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☆ Al-Hilal: Saudi Arabia club sets record for most consecutive wins in men’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal set the world record for the most consecutive victories in men’s soccer on Tuesday, defeating Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the AFC Champions League. Before that, Dutch giant Ajax had held the record for 44 years after a 26-game winning streak between 1971 and 1972. “Everyone at Al Hilal is delighted to achieve world football history by winning 28 consecutive matches,” said manager Jorge Jesus. “It is up to everyone at Al-Hilal to ensure that we close out the season as Roshn Saudi League champions and meet our targets in the cup competitions. According to Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin has the most consecutive wins in soccer – men’s or women’s – with 41 across all competitions between 2012 and 2013.

Persons: Hilal, Al Hilal, ”, Jorge Jesus, Romarinho, Yasser Al, Shahrani, Hilal's, Yasser Bakhsh, Abderrazak, Ali Al, Malcom, Jesus, ” Al, Al Ain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Neymar Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, AFC Champions League, Welsh, New Saints, Ajax, ”, “, Saudi League, Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin Locations: Saudi Arabian, Ittihad, Al, Hilal, Jeddah

☆ AC Milan: How this soccer team became a style success story
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Daniel-Yaw Miller | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The Pleasures tie-up may have been a surprise to traditional soccer fans, but it was by no means an accident. AC Milan has pursued a number of partnerships — including tapping Off-White as its official “style and culture curator” — since its $1.2 billion acquisition by US investment firm RedBird Capital Partners in August 2022. AC Milan’s infiltration of fashion has gone further than any soccer team before, even France’s Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which not so long ago was the favored sports collaborator of brands like Dior, Stüssy and Jordan. This gray varsity with Off White and AC Milan branding is sold out. Courtesy AC MilanUnlike PSG, AC Milan does not have the same kind of international stardom in its squad that automatically comes with cultural caché.

Persons: Kylie Jenner, Ib Kamara, ”, Germain, Stüssy, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Kylian, Lauren Cochrane, “ It’s Organizations: The, Fashion, CNN, Milan, Napoli, Milanese, Los, Vogue Italia, RedBird Capital Partners, Saint, PSG, Dior, White, Milan AC Milan’s, Puma, Guardian Locations: Los Angeles, thoughtfully, Jordan, Italy

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will leave the club at the end of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. Mbappe, who has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, will be a free agent at the end of the campaign after seven years with PSG. Mbappe has been at PSG since 2017 after signing from Monaco in a transfer worth a reported $190 million. Mbappe will be the latest superstar player to leave the French club in recent times following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar last year. Mbappe won five French league titles with PSG, but has so far failed to lead it to success in the Champions League.

Persons: Kylian Mbappe, Germain, Mbappe hasn’t, PSG President Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar Organizations: Paris Saint, Associated Press, PSG President, PSG, France, Monaco, Real, Champions League, ___ Locations: Real Madrid, Madrid, Mbappe

☆ Jordan Henderson: After six months in Saudi Arabia, England international has returned to European soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Soccer player Jordan Henderson has announced that he is returning to Europe to join Ajax, six months after making a controversial move to Saudi Arabia. Henderson makes a pass during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Ittihad in November. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty ImagesHenderson’s move from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq came under scrutiny given the midfielder’s previous support of LGBTQ rights. But in moving to Saudi Arabia – where same-sex sexual activity is an offense, according to Human Rights Watch – Henderson attracted criticism from LGBTQ campaign groups and the wider soccer community. He made 17 league appearances during his six months with Al Ettifaq, which is managed by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.

Persons: Jordan Henderson, “, I’ve, Ettifaq, Samer Al Misehal, ”, “ Jordan, he’d, Saad Allazeez, Henderson, Al Ettifaq, Yasser Bakhsh, – Henderson, ” Henderson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Steven Gerrard Organizations: CNN — Soccer, Ajax, England, Saudi Pro League, Al, Twitter, Jordan, ESPN, SPL, Stonewall, Saudi Arabia –, Human Rights, Liverpool, Athletic, Champions League, Premier League Locations: Europe, Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad, Liverpool, Al

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo walked off the field with the gleeful chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi!” ringing in his ears from delighted Al-Hilal fans who had just watched their Saudi Pro League team beat the Portugal superstar's Al-Nassr 3-0 in the Riyadh Derby on Friday. Saudi soccer has not been the same since the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward completed a move last December. Lots of people want to be like Cristiano Ronaldo but few want to work like Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo may have his work cut out to help his team win title No. 10 but, given his form so far this season, he may still have the last laugh with the Messi chants fading away.

