cup, in a move that allows countries with fewer established football venues to host the tournament.
The decision is at odds with attempts in other sports to create more sustainable events and minimise the construction of “white elephants”.
Fifa has allocated the 2034 tournament to bidders from Asia and Oceania under its policy of rotation. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to host the tournament within minutes of bids opening.
Fifa requires stadiums with a minimum capacity of 40,000 for the tournament, with key matches needing room for 60,000 and 80,000 spectators.
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid proposal for the 2027 Asian Cup included four stadiums of 40,000 capacity or more: two in Riyadh that are being upgraded, one in Jeddah and a new build in Dammam. Construction on Dammam Stadium commenced last month.
Fifa’s relaxed stadium rule clears path for Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup
Bids for the 2034 men’s tournament will require four existing stadiums instead of seven, which Fifa says factors in the longer lead time
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Robbie Fowler: Ex-Liverpool striker leaves role managing Saudi Arabia side Al-Qadsiah
The ex-England international joined Al-Qadsiah in the summer, winning six and drawing two of his eight games.
Second-placed Al-Qadsiah thanked Fowler for his contribution when they announced his departure on Thursday.
Fowler, 48, has been replaced by former Real Madrid and Spain striker Michel.
Fowler previously managed East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League for the 2020-21 season, and also helped as a coach at Oxford United more recently.
He started his managerial career in 2011, taking charge of Thai outfit Muangthong United for one season.
Fowler also managed Australian side Brisbane Roar between 2019 and 2020.
Al-Qadsiah finished 11th in Saudi Arabia's second tier last season, 23 points adrift of the top four promotion spots to the Saudi Pro League.
There has been a recent influx of big-name players in Saudi Arabia, with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and ex-Premier League midfielders N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves among those who have followed former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
BBC
The ex-England international joined Al-Qadsiah in the summer, winning six and drawing two of his eight games.
Second-placed Al-Qadsiah thanked Fowler for his contribution when they announced his departure on Thursday.
Fowler, 48, has been replaced by former Real Madrid and Spain striker Michel.
Fowler previously managed East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League for the 2020-21 season, and also helped as a coach at Oxford United more recently.
He started his managerial career in 2011, taking charge of Thai outfit Muangthong United for one season.
Fowler also managed Australian side Brisbane Roar between 2019 and 2020.
Al-Qadsiah finished 11th in Saudi Arabia's second tier last season, 23 points adrift of the top four promotion spots to the Saudi Pro League.
There has been a recent influx of big-name players in Saudi Arabia, with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and ex-Premier League midfielders N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves among those who have followed former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
BBC
FearlessRoar
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FIFA have confirmed that Saudi Arabia have submitted the only bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
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Salem Al Dawsari is crowned the AFC Player of the Year at the AFC Annual Awards 2022 hosted in Doha, Qatar.
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Yaya Toure: Former Ivory Coast midfielder named Saudi Arabia assistant coach
Ex-Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been appointed assistant coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.
The 40-year-old will be working with Roberto Mancini, who managed him at Manchester City.
Mancini was named Saudi Arabia's head coach in August and has taken charge of four matches since then.
Toure, who played for City from for eight years after signing in 2010, started coaching in 2019 and leaves his role at Belgian club Standard Liege.
The former Barcelona midfielder has also spent time working with Ukrainian club Donetsk Olympic, Russia's Grozny, and as an academy coach at Tottenham Hotspur.
During his playing career Toure earned 101 caps for Ivory Coast, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015, as well as 18 trophies in club football across spells in Greece, Spain, England and China.
Yaya Toure named Saudi Arabia assistant coach
Ex-Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure is appointed assistant coach of Saudi Arabia's national team.
www.bbc.com
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Saudi football champions Al Ittihad sack coach Nuno Santo over poor results
Al Ittihad have sacked their Portuguese manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, after a poor run of results, the Saudi champions say.
Nuno was under pressure because of their struggles in the Saudi Pro League, and the club brought down the axe after a 2-0 defeat to Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League (ACL) on Monday.
www.aljazeera.com
Al Ittihad have sacked their Portuguese manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, after a poor run of results, the Saudi champions say.
Nuno was under pressure because of their struggles in the Saudi Pro League, and the club brought down the axe after a 2-0 defeat to Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League (ACL) on Monday.
Saudi football champions Al Ittihad sack coach Nuno Santo over poor results
Nuno took Al Ittihad to the Saudi Pro League title last season, but the club have lost five matches this season.
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Paolo Maldini, main candidate to become new Al Ittihad director with new chapter in Saudi Pro League. 
Former AC Milan director, set to decide his future soon with Al Ittihad serious possibility being considered.
Al Ittihad also recently fired Nuno Espirito Santo.
Former AC Milan director, set to decide his future soon with Al Ittihad serious possibility being considered.
Al Ittihad also recently fired Nuno Espirito Santo.
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Tottenham and Brazil forward Richarlison, 26, and Manchester United's English winger Jadon Sancho, 23, are January targets for the Saudi Pro League. (Telegraph)
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Saudi side Al-Ettifaq are leading the chase to sign Spain goalkeeper David de Gea in January. The 33-year-old is a free agent after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season
shortbread
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The Arabs have finally had an epiphany......
all these years spending millions on English clubs and players, they're like
all these years spending millions on English clubs and players, they're like
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“Legal Action Will Be Taken”- After Trash Talking Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hilal Star to Drag Fans to Court for Online Insults
More than 72 hours have passed since the intense Saudi derby, where Al Hilal triumphed over Al Nassr. However, the aftermath of the match continues to spark controversy. Following an on-field confrontation with Cristiano Ronaldo, an Al Hilal star found himself subjected to a plethora of online taunts from netizens. In response, he has decided to pursue legal action against those responsible for the online abuse.
Al Hilal’s 3-0 win against Al Nassr was quite eventful. During the match, Cristiano Ronaldo lost his nerves as he made gestures against the referee for favouring the home side. However, Al Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulayhi quickly rushed towards the 38-year-old and started trash-talking.
While Ronaldo’s response was a constant smile, it didn’t settle with a few netizens, who apparently slammed and even abused Al-Bulayhi. Now, the situation has escalated further as Al-Bulayhi is now looking to respond in a legal way.
In a statement, the defender’s agent said, “A number of tweets insulting our client were monitored, and legal action will be taken against their owners.” It seems the Saudi Arabian international isn’t happy with the comments he had to face from the netizens.
Notably, Al-Bulayhi made the first move by posting an eyebrow-raising collage on his Instagram account with a boastful caption as well. But it now seems to have backfired on him as he faced online abuse.
Meanwhile, just hours after the match, Ronaldo was also the subject of social media mockery from a Premier League club.
www.essentiallysports.com
More than 72 hours have passed since the intense Saudi derby, where Al Hilal triumphed over Al Nassr. However, the aftermath of the match continues to spark controversy. Following an on-field confrontation with Cristiano Ronaldo, an Al Hilal star found himself subjected to a plethora of online taunts from netizens. In response, he has decided to pursue legal action against those responsible for the online abuse.
Al Hilal’s 3-0 win against Al Nassr was quite eventful. During the match, Cristiano Ronaldo lost his nerves as he made gestures against the referee for favouring the home side. However, Al Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulayhi quickly rushed towards the 38-year-old and started trash-talking.
While Ronaldo’s response was a constant smile, it didn’t settle with a few netizens, who apparently slammed and even abused Al-Bulayhi. Now, the situation has escalated further as Al-Bulayhi is now looking to respond in a legal way.
In a statement, the defender’s agent said, “A number of tweets insulting our client were monitored, and legal action will be taken against their owners.” It seems the Saudi Arabian international isn’t happy with the comments he had to face from the netizens.
Notably, Al-Bulayhi made the first move by posting an eyebrow-raising collage on his Instagram account with a boastful caption as well. But it now seems to have backfired on him as he faced online abuse.
Meanwhile, just hours after the match, Ronaldo was also the subject of social media mockery from a Premier League club.
“Legal Action Will Be Taken”- After Trash Talking Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hilal Star to Drag Fans to Court for Online Insults
Al Hilal star plans to serve legal soup to fans who insulted him online after he had a verbal exchange with Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Saudi Arabia's sports minister says claims of 'sportswashing' against the country are "very shallow", as he defended its right to host the men's football World Cup.
