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☆ Cristiano Ronaldo red carded for elbowing opponent during Saudi Super Cup defeat
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo was red carded for elbowing an opponent during Al-Nassr’s defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. Sadio Mané did score for Al-Nassr following Ronaldo’s departure, but earlier goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom gave Al-Hilal a 2-1 victory. There was no way back for Al-Nassr from there, despite Mané’s consolation goal after Ronaldo’s red card. The defeat on Monday means that Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are likely to end this season without a trophy. Al-Hilal will now face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Hilal’s Ali Al, Bulayhi, Sadio Mané, Dawsari, Malcom, Hilal, Jorge Jesus, Otávio, Ronaldo remonstrates, Stringer, Ronaldo Organizations: CNN, Al, Saudi Super, Salem Al, men’s, Saudi Pro League, Asian Champions League, SPL Locations: Hilal, Abu Dhabi, Portuguese, Salem, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Ittihad

☆ 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

CNN —Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match and fined for “provoking” fans in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. In footage from the game, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his hand to his ear, taking in the chanting from the opposing Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans. As a result, Ronaldo has been suspended for one match, ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr following an acrimonious exit from English Premier League side Manchester United in late 2022.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Ronaldo, Al, Lionel Messi’s, Yasser Bakhsh, Waleed Al, Farraj, ” Ronaldo, Yannick Carrasco’s, Nassr, Anderson Talisca, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, Talisca, Hazm Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Al, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, English Premier League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Reuters Al Locations: Shabab, Al, Saudi

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny for a gesture he made towards fans following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday. In footage from the match, fans can be heard taunting Ronaldo by chanting about Lionel Messi, a long-time rival of the 39-year-old forward. The gesture is now being investigated by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), according to Saudi-owned media outlet Asharq Al Awsat, which cited unnamed sources. CNN has contacted Ronaldo’s representatives, the SAFF, Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab for further comment. It was Al-Nassr, however, which would have the final say as Talisca’s second goal deep into the match completed a 3-2 victory in an exciting encounter.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Al Awsat, Nassr, –, Yannick Carrasco’s, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, “, Waleed Al, Farraj, Asharq Al Awsat, John Duerden, ” Organizations: CNN, Al, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Guardian Locations: Shabab, Saudi, Al, Riyadh, Hilal, Portuguese, Saudi Arabia

☆ Claressa Shields defeats Kelsey De Santis to make MMA history in Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields made history in another sport on Saturday, as she made her return to mixed-martial arts (MMA). The 28-year-old earned a split decision win over Kelsey De Santis in what was the first professional female MMA bout held in Saudi Arabia. In January, Hattan Alsaif made history as the first Saudi woman to join a global MMA promotion. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously said he doesn’t “care” about the country’s investment in sport being described as sportswashing. Shields and De Santis were fighting on the undercard of the PFL vs Bellator event, promoted by Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League.

Persons: Claressa Shields, Kelsey De Santis, “, Shields, Abigail Montes, Cooper Neill, De, Hattan Alsaif, LIV, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, De Santis Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Saudi, MBS, Fox News, PFL, Bellator, Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League Locations: Saudi Arabia, De Santis, Saudi

☆ 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

☆ Saudi Arabia's soccer dream suffers a setback with high-profile departure
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Sam Meredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Jordan Henderson acknowledges the crowd after the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ettifaq and Damak at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Sept. 2, 2023 in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia. England international Jordan Henderson abruptly ended his playing time in Saudi Arabia's Pro League, dealing a blow to the kingdom's ambitious plans to make its domestic league an international soccer hub. Former Liverpool captain Henderson on Thursday signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Dutch side Ajax shortly after the 33-year-old agreed to mutually terminate his contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq. Henderson's U-turn on playing in the Saudi Pro League comes six months after his controversial decision to sign with the club. Henderson's hasty exit from Saudi Arabia marks the end of "a miserable episode in a previously exemplary career," according to BBC Sport's chief soccer writer, and raises questions about both the midfielder's reputation as well as the image of the Saudi Pro League.