Persons: — Cristiano Ronaldo, “ Messi, Messi, Al, Portugal superstar's, Ballon, — Aleksandar Mitrovic, Milinkovic, Savic, Hilal, Ronaldo, Cristiano, ”, Fahad, “ Al, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, “ Cristiano, ” Al, Luis Castro, Cristiano Ronaldo, ” Ronaldo, Mitrovic, Hilal’s, Germain, Neymar, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Salem, Saleh Al, Shehri, Lionel Messi's, ___ Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Riyadh Derby, Serbian, Al, King Fahd International, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Fahad Al, Associated Press, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Paris Saint, English Premier League, Saudi Arabian Locations: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Riyadh, Saudi Arabian, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Asia, Paris, Brazil, Lionel Messi's Argentina, cryptocurrency

☆ Argentina hand Brazil third straight loss after crowd trouble at Maracana
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The truth is that this group continues to achieve historic things, once again," Argentina captain Lionel Messi told reporters. "It is something very nice to be able to win here in Brazil, after how strong they have been at home throughout their history." Brazil were arguably the better side and almost scored from a corner just before halftime through a Gabriel Martinelli strike that defender Christian Romero cleared off the goal line. They wasted a golden opportunity to score in the 47th minute when Martinelli missed an absolute sitter, striking a close-range shot straight at the goalkeeper. Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Nick MulvenneyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Nicolas Otamendi, Lionel Messi, Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Romero, Vinicius Jr, Marquinhos, Martinelli, Otamendi, Celso, Joelinton, Rodrigo de Paul, Fernando Kallas, Nick Mulvenney Organizations: RIO DE, Brazil, Argentina, Thomson Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Argentina, Brazil

Messi's Inter Miami will travel to Saudi Arabia in February to take part in the Riyadh Season Cup, which also includes Ronaldo's Al Nassr. Saudi Arabia has made a major push to be a big player in world soccer by signing some of the game's biggest players. Political Cartoons View All 1260 ImagesMessi took part in last season's Riyadh Season Cup with PSG and also came up against Ronaldo after the Portugal great's surprise move to Al Nassr. In May, Messi was fined and suspended by the French club for taking an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh Season Cup is scheduled to be held in the first week of February at Kingdom Arena.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Neymar's Al, ”, Turki Alalshikh, Messi, Germain, Ballon, David Beckham, Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Sergej Milinkovic, Savic, Chris Henderson, Henderson, “, ” Henderson, Tim Reynolds, ___ James Robson Organizations: Messi's Inter Miami, Brazil, Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Paris Saint, MLS, PSG, Ronaldo, Miami, Leagues, Real, Copa America, Inter Miami, U.S, Inter Miami didn’t Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Hilal, Paris, Portugal, Argentina, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Saudi, Al, China, Miami

☆ Newcastle get green light to loan players from Saudi Pro League - media
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 21 (Reuters) - Newcastle United will be allowed to loan players from sides controlled by their Saudi owners in the January transfer window after a vote on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not get enough support from Premier League clubs, British media reported on Tuesday. Thirteen Premier League clubs voted in favour of the temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership at a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday, the BBC reported, falling one vote short of the number needed for it to be introduced. The vote means that Newcastle, who in October 2021 were acquired by a group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be permitted to loan players from other clubs also owned by the fund. PIF owns majority stakes in the Pro League's "big four" clubs -- Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal -- who signed players including Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves and Neymar in the last transfer window. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: PIF, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves, Neymar, Anita Kobylinska, Toby Davis Organizations: Newcastle United, Premier League, BBC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Hilal, Gdansk

☆ SPL director Emenalo hoping for quiet January window
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs should only sign players of the "highest level" in the January transfer window after aggressively splashing out in the summer, the league's director of football, Michael Emenalo, said. The outlay of $957 million in the Saudi summer window, which closed on Sept. 7, saw several high-profile players including Neymar, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante move to the league. The league's spending exceeded that of four of Europe's "big five" leagues with only Britain's Premier League clubs splurging more on transfers than those in the Middle Eastern country. "I think we accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, which was to get our foot into the market and compete aggressively," Emenalo said in an interview on the SPL website. "But, also, we wanted to do that while giving every single club in the league an opportunity to improve.