Speaking to the BBC in Jeddah, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said: "A lot of the people that accuse us of that haven't been to Saudi, or seen what we are doing."
Critics say unprecedented spending on sport has been used to improve the oil-producing kingdom's reputation over its human rights record and its environmental impact.
But the Saudi government insists the investment is boosting the economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.
In his first interview since it emerged the country was bidding unopposed for the 2034 men's World Cup, the minister:
The country's Public Investment Fund has also launched the breakaway LIV golf series, taken control of four Saudi Pro League clubs and purchased Newcastle United.
But campaigners claim this vast state investment into sport is being used to distract from long-standing reputation issues such as Saudi Arabia's human rights record, the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the war in Yemen - a process known as 'sportswashing'.
Speaking in Jeddah, where his country has recently hosted both an America's Cup regatta and ATP Tennis event for the first time, and is now preparing to host this month's Fifa Club World Cup, Prince Abdulaziz said accusations of 'sportswashing' were "very shallow".
"Twenty million of our population are below the age of 30, so we need to get them engaged - we are playing our role to develop sports within the world and to be part of the international community" he said.
When asked if his country would be a suitable host of the 2034 World Cup, he added: "We've showcased that - we've hosted more than 85 global events and we've delivered on the highest level. We want to attract the world through sports. Hopefully, by 2034, people will have an extraordinary World Cup."
While campaigners acknowledge reforms over women's freedoms in Saudi Arabia in recent years, they also point to a reported rise in the number of executions, the continuing male guardianship system and the imprisonment of activists for online dissent.
Fifa has been urged to secure commitments to improving human rights before formally confirming a Saudi World Cup next year. According to Fifa guidelines, countries bidding to host the event must commit to respect human rights.
"Any country has room for improvement, no-one's perfect. We acknowledge that and these events help us reform to a better future for everyone" claimed Prince Abdulaziz.
Women in Saudi Arabia were only allowed to enter sports stadia to watch matches in 2018, but since then a professional women's football league and national women's team has been created, with more than 70,000 girls now playing regularly.
However, last month Jake Daniels, the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer, told the BBC he "wouldn't feel safe" at the 2034 World Cup.
"Everyone's welcome in the kingdom" said Prince Adbulaziz. "Like any other nation we have rules and regulations that everyone should abide by and respect. When we come to the UK we respect the rules and regulations, whether we believe in them or not. Through the 85 events that we have had so far, we haven't had any issues."
It is widely expected that the 2034 tournament will be in winter to avoid the country's extreme summer temperatures, as with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But Prince Abdulaziz said organisers were "definitely studying" whether it could be staged in summer.
"Why not see what the possibilities are to do it in the summer? Whether it is summer or winter it doesn't matter for us, as long as we make sure that we [deliver] the right atmosphere to host such an event" he said.
Saudi Arabia is already building three new stadia for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, but must have 14 venues with capacities of 40,000 or more for the World Cup.
When asked if there could be similar issues to the controversy that dogged the Qatar World Cup over workers' rights, Prince Abdulaziz said: "I assure you it's not going to be repeated.
"We have 10 years to work on that, we already started in a lot of the venues, so we have a long time to do it in the right time, in the right process… We're already developing infrastructure… so we are not required to build a lot more to host such an event."
But environmental groups have expressed concerns over the environmental impact of staging a 48-team event, pointing to the energy required for cooling systems, the desalination of water and carbon-intensive infrastructure projects.
Referencing various initiatives that the Saudi government says is helping it to diversify away from fossil fuels and reduce omissions, Prince Abdulaziz said: "It's a mandate on us in the kingdom to make sure that we abide by the international regulations… to make sure that we play our role, to make sure that it's eco-friendly."
He also rejected criticism that the world's biggest oil exporter is using sport to distract from its record on sustainability, saying: "I reject that completely because we are taking that seriously and thinking that we are part of this globe… and we have to play our role in that and we are doing that."
In March, Fifa dropped plans for Saudi Arabia's tourism body to sponsor the Women's World Cup following a backlash from co-hosts Australia and New Zealand and some players about the proposed deal.
When asked about reports that state-owned oil giant Aramco is in talks over a sponsorship deal with Fifa, Prince Abdulaziz said: "Aramco has been open to a lot of sponsors around the world in sports and they believe in sports because it's a good platform for them to develop and so on… they've sponsored Formula One, they've sponsored a lot of events around the world. I don't see what the issue is with Fifa - or is it just because it's Fifa?"
Concerns have been raised over the fast-tracked Fifa process that blocked most countries from bidding for the 2034 World Cup, and resulted in Saudi Arabia standing unopposed.
At the time of the announcement, fan group 'Football Supporters Europe' said it "rolls the red carpet out" for the country.
But Prince Abdulaziz rejected any suggestion that the governing body had paved the way for his country.
"It's just a theory," he said. "What we should look at is what benefits the sport of football.
"Everyone was clear on the regulations, nobody objected to them during [the process] so I don't think there was any lack of transparency from Fifa. It was only that we were ready to do it and maybe others weren't. That's not our fault.
"As you can see from the announcement of more than 125 federations in support of the Saudi bid… the world also wants us to host 2034."
Fifa has said that a full evaluation of bids for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups is still to be completed before votes by all national associations at its Congress next year, and said its rotation policy helps to grow the game.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was the first notable figure to make the switch to the revamped Saudi Pro League last year. Since then a host of stars, such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves have followed suit, with £750m lavished on new signings this summer, sending shockwaves through football's transfer market.
"I think the Premier League did that and that's how they started. So nobody questioned them when they did it," said Prince Abdulaziz, when asked if the spending was a threat to more established European leagues.
BBC Sport attended the recent Riyadh derby between Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and rivals Al-Hilal while covering a number of events, accompanied by Ministry of Sport officials, during several days in Saudi Arabia. The game was played in front of more than 50,000 fans, but crowds at some smaller clubs have been as low as several hundred, with average attendances less than 9,000.
"It's building blocks… I'm sure that next year we'll have more attendance," said Prince Abdulaziz.
"Like anywhere in the world there's some matches that attract much more audience than others, but all of our big matches have attracted record numbers so far… we're broadcasting to 147 countries around the world.
"When we planned to develop the league we never thought that we would do it with such pace, but to see that is actually refreshing and it actually showcases the importance of this. Our focus is to develop our league to attract the best in the world."
Source: BBC Sport
www.bbc.com
Speaking to the BBC in Jeddah, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said: "A lot of the people that accuse us of that haven't been to Saudi, or seen what we are doing."
Critics say unprecedented spending on sport has been used to improve the oil-producing kingdom's reputation over its human rights record and its environmental impact.
But the Saudi government insists the investment is boosting the economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.
In his first interview since it emerged the country was bidding unopposed for the 2034 men's World Cup, the minister:
- Said Saudi Arabia was "studying the possibility" of hosting the tournament in the summer, despite the kingdom's extreme heat
- Backed the Fifa process that led to Saudi's World Cup bid emerging unchallenged, denying "any lack of transparency"
- Defended the Saudi Pro League's £750m summer transfer spending spree, arguing that "nobody questioned [the Premier League] when they did it", and that he was "sure next year we'll have more attendance" after small crowds at some games
- Vowed the controversy over neighbouring Qatar's treatment of migrant workers before the 2022 World Cup was "not going to be repeated"
- Insisted "everyone is welcome" at the event, despite the concerns of some fans about a country where homosexuality is illegal and women's rights are restricted.
The country's Public Investment Fund has also launched the breakaway LIV golf series, taken control of four Saudi Pro League clubs and purchased Newcastle United.
But campaigners claim this vast state investment into sport is being used to distract from long-standing reputation issues such as Saudi Arabia's human rights record, the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the war in Yemen - a process known as 'sportswashing'.
Speaking in Jeddah, where his country has recently hosted both an America's Cup regatta and ATP Tennis event for the first time, and is now preparing to host this month's Fifa Club World Cup, Prince Abdulaziz said accusations of 'sportswashing' were "very shallow".
"Twenty million of our population are below the age of 30, so we need to get them engaged - we are playing our role to develop sports within the world and to be part of the international community" he said.