Persons: Michael Emenalo, Karim Benzema, Emenalo, it's, Aadi Nair, Robert Birsel Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Neymar, Britain's Premier League, SPL, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Bengaluru

☆ Neymar responding well to treatment, says Brazil's team doctor
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Neymar ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty. He underwent surgery earlier this month in a Belo Horizonte hospital. The 31-year-old is responding "very well" but the recovery will be long and he must focus on the process, Lasmar told a press conference at Brazil's training center in Teresopolis. He knows that it's a process that he's going to need all of us, physiotherapist, fitness trainer, so that we can have Neymar (back) as soon as possible," said the doctor. Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said it was not yet possible to set a date for the Al-Hilal player's return.

Persons: Rodrigo Lasmar, Neymar, Lasmar, He's, we're, Hilal, Ederson, Athletico, Bento, Rodrigo Viga Gaier, Angelica Medina, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Pedro Fonseca, Ken Ferris, Peter Rutherford Organizations: RIO DE, Al, Saudi Pro League, Paris St Germain, Argentina, Manchester City, Chelsea, Premier League, Athletico Paranaense, Thomson Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Belo Horizonte, Teresopolis, Barcelona, Colombia

☆ Endrick: 17-year-old Real Madrid-bound sensation earns milestone Brazil national team selection
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Manav Tanneeru | Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —17-year-old Real Madrid-bound sensation Endrick has earned a milestone call up to the senior Brazil men’s national team. Interim Canarinha head coach Fernando Diniz announced his squad on Monday for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifier later this month and revealed that the uncapped Endrick will feature in the national team for the first time. In doing so, the Palmeiras breakout star became the youngest player to get a senior Seleção call-up since iconic striker Ronaldo Nazario in 1994. Ronaldo – nicknamed O Fenômeno – is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time and won the World Cup twice with Brazil. The top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup which is being hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico, while the seventh-placed nation must go through a play-off to reach international soccer’s showpiece competition.

Persons: Endrick, Fernando Diniz, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldo –, “, ” Diniz, It’s, Ricardo Moreira, Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or, Pedro, Atlético Mineiro’s, Neymar, Éder Militão Organizations: CNN, Brazil men’s, Interim, Palmeiras, Real Madrid, Brazilian, Corinthians, Brazil, Brighton, Hove Albion’s, Argentina, South Locations: Real Madrid, Brazil, Real, Spain, Qatar, Hove, Porto, Pepê, Colombia, Baranquilla, Rio de Janeiro, Canada, Mexico

☆ At Barcelona, Timing Is Everything
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Rory Smith | More About Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As he rose through the ranks at Barcelona, Gerard Deulofeu seemed to have everything. Luis Enrique, his manager, regarded him as his “standout.” He was fast-tracked into the senior side at the age of just 17. Deulofeu, though, never quite made it at Barcelona, not really. He felt Luis Enrique, previously such an ardent advocate, did not “trust” him now that he was in charge of the senior team. Deulofeu played six times for Barcelona, and was sold.

Persons: Gerard Deulofeu, Barcelona’s, Deulofeu, Luis Enrique, ”, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suárez, Cesc Fàbregas, Alexis Sánchez, Pedro, Andrés Iniesta Organizations: Barcelona, Everton, Sevilla Locations: Barcelona

☆ Kim Kardashian is making Skims for men
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Skims, the underwear and apparel brand founded by Kim Kardashian, is hoping to attract new customers: men. The four-year-old shapewear brand is expanding beyond female clothing and into men’s products, with a new lineup launching Thursday that includes briefs, undershirts, boxers and leggings. Skims also said that men already account for more than 10% of its existing customer base. Skims’ successSkims has been a major success story for Kardashian with the privately held company recently valued at a whopping $4 billion. Jens Grede, Skims’ CEO, recently told Dealbook that stock investors have shown an increased interest in consumer-oriented businesses like Skims, and that an IPO is something the company wants.

Persons: New York CNN — Skims, Kim Kardashian, undershirts, San Francisco 49ers Nick Bosa, SKIMS, Skims, ”, Kardashian, Nick Bosa, Neymar Jr, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Andy Muir, Jens Grede, Grede, “ Skims, ” Kardashian, CNN’s Poppy Harlow, Harlow, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, San Francisco 49ers, CNN, NBA, Wellington Management, Nike, Wall, SKYY Partners Locations: New York, shapewear

☆ Kim Kardashian's $4 billion Skims empire is selling body-hugging boxers and briefs to men
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Kim Kardashian's Skims is adding men's products like boxers and briefs to its online store this week. AdvertisementAdvertisementKim Kardashian's shapewear brand Skims is launching a menswear collection. This includes a range of men's products such as boxers, briefs, t-shirts, undershirts, tank tops, and leggings, and will be available to shop online from Thursday. Kardashian told The Wall Street Journal that Skims shoppers have been requesting men's products for their boyfriends and husbands for some time. Skims was valued at $4 billion in July after a $270 million funding round.

Persons: Kim Kardashian's, Skims, —, Kardashian, Emma, Jens Grede, SKIMS, Neymar Jr, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Nick Bosa, Kardashian's, Tom Brady's, Brady, Gredes Organizations: Service, Wall Street, NFL

☆ Neymar to undergo surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament with Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar is set to have surgery after tearing both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee, his club Al-Hilal have confirmed. After battling with Uruguay’s Nicolás de la Cruz for ball, Neymar collapsed to the ground clutching his knee, just before half-time. Neymar reacts after tearing his left ACL and meniscus. This marks the second surgery Neymar will undergo in 2023 – his final season in Paris was ended prematurely after an ankle injury in February. “It’s not easy going through injury and surgery, imagine going through it all again following four months of recovery,” he added in his post.

Persons: Neymar, Hilal, Uruguay’s, la Cruz, ong, ade, eparting, aint-, eason Organizations: CNN, Al, Brazil’s, Uruguay, aris

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Neymar was in tears as he left the field with a left knee injury at the end of the first half of Brazil's 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss at Uruguay on Tuesday. Neymar used crutches as he left the stadium. Brazil's doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told reporters it was too early to determine the severity of Neymar's injury. Brazil went on to suffer its first loss in 37 matches in World Cup qualifying. Neymar made his national team debut in 2010 and has 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil.

Persons: — Neymar, Neymar, Richarlison, Rodrigo Lasmar, “, ” Lasmar, ”, Al Hilal, ___ Organizations: Uruguay, Centenario, Al, Saudi Pro League Locations: MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Brazil, Montevideo, Venezuela

☆ Brazil World Cup qualifying: Spectacular bicycle kick ends Brazil’s remarkable home winning streak as Venezuela earns shock draw
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Eduard Bello’s audacious bicycle kick earned Venezuela a shock draw against Brazil in World Cup qualifying, ending the Seleção’s remarkable home winning streak. Brazil hadn’t failed to win a home World Cup qualifier since drawing 2-2 against Uruguay in March 2016, but Bello’s stunning strike with just five minutes remaining earned Venezuela a famous point. Argentina and Peru have only managed a draw each, while Ecuador and Chile have lost every World Cup qualifier they have played in Brazil. The Seleção has still never lost a home World Cup qualifier, in what must be one of the most impressive records in all of sport. However, the draw drops Brazil into second place behind Argentina after the Albiceleste maintained its 100% record so far with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Persons: CNN — Eduard Bello’s, Brazil hadn’t, Gabriel Magalhães, Vinícius Jr, Bello, Jefferson Savarino’s, Pedro Vilela, Brazil –, Darwin, Kevin Rodríguez’s Organizations: CNN, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Arsenal Locations: Brazil, Venezuela, Neymar’s, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, La Paz

☆ Brazil coach Diniz excited about Neymar, Vinicius combination
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 11 (Reuters) - Brazil coach Fernando Diniz is looking forward to seeing Neymar and Vinicius Jr playing together in Thursday's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela and said he is working to build a sense of unity in the side. Diniz took temporary charge of Brazil when Tite left the role following their quarter-final exit at the World Cup in Qatar and will be replaced by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti next year. Vinicius, who usually plays in the same position as Neymar, returns to the squad after missing the first two qualifiers through injury. "My first interaction with Vinicius was excellent, today he is one of the greatest players in world football. Brazil host Venezuela in Cuiaba before facing Uruguay in Montevideo five days later.