When asked if his country would be a suitable host of the 2034 World Cup, he added: "We've showcased that - we've hosted more than 85 global events and we've delivered on the highest level. We want to attract the world through sports. Hopefully, by 2034, people will have an extraordinary World Cup."
While campaigners acknowledge reforms over women's freedoms in Saudi Arabia in recent years, they also point to a reported rise in the number of executions, the continuing male guardianship system and the imprisonment of activists for online dissent.
Fifa has been urged to secure commitments to improving human rights before formally confirming a Saudi World Cup next year. According to Fifa guidelines, countries bidding to host the event must commit to respect human rights.
"Any country has room for improvement, no-one's perfect. We acknowledge that and these events help us reform to a better future for everyone" claimed Prince Abdulaziz.
Women in Saudi Arabia were only allowed to enter sports stadia to watch matches in 2018, but since then a professional women's football league and national women's team has been created, with more than 70,000 girls now playing regularly.
However, last month Jake Daniels, the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer, told the BBC he "wouldn't feel safe" at the 2034 World Cup.
"Everyone's welcome in the kingdom" said Prince Adbulaziz. "Like any other nation we have rules and regulations that everyone should abide by and respect. When we come to the UK we respect the rules and regulations, whether we believe in them or not. Through the 85 events that we have had so far, we haven't had any issues."
It is widely expected that the 2034 tournament will be in winter to avoid the country's extreme summer temperatures, as with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But Prince Abdulaziz said organisers were "definitely studying" whether it could be staged in summer.
"Why not see what the possibilities are to do it in the summer? Whether it is summer or winter it doesn't matter for us, as long as we make sure that we [deliver] the right atmosphere to host such an event" he said.
Saudi Arabia is already building three new stadia for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, but must have 14 venues with capacities of 40,000 or more for the World Cup.
When asked if there could be similar issues to the controversy that dogged the Qatar World Cup over workers' rights, Prince Abdulaziz said: "I assure you it's not going to be repeated.
"We have 10 years to work on that, we already started in a lot of the venues, so we have a long time to do it in the right time, in the right process… We're already developing infrastructure… so we are not required to build a lot more to host such an event."
But environmental groups have expressed concerns over the environmental impact of staging a 48-team event, pointing to the energy required for cooling systems, the desalination of water and carbon-intensive infrastructure projects.
Referencing various initiatives that the Saudi government says is helping it to diversify away from fossil fuels and reduce omissions, Prince Abdulaziz said: "It's a mandate on us in the kingdom to make sure that we abide by the international regulations… to make sure that we play our role, to make sure that it's eco-friendly."
He also rejected criticism that the world's biggest oil exporter is using sport to distract from its record on sustainability, saying: "I reject that completely because we are taking that seriously and thinking that we are part of this globe… and we have to play our role in that and we are doing that."
In March, Fifa dropped plans for Saudi Arabia's tourism body to sponsor the Women's World Cup following a backlash from co-hosts Australia and New Zealand and some players about the proposed deal.
When asked about reports that state-owned oil giant Aramco is in talks over a sponsorship deal with Fifa, Prince Abdulaziz said: "Aramco has been open to a lot of sponsors around the world in sports and they believe in sports because it's a good platform for them to develop and so on… they've sponsored Formula One, they've sponsored a lot of events around the world. I don't see what the issue is with Fifa - or is it just because it's Fifa?"
Concerns have been raised over the fast-tracked Fifa process that blocked most countries from bidding for the 2034 World Cup, and resulted in Saudi Arabia standing unopposed.
At the time of the announcement, fan group 'Football Supporters Europe' said it "rolls the red carpet out" for the country.
But Prince Abdulaziz rejected any suggestion that the governing body had paved the way for his country.
"It's just a theory," he said. "What we should look at is what benefits the sport of football.
"Everyone was clear on the regulations, nobody objected to them during [the process] so I don't think there was any lack of transparency from Fifa. It was only that we were ready to do it and maybe others weren't. That's not our fault.
"As you can see from the announcement of more than 125 federations in support of the Saudi bid… the world also wants us to host 2034."
Fifa has said that a full evaluation of bids for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups is still to be completed before votes by all national associations at its Congress next year, and said its rotation policy helps to grow the game.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was the first notable figure to make the switch to the revamped Saudi Pro League last year. Since then a host of stars, such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves have followed suit, with £750m lavished on new signings this summer, sending shockwaves through football's transfer market.
"I think the Premier League did that and that's how they started. So nobody questioned them when they did it," said Prince Abdulaziz, when asked if the spending was a threat to more established European leagues.
BBC Sport attended the recent Riyadh derby between Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and rivals Al-Hilal while covering a number of events, accompanied by Ministry of Sport officials, during several days in Saudi Arabia. The game was played in front of more than 50,000 fans, but crowds at some smaller clubs have been as low as several hundred, with average attendances less than 9,000.
"It's building blocks… I'm sure that next year we'll have more attendance," said Prince Abdulaziz.
"Like anywhere in the world there's some matches that attract much more audience than others, but all of our big matches have attracted record numbers so far… we're broadcasting to 147 countries around the world.
"When we planned to develop the league we never thought that we would do it with such pace, but to see that is actually refreshing and it actually showcases the importance of this. Our focus is to develop our league to attract the best in the world."
Source: BBC Sport
Saudi World Cup sportswashing claims 'very shallow'
Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal defends Saudi Arabia's right to host the 2034 World Cup in exclusive interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
www.bbc.com
FearlessRoar
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I believe Saudi Arabia's determination to host the men's football World Cup is a positive move. Hosting such a major sporting event can bring numerous benefits, including fostering international connections, boosting tourism, and showcasing the country's progress. While acknowledging concerns is essential, it's also important to consider the potential positive impact on both the nation and global sports.
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Ancelotti said in an interview:
“I’ve not received any call from Saudi. I’ve another plan and it’s not about Saudi”.
“I never decided anything based on the financial package. Money is not crucial, I’ve enough money… I just want to feel good”.
“I’ve not received any call from Saudi. I’ve another plan and it’s not about Saudi”.
“I never decided anything based on the financial package. Money is not crucial, I’ve enough money… I just want to feel good”.
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Al Nassr 4-1 Al Riyadh Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo scores and assists for Saudi Pro League side
NAS vs RYD: the highlights of the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Riyadh, which was played at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo side take the better of al Riyadh and hands them a heavy defeat by 4 goals to 1. Ronaldo starred in the game and helped his side to clinch victory in important fixture.Source : The Hindu
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A good win for al Nasr. This will keep them alive in the race for Saudi Pro League title. Hope Al Nasr can come from behind to close the gap on top.
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Why is Saudi Arabia spending so much on sport?
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund - known as its Public Investment Fund (PIF) - owns the LIV golf series and is looking to clinch a hugely controversial proposed merger with the PGA Tour after the unprecedented division and litigation in the game caused by its breakaway series.
PIF has controlling stakes in Newcastle United, alongside four Saudi domestic football teams - Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli - which has raised concerns over whether that could give the Premier League club an unfair advantage when it comes to player loans or sales.
Although it recently sold its stake in the Formula 1 team owner McLaren Group, PIF has pumped hundreds of millions of pounds into the esports industry and has acquired a minority stake in the United States' Professional Fighters League - a rival to the UFC - in a deal that will launch an MMA league and Super Fight division in Saudi Arabia.
From WWE, horse racing and football to golf, boxing and Formula 1, Saudi Arabia has become an epicentre of international sport, hosting 85 major events.
An Americas Cup sailing regatta and ATP tennis event took place in Jeddah recently, and the city is currently staging football's Club World Cup, all of which were firsts for the kingdom.
Source : BBC News
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund - known as its Public Investment Fund (PIF) - owns the LIV golf series and is looking to clinch a hugely controversial proposed merger with the PGA Tour after the unprecedented division and litigation in the game caused by its breakaway series.
PIF has controlling stakes in Newcastle United, alongside four Saudi domestic football teams - Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli - which has raised concerns over whether that could give the Premier League club an unfair advantage when it comes to player loans or sales.
Although it recently sold its stake in the Formula 1 team owner McLaren Group, PIF has pumped hundreds of millions of pounds into the esports industry and has acquired a minority stake in the United States' Professional Fighters League - a rival to the UFC - in a deal that will launch an MMA league and Super Fight division in Saudi Arabia.