Persons: Fernando Diniz, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Diniz, Tite, Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius, Angelica Medina, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Venezuela, Real Madrid, Fluminense, South American, Thomson Locations: Brazil, Qatar, Venezuela, Cuiaba, Uruguay, Montevideo, Mexico City

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 on Monday in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the kingdom to win. That allows the 2034 edition to return to Asia 12 years after Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup. Infantino has built close ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on frequent visits to the oil-rich kingdom since before the 2018 World Cup. The Saudi soccer project has seen the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund buy English club Newcastle in 2021. The FIFA Council which agreed to the 2034 World Cup bidding process included nine delegates from European soccer body UEFA, which now has the 2030 tournament.

Persons: “, ”, Gianni Infantino, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PIF, Karim Benzema, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, Oceania, Qatar, New Zealand, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, FIFA Council, UEFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian, Europe, Africa, South America, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States, Mexico, Canada, Asia, Australia, Saudi, Qatar, Egypt

☆ Saudi Arabia will bid to host 2034 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAIRO, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia announced it will bid to host the 2034 World Cup just minutes after the world soccer's governing body FIFA invited countries from the Asia and Oceania regions to submit bids. "Saudi Arabia’s inaugural FIFA World Cup bid is backed by the country’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its ongoing plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup." After FIFA said that the 2034 World Cup will be held in the Asia or Oceania region, Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa welcomed the decision. "We strongly believe it paves the way for a more equitable opportunity for all confederations to bid for, and host, the prestigious FIFA World Cup - the pinnacle of world men’s football," he said. The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Persons: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Moaz Abd, Osama Khairy, Mohamed Yossry, Rohith Nair, William Maclean Organizations: FIFA, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Saudi, Saudi Arabia’s, AFC Asian, Asian Football, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: CAIRO, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Saudi, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, United States, Canada, Mexico, Cairo

☆ PSG and Kylian Mbappé humbled by Newcastle United in Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( John Sinnott | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé suffered a chastening defeat in the Champions League group stages, losing 4-1 at the hands of Newcastle United on Wednesday. The win put Newcastle top of Group F with four points, a point ahead of PSG. If you make mistakes you pay for that.”Mbappé is challenged for the ball by Jamaal Lascelles and Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United. Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) acquired PSG in 2011 and lavished money on bringing some of the world’s most talented players to Paris, and a Champions League title seemed inevitable. Mbappé had little effect on the game at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, with the Premier League side completely physically overpowering their French opposition.

Persons: Germain, Kylian Mbappé, Miguel Almirón, Dan Burn, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sean, Lucas Hernández, Fabian Schär, ”, Luis Enrique, Mbappé, Jamaal Lascelles, Bruno Guimarães, Richard Sellers, Enrique, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, –, Wednesday’s, James ’ Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Champions League, Newcastle United, Newcastle, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, “, ” PSG, TNT Sports, Real Madrid, Mbappé, La Liga, Monaco, Qatar Sports Investment, Paris, League, St, Premier League Locations: Newcastle, Paris

☆ Neymar on target as Al-Hilal secure Asian Champions League win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 3 (Reuters) - Neymar scored his first goal since his high profile move to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as Al-Hilal defeated Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran 3-0 in Tehran's Azadi Stadium in the group phase of the Asian Champions League. Neymar doubled Al-Hilal's lead with a perfectly timed left-foot strike in the 58th minute and substitute Saleh Al Shehri put the seal on a comfortable win in injury time. Al Ain backed up their opening round win over Pakhtakor with an impressive attacking performance in front of their own fans as Brazilian midfielder Erik put the former champions ahead in the fourth minute with a clinical finish. Al Ain now have a three-point cushion over Ahal and Al Fayha, who had a goal in each half from Abdelhamid Sabiri to thank for their 2-0 win at home over Pakhtakor. ($1 = 0.9551 euros)Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Neymar, Hilal, Iran's, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ma Ning, Hilal's Salman Al Faraj, Nassaji's Amir Houshmand, Saleh Al Shehri, Hilal's, Navbahor, Jamshid Iskanderov, Jasurbek, Doniyor Abdumannopov, Al, Turkmenistan's Ahal, Pakhtakor, Al Fayha, Al Ain, Erik, Soufiane, Kodjo Laba, Elman Tagayew, Kouame Kouadio, Dayanch, Michael Church, Toby Davis Organizations: Iran's Nassaji, Tehran's Azadi, Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Paris St Germain, Al, Mumbai, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Al, Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran, Paris, Saudi, Mumbai City, Hilal, Al Ain, Pakhtakor