From WWE, horse racing and football to golf, boxing and Formula 1, Saudi Arabia has become an epicentre of international sport, hosting 85 major events.
An Americas Cup sailing regatta and ATP tennis event took place in Jeddah recently, and the city is currently staging football's Club World Cup, all of which were firsts for the kingdom.
Source : BBC News
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Al-Ittihad’s FIFA Club World Cup hopes dashed by Al-Ahly
Al-Ittihad’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign ended on Friday with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al-Ahly in their second-round clash in Jeddah.
Thousands of the Egyptian side’s supporters were on their feet for much of the 90 minutes at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, as their team ultimately proved to be too clinical for the reigning Saudi champions to cope with.
Al-Ittihad fans might point to Karim Benzema’s missed penalty in the first half as a turning point but the empty seats in the home section of the stadium when the final whistle sounded told their own story.
The reward for the African champions is a semi-final showdown with South American champions Fluminense of Brazil on Monday. Al-Ittihad, who defeated Auckland City from New Zealand 3-0 in the first round of the competition on Tuesday, return to league action on Dec. 23 with a home game against Al-Raed.
For the first hour on Friday the match hung in the balance, amid an atmosphere worthy of a meeting between the champions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Given the passionate level of support from the Al-Ahly fans, at times their players must have felt like they were playing at home.
The first half was played at a fast pace as both teams looked to get forward, even if they struggled to create clear chances. Romarinho had one of the best early on, from inside the area, forcing a good save from Mohammed El-Shenawy.
Al-Ahly were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute when Hassan Kadesh handled a long pass while under pressure from two Egyptian attackers. Despite the wall of yellow behind the goal, Ali Maaloul kept his cool and sent the ball straight down the middle past the diving Abdullah Al-Mayouf.
Seven minutes before the break, Benzema got sight of goal when a fine cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti found him on the left side of the area, but his low shot was straight at El-Shenawy.
As Al-Ittihad continued to push for an equalizer they left themselves open to a counterattack and were almost caught out, with Zakaria Al-Hawsawi forced to put the ball behind for a corner.
Before it could be taken, however, the referee was called to the monitor to check a possible earlier handball by Mohammed Abdelmonem and, after a review, he awarded a penalty to Al-Ittihad. Up stepped Benzema in front of a wall of red — and green laser beams shining into his eyes — but El-Shenawy went the right way to make a comfortable diving save.
Near the end of a dramatic first half, Al-Ahly almost scored a second when Kahraba latched onto a poor pass-back from Ahmed Hegazi, but Al-Mayouf was there to make the save.
Al-Ittihad effectively started the second half with two new full-backs. First, coach Marcelo Gallardo replaced Hawsawi with Ahmed Bamsaud at half time. Then, moments after the restart, right-back Al-Shanqiti seemed to pick up a hamstring injury and Madallah Al-Olayan took over.
Within minutes, the two-time Asian champions almost leveled the game. Igor Coronado slipped the ball through to Faisal Al-Ghamdi on the left side of the area, whose low shot squirmed through the legs of El-Shenawy but hit the post and rebounded into the grateful arms of the veteran goalkeeper.
Instead of 1-1, the score became 2-0 just before the hour mark. Hussein El-Shahat, who was making a record 13th appearance at the Club World Cup, had possession of the ball just inside the left corner of the area, made a little room for himself and then curled a delightful shot past the diving Al-Mayouf, sending the Egyptian fans wild.
The game was effectively over just two minutes later when Al-Ahly found huge gaps in the Al-Ittihad defense and Kharaba pulled the ball back from the byline for Emam Ashour to roll the ball home. There was a check for a possible foul in the build-up but the goal stood and that was that.
Al-Ahly took their foot off the gas at that point, their thoughts no doubt turning to their semi-final, but Anthony Modeste’s last-minute red card for an elbow on Hegazi might come back to haunt the team.
Soon after that, Benzema got Al-Ittihad’s consolation as he fired home from close range to claim his sixth Club World Cup goal.
The game will live long in the memories of Al-Ahly fans, as will the celebrations that followed. Al-Ittihad now need to regroup and bounce back on the domestic front, with three games coming up in the space of a week before the end of the year.
www.arabnews.com
Al-Ittihad’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign ended on Friday with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al-Ahly in their second-round clash in Jeddah.
Thousands of the Egyptian side’s supporters were on their feet for much of the 90 minutes at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, as their team ultimately proved to be too clinical for the reigning Saudi champions to cope with.
Al-Ittihad fans might point to Karim Benzema’s missed penalty in the first half as a turning point but the empty seats in the home section of the stadium when the final whistle sounded told their own story.
The reward for the African champions is a semi-final showdown with South American champions Fluminense of Brazil on Monday. Al-Ittihad, who defeated Auckland City from New Zealand 3-0 in the first round of the competition on Tuesday, return to league action on Dec. 23 with a home game against Al-Raed.
For the first hour on Friday the match hung in the balance, amid an atmosphere worthy of a meeting between the champions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Given the passionate level of support from the Al-Ahly fans, at times their players must have felt like they were playing at home.
The first half was played at a fast pace as both teams looked to get forward, even if they struggled to create clear chances. Romarinho had one of the best early on, from inside the area, forcing a good save from Mohammed El-Shenawy.
Al-Ahly were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute when Hassan Kadesh handled a long pass while under pressure from two Egyptian attackers. Despite the wall of yellow behind the goal, Ali Maaloul kept his cool and sent the ball straight down the middle past the diving Abdullah Al-Mayouf.
Seven minutes before the break, Benzema got sight of goal when a fine cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti found him on the left side of the area, but his low shot was straight at El-Shenawy.
As Al-Ittihad continued to push for an equalizer they left themselves open to a counterattack and were almost caught out, with Zakaria Al-Hawsawi forced to put the ball behind for a corner.
Before it could be taken, however, the referee was called to the monitor to check a possible earlier handball by Mohammed Abdelmonem and, after a review, he awarded a penalty to Al-Ittihad. Up stepped Benzema in front of a wall of red — and green laser beams shining into his eyes — but El-Shenawy went the right way to make a comfortable diving save.
Near the end of a dramatic first half, Al-Ahly almost scored a second when Kahraba latched onto a poor pass-back from Ahmed Hegazi, but Al-Mayouf was there to make the save.
Al-Ittihad effectively started the second half with two new full-backs. First, coach Marcelo Gallardo replaced Hawsawi with Ahmed Bamsaud at half time. Then, moments after the restart, right-back Al-Shanqiti seemed to pick up a hamstring injury and Madallah Al-Olayan took over.
Within minutes, the two-time Asian champions almost leveled the game. Igor Coronado slipped the ball through to Faisal Al-Ghamdi on the left side of the area, whose low shot squirmed through the legs of El-Shenawy but hit the post and rebounded into the grateful arms of the veteran goalkeeper.
Instead of 1-1, the score became 2-0 just before the hour mark. Hussein El-Shahat, who was making a record 13th appearance at the Club World Cup, had possession of the ball just inside the left corner of the area, made a little room for himself and then curled a delightful shot past the diving Al-Mayouf, sending the Egyptian fans wild.
The game was effectively over just two minutes later when Al-Ahly found huge gaps in the Al-Ittihad defense and Kharaba pulled the ball back from the byline for Emam Ashour to roll the ball home. There was a check for a possible foul in the build-up but the goal stood and that was that.
Al-Ahly took their foot off the gas at that point, their thoughts no doubt turning to their semi-final, but Anthony Modeste’s last-minute red card for an elbow on Hegazi might come back to haunt the team.
Soon after that, Benzema got Al-Ittihad’s consolation as he fired home from close range to claim his sixth Club World Cup goal.
The game will live long in the memories of Al-Ahly fans, as will the celebrations that followed. Al-Ittihad now need to regroup and bounce back on the domestic front, with three games coming up in the space of a week before the end of the year.
Al-Ittihad’s FIFA Club World Cup hopes dashed by Al-Ahly
Al-Ittihad’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign ended on Friday with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al-Ahly in their second-round clash in Jeddah. Thousands of the Egyptian side’s supporters were on their feet for much of the 90 minutes at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, as their team ultimately...
www.arabnews.com
FearlessRoar
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Roshn Saudi League's director of football on Mbappé joining the Saudi Pro League.
Source: Arab News
Source: Arab News
FearlessRoar
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The Saudi Pro League will make renewed attempts to sign Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah next summer with the 31-year-old the main target in the competition's next phase of expansion.
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Well, it appears that there is still a long list of famous players who would like to join Saudi Pro League owing to lucrative deals.
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Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq final score, result, highlights from Saudi Pro League as Cristiano Ronaldo strikes in 3-1 victory
Al Nassr closed the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League back to 10 points after easing to a 3-1 victory over Al Ettifaq.
Al Hilal thrashed Abha 7-0 on Thursday, meaning Al Nassr's own title hopes will be out of their hands for as long as the leaders continue to set the pace.
Al Ettifaq defended well for much of the first half to restrict Al Nassr to very few chances. Indeed, the away side missed the best of the early opportunities, Moussa Dembele shooting straight at goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi when clean through on the break.
A moment of magic from Alex Telles broke the deadlock shortly before halftime. The former Manchester United man smashed home a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area following a half-cleared cross.
Any hope of a comeback seemed to be snuffed out before the hour mark. Al Nassr pressed high to disrupt Al Ettifaq's attempt to play out from the back, Brozovic intercepted the ball 18 yards out, and the midfielder's improvised half-volley from Ronaldo's headed assist saw him score in the Saudi Pro League for the first time.
Ronaldo twice missed good chances, the second following a fine run from Sadio Mane, but he would eventually get on the scoresheet via a penalty after Mane's latest dance into the area drew a handball.
Al Kuwaykibi netted from close range but it never felt like the visitors believed they could rescue a result. They remain eighth in the table, 16 points behind Al Nassr in second.
Source : The Sporting News
Al Nassr closed the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League back to 10 points after easing to a 3-1 victory over Al Ettifaq.
Al Hilal thrashed Abha 7-0 on Thursday, meaning Al Nassr's own title hopes will be out of their hands for as long as the leaders continue to set the pace.
Al Ettifaq defended well for much of the first half to restrict Al Nassr to very few chances. Indeed, the away side missed the best of the early opportunities, Moussa Dembele shooting straight at goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi when clean through on the break.
A moment of magic from Alex Telles broke the deadlock shortly before halftime. The former Manchester United man smashed home a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area following a half-cleared cross.
Any hope of a comeback seemed to be snuffed out before the hour mark. Al Nassr pressed high to disrupt Al Ettifaq's attempt to play out from the back, Brozovic intercepted the ball 18 yards out, and the midfielder's improvised half-volley from Ronaldo's headed assist saw him score in the Saudi Pro League for the first time.
Ronaldo twice missed good chances, the second following a fine run from Sadio Mane, but he would eventually get on the scoresheet via a penalty after Mane's latest dance into the area drew a handball.
Al Kuwaykibi netted from close range but it never felt like the visitors believed they could rescue a result. They remain eighth in the table, 16 points behind Al Nassr in second.
Source : The Sporting News
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Hendo no-go
Jordan Henderson has NOT made a request to leave Saudi Arabia and is not for sale or loan in January, talkSPORT understands.
Rumours have emerged claiming the former Liverpool captain has not settled at Al-Ettifaq and is keen to return to the Premier League.
However, Ettifaq sources say the player has not made a request to leave, and the club would only entertain an offer that sees them profit 'significantly' from his sale.
Henderson was brought to the Pro League club in the summer for £12million, with the Premier League and Champions League winner handed a £200,000-a-week tax-free contract.
Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard, who was key in persuading both Henderson to join them and the club to sign him, is building his squad around Henderson and so doesn't plan to lose him.
Source : talkSPORT
Jordan Henderson has NOT made a request to leave Saudi Arabia and is not for sale or loan in January, talkSPORT understands.
Rumours have emerged claiming the former Liverpool captain has not settled at Al-Ettifaq and is keen to return to the Premier League.
However, Ettifaq sources say the player has not made a request to leave, and the club would only entertain an offer that sees them profit 'significantly' from his sale.
Henderson was brought to the Pro League club in the summer for £12million, with the Premier League and Champions League winner handed a £200,000-a-week tax-free contract.
Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard, who was key in persuading both Henderson to join them and the club to sign him, is building his squad around Henderson and so doesn't plan to lose him.
Source : talkSPORT
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England midfielder Jordan Henderson has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
It comes just six months after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
It comes just six months after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
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Opportunity is up for grabs for the players out there who want to make a career in this sports.
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Saudi Arabia are recruiting players for their 3rd division and is offering €3,000-€4,000-a-month + a house.
Their aim is to completely rebuild their whole football system.
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Saudi Arabia are recruiting players for their 3rd division and is offering €3,000-€4,000-a-month + a house.
Their aim is to completely rebuild their whole football system.
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Update on Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is set to stay in Saudi Arabia for the rest of the season as Al Ettifaq are unlikely to consider letting him move in January.
Jordan Henderson is set to stay in Saudi Arabia for the rest of the season as Al Ettifaq are unlikely to consider letting him move in January.
Rafael Nadal signs Saudi tennis ambassador deal as Kingdom continues assault on sport
Rafael Nadal was named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation on Monday, as the Gulf kingdom aims to host more professional tournaments as part of a broader sports push.“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that,” the 37-year-old Spaniard, winner of 22 Grand Slams, said in a federation press release.
“I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential.”
Nadal was due to feature in the ongoing Australian Open having been out of the game since injuring his hip at the 2023 edition.
After winning his opening two matches at the warm-up event in Brisbane, however, to tore a muscle and was forced to miss the first Grand Slam of the year.
Nadal had previously said there was a “high percentage” that 2024 would be his farewell to the tour.
The announcement comes after a busy 2023 for tennis in Saudi Arabia, which hosted its first ATP Tour event -- the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah -- and closed out the year with exhibition matches pitting Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka against Ons Jabeur.
Nadal recently visited a junior tennis clinic in Riyadh, and his new role will involve “dedicated time in the kingdom each year” to grow the sport as well as the development of a new Rafa Nadal Academy, the Saudi federation said on Monday.
Sport is a major component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a tourism and business hub while transitioning the world’s biggest crude oil exporter away from fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia has lured football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to play in the Saudi Pro League, hosted heavyweight bouts and funded the upstart LIV Golf tour to take on the PGA Tour.
The kingdom has also been named host of the 2034 World Cup.
But Saudi Arabia has been accused by its critics of “sportswashing” by using sport to improve its international reputation after widespread criticism for its human rights and environmental record
The five-year deal to bring the Next Gen ATP Finals to Jeddah “signals the country’s intent to make tennis a major part of its international calendar and is the first of many likely professional tennis tournaments to be held in the country,” the Saudi federation said.
Rafael Nadal signs Saudi tennis ambassador deal as Kingdom continues assault on sport
Rafael Nadal was named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation on Monday, as the Gulf kingdom aims to host more professional tournaments as part of a broader sports push.
Saudis doing a major face upliftment in a very short span of time.
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Good News for Al Hilal FC
Renan Lodi to Al Hilal, finally at the signing stages as all documents are ready.
Contract until June 2027, OM to get fee in excess of €20m from Al Hilal.
Renan Lodi to Al Hilal, finally at the signing stages as all documents are ready.
Contract until June 2027, OM to get fee in excess of €20m from Al Hilal.
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FearlessRoar
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Al-Ettifaq are currently eighth in the Saudi Pro League.
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England midfielder Jordan Henderson has joined Dutch club Ajax after less than six months at Al-Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract worth a reported £700,000 a week with the Saudi Arabian club after leaving Liverpool in July.
Al-Ettifaq agreed to terminate Henderson's contract to facilitate a move away from the Saudi Pro League.
BBC
The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract worth a reported £700,000 a week with the Saudi Arabian club after leaving Liverpool in July.
Al-Ettifaq agreed to terminate Henderson's contract to facilitate a move away from the Saudi Pro League.
BBC
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That's the impact Saudi Arabia is having on the world of football.
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Cristiano Ronaldo believes that the Saudi Pro League is already superior to France's Ligue 1.
Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in January last year and was later joined in Saudi Arabia by the likes of Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Many spectators were taken by surprise when the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon moved to the Middle East.
However, he believes that it was a good move - both for him and for the development of Saudi soccer.
Ronaldo attended the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.
He won three awards but Erling Haaland was crowned Best Men's Player.
Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in January last year and was later joined in Saudi Arabia by the likes of Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Many spectators were taken by surprise when the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon moved to the Middle East.
However, he believes that it was a good move - both for him and for the development of Saudi soccer.
Ronaldo attended the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.
He won three awards but Erling Haaland was crowned Best Men's Player.
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Ronaldo has some words to say for the footballs fans.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al Nassr are set to nearly double their capacity as they prepare a new stadium ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
Al Nassr, who signed Ronaldo in 2022, look set to upgrade their current dwellings from the Al-Awwal Park, which has a capacity of 25,000.
The new and improved upgrade will see them move into a brand new 45,000-seater stadium - including new technology that has never been seen before in a football ground.
Saudi Arabia are the frontrunners to host the World Cup in 2034 after becoming the sole bidder.
Australia's withdrawal from the bidding has given the Saudis a clear run at the competition and the Gulf state are ready to splash out.
And that includes elaborate plans to build new stadiums across the country with Al Nassr set to benefit.
Courtesy of the Saudi government, a new stadium will be built ahead of the 2034 World Cup and be named the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium.
Some of the plans include a gigantic LED wall that will feature hundreds of metres of screens that will open out on to views below the ground.
There is also a retractable roof and pitch but the draw will be the futuristic feel that the LED screens will give.
It will be situated on top of 200-metre high cliff near Riyadh with a manmade lake built underneath the stadium, which will keep the ground cool.
Al Nassr, who signed Ronaldo in 2022, look set to upgrade their current dwellings from the Al-Awwal Park, which has a capacity of 25,000.
The new and improved upgrade will see them move into a brand new 45,000-seater stadium - including new technology that has never been seen before in a football ground.
Saudi Arabia are the frontrunners to host the World Cup in 2034 after becoming the sole bidder.
Australia's withdrawal from the bidding has given the Saudis a clear run at the competition and the Gulf state are ready to splash out.
And that includes elaborate plans to build new stadiums across the country with Al Nassr set to benefit.
Courtesy of the Saudi government, a new stadium will be built ahead of the 2034 World Cup and be named the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium.
Some of the plans include a gigantic LED wall that will feature hundreds of metres of screens that will open out on to views below the ground.
There is also a retractable roof and pitch but the draw will be the futuristic feel that the LED screens will give.
It will be situated on top of 200-metre high cliff near Riyadh with a manmade lake built underneath the stadium, which will keep the ground cool.
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Sadio Mane has defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League and says it is “watched by everybody in the world”.
Mane, 31, was one of several high-profile stars to swap European football for Saudi Arabia last summer, moving to Al Nassr from Bayern Munich.
But football in the Gulf state has come under scrutiny this season, with low attendances at games despite the influx of global talent. Jordan Henderson’s return to Europe with Ajax, just six months into a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq, has also raised questions.
Mane, 31, was one of several high-profile stars to swap European football for Saudi Arabia last summer, moving to Al Nassr from Bayern Munich.
But football in the Gulf state has come under scrutiny this season, with low attendances at games despite the influx of global talent. Jordan Henderson’s return to Europe with Ajax, just six months into a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq, has also raised questions.
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Lots of high-end league players are attracted to Saudi football. Money money money.
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Newcastle may also be persuaded to part with Paraguay international Miguel Almiron, 29, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab interested in the winger.
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Newcastle may also be persuaded to part with Paraguay international Miguel Almiron, 29, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab interested in the winger.
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Al-Nassr are lining up an audacious bid for Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, and ex-England Under-21 defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 26, as Manchester United prepare to offload some of their high-earning stars.
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Romelu Lukaku: “In the next two years I see Saudi Pro League becoming one of the best in the world, if not the best”.
“The clubs make a lot of efforts to bring the 'big' players here. They are improving a lot”.
“It could be the best competition in the world”.
“The clubs make a lot of efforts to bring the 'big' players here. They are improving a lot”.
“It could be the best competition in the world”.
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Al-Nassr crushed Inter Miami 6-0 as injury ruled Cristiano Ronaldo out of a much-hyped showdown with Lionel Messi, who was limited to a late substitute appearance in Thursday’s friendly in Riyadh.
Brazilian Talisca upstaged the illustrious duo with a hattrick as the Saudi Pro League side demolished its Major League Soccer opponent, scoring three times inside the first 12 minutes.
Otavio drilled in the opening goal as Miami lost the ball trying to play out from the back. A sliding Talisca turned in Al-Nassr’s second as the visitor again paid the price for conceding possession near its own box.
Aymeric Laporte scored the goal of the night, catching Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender well off his line as he belted in a long-range free-kick from deep inside his own half.
Talisca got his second from the penalty spot minutes after half-time and Mohammed Maran looped in a header to compound Miami’s misery.Talisca completed his treble before Messi trotted on for the final seven minutes with his team trailing by six goals.
The American side was clearly feeling the effects of a globe-trotting pre-season tour, but the gulf in class was also stark.
Brazilian Talisca upstaged the illustrious duo with a hattrick as the Saudi Pro League side demolished its Major League Soccer opponent, scoring three times inside the first 12 minutes.
Otavio drilled in the opening goal as Miami lost the ball trying to play out from the back. A sliding Talisca turned in Al-Nassr’s second as the visitor again paid the price for conceding possession near its own box.
Aymeric Laporte scored the goal of the night, catching Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender well off his line as he belted in a long-range free-kick from deep inside his own half.
Talisca got his second from the penalty spot minutes after half-time and Mohammed Maran looped in a header to compound Miami’s misery.Talisca completed his treble before Messi trotted on for the final seven minutes with his team trailing by six goals.
The American side was clearly feeling the effects of a globe-trotting pre-season tour, but the gulf in class was also stark.
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Ruben Neves: "I feel no difference between Saudi and European leagues. I’m not planning to return soon".
“Saudi can have one of the best leagues in the world within two years".
"Quality of players joining here is excellent, it look like PlayStation!", told O Jogo.
“Saudi can have one of the best leagues in the world within two years".
"Quality of players joining here is excellent, it look like PlayStation!", told O Jogo.
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Why cant Saudis invest in football?
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La Liga chief Tebas explains Saudi reversal
La Liga chief Javier Tebas has been a long-standing opponent of 'state' clubs and countries using football to improve their global image.
It seemed strange therefore when La Liga confirmed in August that ‘Visit Saudi’ had become s a global commercial partner:
“It is not the same Saudi Arabia as it was in 2021," Tebas explained.
"What about Formula One, LIV golf, the World Padel Tour? The Italian and Turkish (football) Super Cups? I saw Tyson Fury fight there.
"You can always use a snapshot from 2021 (when Tebas said Saudi Arabia were trying to improve their image through sport) but times change.
"It is like the (United Arab) Emirates was 10 years ago. Saudi Arabia is going in the same direction.”
Source: BBC
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La Liga chief Tebas explains Saudi reversal
La Liga chief Javier Tebas has been a long-standing opponent of 'state' clubs and countries using football to improve their global image.
It seemed strange therefore when La Liga confirmed in August that ‘Visit Saudi’ had become s a global commercial partner:
“It is not the same Saudi Arabia as it was in 2021," Tebas explained.
"What about Formula One, LIV golf, the World Padel Tour? The Italian and Turkish (football) Super Cups? I saw Tyson Fury fight there.
"You can always use a snapshot from 2021 (when Tebas said Saudi Arabia were trying to improve their image through sport) but times change.
"It is like the (United Arab) Emirates was 10 years ago. Saudi Arabia is going in the same direction.”
Source: BBC
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Al Hilal in beast mode at the moment.
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That guy, literally, swung what looks like a stick to me on that player. Crazy.
FearlessRoar
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Saudi FA to review fan code of conduct after supporter appears to whip player
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is to review its spectator code of conduct after a supporter appeared to whip an Al-Ittihad player.
The incident took place at the end of Al-Ittihad's defeat by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Footage shows Al-Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah throw water at a fan, who then strikes the player twice with what looks like a whip.