☆ Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into soccer, golf, and Formula 1. Its crown prince doesn't care if anyone calls it 'sportswashing.'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into sports in a bid to transform its economy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made the sector a key part of his Vision 2030 plan. But the reality is that the crown prince has a grander ambition: to level up Saudi Arabia's economic growth. "But Saudi Arabia is piling into other sports too, because they want to achieve a lot in a short period of time." AdvertisementAdvertisementAs Crown Prince Mohammed made clear last week, all this forms part of a broader strategy to supercharge Saudi Arabia's economy through investment.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, bankrolled, —, Cristiano Ronaldo, Phil Mickelson, Anthony Joshua, –, Jamal Khashoggi, they've, Steve Luciano, AP Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio, PIF, LIV Golf, Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, LIV, Joshua, that's, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Frank Warren, Prince Mohammed, Mohammed bin Salman, Leon Neal, Simon Chadwick, Chadwick, megastars, Ronaldo –, Salman, bin Salman, Saudi Arabia –, St Andrews, Nick Kyrgios, who've, Elsa, he'd, they'll Organizations: Newcastle United, Service, Washington Post, Saudi, Investment Fund, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, AP, Saudi Pro League, Georgetown University Qatar, PGA, WWE, Fox News, SKEMA Business School, Indian Premier League, FIFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, England, Riyadh, Brazil, Liverpool, Kingdom, Jeddah, Lille, France, Reiche, Iran, Miami, Augusta, bankroll

☆ Saudi soccer league says big-money player purchases are only the first step in a long-term strategy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The big-spending Saudi Pro League is aiming to build its global broadcasting presence and become one of the top 10 soccer leagues in the world, its chief operating officer, Carlo Nohra, told CNBC on Thursday. The league dominated the sports headlines over the summer as Saudi clubs cumulatively spent more than $1 billion in transfer fees and attracted some of the biggest names from Europe's top leagues with mammoth contract offers. Speaking to CNBC at the APOS conference in Bali, Indonesia, on Thursday, Nohra said that Saudi Arabia's strategy is "extremely long term," but that the acquisition of players was the first step. watch nowThe kingdom's massive investment in sport is part of a broader effort to diversify its economy away from oil by investing in commercial infrastructure to become a tourism, leisure and entertainment powerhouse. Nohra explained that the objectives handed down to the Saudi Pro League's bosses were to firstly improve on-pitch performance through the acquisition of world-class players, to fill the country's stadia and ultimately to drive the commercialization of the vastly improved overall product.

Persons: Carlo Nohra, cumulatively, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nohra, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Organizations: Saudi Pro League, CNBC, English Premier League, Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, Serie, Ligue, Saudi, Fox News, Saudi Pro Locations: Saudi, Bali , Indonesia

☆ Saudi crown prince says he will keep 'sportswashing' as criticism of the practice grows
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Drew Richardson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Call it whatever you want, we're going to get that one and a half percent," the crown prince said. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), an entity controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed, has backed Saudi soccer clubs and LIV Golf. The LIV Golf merger with the PGA Tour has faced widespread scrutiny. Key U.S. lawmakers have criticized the pending golf merger as an attempt by the kingdom to distract from its human rights record. Prior to the deal, LIV Golf sued the PGA Tour for alleged anticompetitive practices, which prompted the PGA Tour to countersue, saying LIV Golf was stifling competition.

Persons: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sportswashing, I'm, Critics, Jamal Khashoggi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, LIV Golf, Crown Prince Mohammed, LIV, Osama bin Laden, It's, Sen, Richard Blumenthal, Conn, Jimmy Dunne, Ron Price, Price, Benjamin Freeman, — CNBC's Lillian Rizzo, Chelsey Cox Organizations: Saudi, Saudi Arabian Crown, Partnership, Global Infrastructure, Fox News, Washington Post, Neymar, PGA Tour, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Crown, Reuters, PGA, Key U.S, Homeland Security, Governmental Affairs, Tour, Quincy Institute, Responsible Locations: Saudi Arabian, New Delhi, India, Saudi, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Key, Yemen

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