The SAFF said it was "shocked with the disgraceful scenes".
Moroccan Hamdallah scored for his side as they lost 4-1.
"Football in Saudi Arabia is a family game and, thankfully, fan disorder is extremely rare," said the SAFF.
"It's why the actions of this 'so called' fan go against all that Saudi football represents and we completely condemn the incident.
"There will be a thorough review of the spectator code of conduct. The review will ensure updated rules and regulations are put in place to swiftly and effectively impose suitable penalties to help avoid any repeat of such incidents."
Saudi FA 'shocked' as fan appears to whip player
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is to review its fan code of conduct after a supporter appeared to whip an Al-Ittihad player.
www.bbc.com
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Al-Hilal has to delay title celebrations as Al-Nassr beats Al-Okhdood
RIYADH: A stoppage-time goal by Marcelo Brozovic secured a 3-2 win for Al-Nassr against gallant Al-Okhdood on Thursday night at Prince Hathloul Stadium, which means a delay for Al-Hilal’s crowning as Saudi Pro League champions.
Al-Nassr had led 2-0 at half time before the home team mounted a spirited second-half comeback to square the match, a result which would have handed the title to leaders Al-Hilal with four matches left.
The win raised the Yellows’ points tally to 77 points, nine behind their Riyadh rivals. Al-Hilal can wrap up a record-extending 19th championship on Saturday night with a win or draw against Al-Hazem in Riyadh.
Al-Nassr took the lead through Brozovic after only seven minutes and a comfortable win was on the cards when Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 only eight minutes later.
However, goals by Hassan Al-Habib on the hour mark and Saviour Goodwin 10 minutes later looked to have earned the 15th-placed team a vital point in their battle against relegation.
In the unlikely event they fail to win against Al-Hazem, Al-Hilal will have another chance on May 17 against Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Derby at Al-Awwal Park Stadium.
Source: Arab News
RIYADH: A stoppage-time goal by Marcelo Brozovic secured a 3-2 win for Al-Nassr against gallant Al-Okhdood on Thursday night at Prince Hathloul Stadium, which means a delay for Al-Hilal’s crowning as Saudi Pro League champions.
Al-Nassr had led 2-0 at half time before the home team mounted a spirited second-half comeback to square the match, a result which would have handed the title to leaders Al-Hilal with four matches left.
The win raised the Yellows’ points tally to 77 points, nine behind their Riyadh rivals. Al-Hilal can wrap up a record-extending 19th championship on Saturday night with a win or draw against Al-Hazem in Riyadh.
Al-Nassr took the lead through Brozovic after only seven minutes and a comfortable win was on the cards when Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 only eight minutes later.
However, goals by Hassan Al-Habib on the hour mark and Saviour Goodwin 10 minutes later looked to have earned the 15th-placed team a vital point in their battle against relegation.
In the unlikely event they fail to win against Al-Hazem, Al-Hilal will have another chance on May 17 against Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Derby at Al-Awwal Park Stadium.
Source: Arab News
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Fulham manager Marco Silva has rejected the chance to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
The 46-year-old is believed to have recently held talks with officials from Al-Ittihad - a club under the control of the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United.
Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli reportedly now is the frontrunner after Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo was sacked.
Fulham have been confident about keeping Silva amid interest after a similar approach from Al-Ahli, who are also controlled by PIF, last summer.
Silva has been widely praised for his leadership at Fulham after comfortably avoiding relegation in his two seasons following promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
BBC
The 46-year-old is believed to have recently held talks with officials from Al-Ittihad - a club under the control of the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United.
Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli reportedly now is the frontrunner after Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo was sacked.
Fulham have been confident about keeping Silva amid interest after a similar approach from Al-Ahli, who are also controlled by PIF, last summer.
Silva has been widely praised for his leadership at Fulham after comfortably avoiding relegation in his two seasons following promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
BBC
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All Saudi Top-Tier Football Clubs To Go Private, Says Ministry
The Saudi Pro League's remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said, after the sale of four top teams sparked a billion-dollar spending spree on foreign stars. Six more clubs from the 18-strong league are available for privatisation next month, followed by the other eight "at a later stage", a statement said late on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the top oil exporter's sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year.
The four clubs have signed superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar on eye-watering contracts.
Saudi clubs, led by the four owned by PIF, spent $957 million in last year's summer transfer window, second only to the English Premier League.
However, it resulted in a lop-sided season highlighted by Al Hilal's top-flight world record of 34 straight wins in all competitions.
Al Zulfi, Al Nahda, Al Okhdood, Al Ansar, Al Orouba and Al Kholoud were selected for the next round in August based on their "operational readiness, financial health, administrative capabilities, and athletic facilities", the ministry said.
It said the initial privatisations had prompted "significant commercial revenue growth", with the target now raised to 1.8 billion Saudi riyals ($480 million) a year.
"This (privatisation) initiative showcases the commitment to accelerating the transformation of the sports sector," the statement said.
The conservative kingdom is investing heavily in sport as it tries to reshape its staid image and attract tourists and investment to diversify its oil-reliant economy.
Saudi Arabia, which already hosts F1 races and world heavyweight boxing fights, is the sole bidder for the 2034 football World Cup and funds the LIV Tour that has upended professional golf.
Saudi money has "completely changed the market" for football transfers, Pep Guardiola, manager of English champions Manchester City, said last year.
All Saudi Top-Tier Football Clubs To Go Private, Says Ministry | Football News
The Saudi Pro League's remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said.
Aang_The_last_airbender
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Haha, Arabia where the time stands still, we are still in the 8th century AD.
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Six star players who have already left the Saudi Pro League in 2024
A year has passed since the Saudi Pro League shocked the world of football by signing some of the sport’s biggest names, with the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson joining clubs in the Gulf state.
Superstars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah continue to be linked with transfers to the Saudi Pro League, but it remains to be seen whether it will quite fulfil its ambitions of becoming one of football’s top leagues after being talked up by bellwether marquee signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain’s Euro 2024 winner Aymeric Laporte is among those who have expressed reservations about life in Saudi Arabia, although it remains to be seen whether he’ll make the return to Europe in the coming months. He wouldn’t be the first, though – here are six high-profile names that have left the Saudi Pro League in 2024.
www.planetfootball.com
A year has passed since the Saudi Pro League shocked the world of football by signing some of the sport’s biggest names, with the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson joining clubs in the Gulf state.
Superstars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah continue to be linked with transfers to the Saudi Pro League, but it remains to be seen whether it will quite fulfil its ambitions of becoming one of football’s top leagues after being talked up by bellwether marquee signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain’s Euro 2024 winner Aymeric Laporte is among those who have expressed reservations about life in Saudi Arabia, although it remains to be seen whether he’ll make the return to Europe in the coming months. He wouldn’t be the first, though – here are six high-profile names that have left the Saudi Pro League in 2024.
Six star players who have already left the Saudi Pro League in 2024
Spain's Euro 2024 winner Aymeric Laporte is among those that have expressed reservations about life in Saudi Arabia, although it remains to be seen whether he'll make the return to Europe in the coming months. Here are six high-profile names that have left the Saudi Pro League in 2024.
www.planetfootball.com
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What has happened to Saudi Pro League's big spending?
The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Thursday, 22 August. A year ago, it seemed there was a star player arriving in Riyadh, Jeddah and elsewhere on a daily basis.
In all, more than £700m was spent on the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez among others who joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.
If there were expectations that this summer would be as free-spending as the last, they have not yet been met, though there has been a general downturn in the wider transfer market.
"It has been a relatively quiet summer across global football," Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at Skema Business School in Paris, told BBC Sport.
Chadwick attributes it to "a combination of harsh economic conditions, the late finishing of continental national team tournaments, and clubs across various territories trying to navigate local financial regulations".
While there have been links to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, there has yet to be an earth-shattering transfer deal in Saudi Arabia this summer.
Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney is the latest name of interest, with the Bees rejecting a £35m bid for the 28-year-old from Al-Ahli last week.
"The problem with spending big on expensive imported talent is that sustaining it means continuing to do so in perpetuity," added Chadwick.
"This is expensive, doesn't guarantee success, can engender instability, and undermines national-team performances.
"Inside Saudi Arabian football there is likely to be some more considered and strategic thinking right now, compared to two years ago."
There is plenty of existing star power in the country however, with most of the big names still there. The league sent 14 players to the European Championship this summer, including Merih Demiral - Al-Ahli's Turkey centre-back.
"We showed everyone that the Saudi Pro League is not an easy league," Demiral told BBC Sport.
"We are working very hard here - our training and our games are not easy like many people think."
The 'big four'
Al-Ahli are one of the 'big four', owned by the same country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) that backs Newcastle United and finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Al-Hilal were dominant and strolled to a 19th domestic league title, finishing 14 points clear of Al-Nassr, and extending their own world record for consecutive match wins to 34.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ruben Neves arrived from Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Serbia forward was outscored only by Ronaldo, and Neves was out-assisted only by Mahrez, while the defence which included Kalidou Koulibaly was miserly.
The big question is when Neymar, who played just five games before damaging knee ligaments in October, will be back. September is the hope.
Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr ended the season empty-handed despite scoring 100 goals and finishing 17 points above Al-Ahli in third.
The fact that Al-Nassr were a winning machine has not stopped the pressure on coach Luis Castro after a poor pre-season, which culminated on Saturday in a 4-1 defeat by Al-Hilal in the Super Cup final.
Ronaldo will once again dominate the headlines, though it remains to be seen if he can match his 35 goals last season - a league record. The 39-year-old has the likes of Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic alongside him.
Jeddah's Al-Ittihad were deserved champions in 2022-23, but finished fifth last year despite signing N’Golo Kante, Benzema and Fabinho. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo did not last long, and neither did his successor Marcelo Gallardo.
The Argentine has been replaced by Laurent Blanc. With no Asian Champions League commitments and the signing of Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for about £50m in the summer's biggest deal so far, fans are expectant.
Neighbours Al-Ahli also have attacking riches with Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Firas Al-Buraikan, the league's leading Saudi scorer.
Allan Saint-Maximin has left for Fenerbahce in Turkey, but there are signs in pre-season that former Liverpool forward Firmino, not at his best last time around, is looking sharp.
The club's famous army of green-clad fans will want the third-place finish under 36-year-old German coach Matthias Jaissle to be a platform for a title challenge this time.
"Our fans are really amazing because, especially when we go to away games, they come out in huge numbers - like 20,000 people every game," said Demiral.
"This is so good for us, especially as players, because we feel their support all the time. In the Saudi Pro League there aren't any fans like ours, which is why we're so lucky."
Overall however, the league will be hoping to improve on last season's average attendance of just over 8,000. The big four are by far the best supported, and improving the numbers in the rest of the league is a priority.
Aubameyang among new names
It is the same on the pitch. Since Al-Ettifaq's 1987 title, only two clubs have broken the stranglehold of the big four - Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab, who finished seventh and eighth last season.
Al-Taawoun actually took fourth, but will be hard-pressed to repeat that feat. Steven Gerrard led Al-Ettifaq to sixth and has since brought in goalkeeper Merek Rodak from Fulham.
Much attention will be on Al-Qadsiah, promoted last season. The team from the eastern city of Al-Khobar were taken over by Aramco, the country's state-owned oil company - one of the richest in the world in terms of revenue.
Robbie Fowler was fired despite eight unbeaten games at the start of the season, and his successor Michel led the team to the top tier.
In order to compete, the club have been busy. In attack Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has come in from Marseille, and he is joined by Spanish centre-back Nacho who signed from Real Madrid.
There is a strong Spanish-speaking contingent with Mexican international Julian Quinones, Andre Carrillo from Peru, Uruguay's Nahitan Nandez and Argentina Under-23s midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez.
BBC
The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Thursday, 22 August. A year ago, it seemed there was a star player arriving in Riyadh, Jeddah and elsewhere on a daily basis.
In all, more than £700m was spent on the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez among others who joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.
If there were expectations that this summer would be as free-spending as the last, they have not yet been met, though there has been a general downturn in the wider transfer market.
"It has been a relatively quiet summer across global football," Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at Skema Business School in Paris, told BBC Sport.
Chadwick attributes it to "a combination of harsh economic conditions, the late finishing of continental national team tournaments, and clubs across various territories trying to navigate local financial regulations".
While there have been links to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, there has yet to be an earth-shattering transfer deal in Saudi Arabia this summer.
Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney is the latest name of interest, with the Bees rejecting a £35m bid for the 28-year-old from Al-Ahli last week.
"The problem with spending big on expensive imported talent is that sustaining it means continuing to do so in perpetuity," added Chadwick.
"This is expensive, doesn't guarantee success, can engender instability, and undermines national-team performances.
"Inside Saudi Arabian football there is likely to be some more considered and strategic thinking right now, compared to two years ago."
There is plenty of existing star power in the country however, with most of the big names still there. The league sent 14 players to the European Championship this summer, including Merih Demiral - Al-Ahli's Turkey centre-back.
"We showed everyone that the Saudi Pro League is not an easy league," Demiral told BBC Sport.
"We are working very hard here - our training and our games are not easy like many people think."
The 'big four'
Al-Ahli are one of the 'big four', owned by the same country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) that backs Newcastle United and finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Al-Hilal were dominant and strolled to a 19th domestic league title, finishing 14 points clear of Al-Nassr, and extending their own world record for consecutive match wins to 34.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ruben Neves arrived from Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Serbia forward was outscored only by Ronaldo, and Neves was out-assisted only by Mahrez, while the defence which included Kalidou Koulibaly was miserly.
The big question is when Neymar, who played just five games before damaging knee ligaments in October, will be back. September is the hope.
Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr ended the season empty-handed despite scoring 100 goals and finishing 17 points above Al-Ahli in third.
The fact that Al-Nassr were a winning machine has not stopped the pressure on coach Luis Castro after a poor pre-season, which culminated on Saturday in a 4-1 defeat by Al-Hilal in the Super Cup final.
Ronaldo will once again dominate the headlines, though it remains to be seen if he can match his 35 goals last season - a league record. The 39-year-old has the likes of Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic alongside him.
Jeddah's Al-Ittihad were deserved champions in 2022-23, but finished fifth last year despite signing N’Golo Kante, Benzema and Fabinho. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo did not last long, and neither did his successor Marcelo Gallardo.
The Argentine has been replaced by Laurent Blanc. With no Asian Champions League commitments and the signing of Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for about £50m in the summer's biggest deal so far, fans are expectant.
Neighbours Al-Ahli also have attacking riches with Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Firas Al-Buraikan, the league's leading Saudi scorer.
Allan Saint-Maximin has left for Fenerbahce in Turkey, but there are signs in pre-season that former Liverpool forward Firmino, not at his best last time around, is looking sharp.
The club's famous army of green-clad fans will want the third-place finish under 36-year-old German coach Matthias Jaissle to be a platform for a title challenge this time.
"Our fans are really amazing because, especially when we go to away games, they come out in huge numbers - like 20,000 people every game," said Demiral.
"This is so good for us, especially as players, because we feel their support all the time. In the Saudi Pro League there aren't any fans like ours, which is why we're so lucky."
Overall however, the league will be hoping to improve on last season's average attendance of just over 8,000. The big four are by far the best supported, and improving the numbers in the rest of the league is a priority.
Aubameyang among new names
It is the same on the pitch. Since Al-Ettifaq's 1987 title, only two clubs have broken the stranglehold of the big four - Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab, who finished seventh and eighth last season.
Al-Taawoun actually took fourth, but will be hard-pressed to repeat that feat. Steven Gerrard led Al-Ettifaq to sixth and has since brought in goalkeeper Merek Rodak from Fulham.
Much attention will be on Al-Qadsiah, promoted last season. The team from the eastern city of Al-Khobar were taken over by Aramco, the country's state-owned oil company - one of the richest in the world in terms of revenue.
Robbie Fowler was fired despite eight unbeaten games at the start of the season, and his successor Michel led the team to the top tier.
In order to compete, the club have been busy. In attack Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has come in from Marseille, and he is joined by Spanish centre-back Nacho who signed from Real Madrid.
There is a strong Spanish-speaking contingent with Mexican international Julian Quinones, Andre Carrillo from Peru, Uruguay's Nahitan Nandez and Argentina Under-23s midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez.
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