Persons: Jordan Henderson, Prince Mohamed bin Fahd, Henderson, Saudi Arabia's, Henderson's, Al Ettifaq Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Al, England, Saudi Arabia's Pro League, Liverpool, Dutch, Ajax, Saudi, BBC Locations: Prince, Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia

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

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo scores impressive long-range lob on a night where he dazzled in front of goal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has another spectacular strike to add to his collection of memorable goals after the soccer great scored a stunning 40-yard lob in the Saudi Pro League. Indeed, Ronaldo scored twice in three minutes to ease Al Nassr to a 3-0 victory over Al Okhdood on Friday. ages,” Al Nassr said on X, formerly known as Twitter, of the goal. It was Ronaldo’s 15th goal in 13 league appearances this season and the win moved Al Nassr to second in the league. The 38-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year contract estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($220.16 million) with Al Nassr and made his debut in January.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Al Okhdood, Paulo Vitor, ” Al Nassr Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Twitter, Al

☆ 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

☆ Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup as Australia withdraws interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew its interest in hosting the global showpiece just hours before the bid deadline on Tuesday. Instead the Australia football federation has opted to proceed with their bids for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. In a press release sent out on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the only bidder for the 2034 tournament. In 2022, Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a heavyweight title clash. To host the World Cup would be viewed as a major coup for Saudi Arabia, which has been frequently been criticized of sportswashing.

Persons: “, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Andrew Couldridge, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Luca Bruno, ”, Steve Cockburn Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Australia, ” Football Australia, FIFA Club, FIFA Council, ” FIFA, King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Formula One, Saudi Pro League, sportswashing, MBS, Fox News, Sports & Rights Alliance, Getty, Economic, Social, “ FIFA, Rights, Saudi Arabia Football Federation Locations: Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Jeddah, Saudi Arabian, Saudi

☆ Ronaldo convinced me to move to Al-Nassr, says Telles
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - A chat with Cristiano Ronaldo helped convince Brazilian full back Alex Telles to leave Manchester United and join up with the Portuguese star at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Telles, who won the Europa League last season while on loan at Sevilla, signed a contract until 2025 with Al-Nassr in July. ‭‭"When Al-Nassr talked to me the first time, I sent a massage to Cristiano and his answer was to come (join him)," Telles said in an interview posted on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. I will be biased when I talk about him because of the records he broke, and I was lucky to play with him at Manchester United and then Al-Nassr‭‭. ‭‭Al-Nassr are second in the league table with 25 points, four adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Telles, Telles, Nassr, Cristiano, Ronaldo, ‭‭, Al, Ahmed El Khashab, Ed Osmond Organizations: Manchester United, Al, Saudi Pro League, Europa League, Sevilla, Thomson Locations: Portuguese, Hilal

☆ Ronaldo double keeps Al-Nassr perfect in Asian Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ismaeel Mohammad and Almoez Ali pulled Al Duhail back into contention before Ronaldo's 81st-minute volley restored their two-goal cushion, only for Michael Olunga to hit Al Duhail's third with five minutes remaining to ensure a tense finish. The win moves Al-Nassr three points clear of Iran's Persepolis, who saw Alireza Beiranvand make a seventh-minute penalty save from Senin Sebai before winning 2-0 in Tehran against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan. Saeid Sadeghi scored twice to earn the home side their second win in three games and go five points clear of Al Duhail and Istiklol, who have a solitary point each. The win takes Al-Ain to nine points from three games, six points clear of Al-Fayha, Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan and Ahal. Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Anderson, Sadio Mane, Ronaldo, Ismaeel Mohammad, Almoez Ali, Al Duhail, Michael Olunga, Al Duhail's, Alireza, Senin, Saeid Sadeghi, Alfred Schreuder's, Soufiane Rahimi, Nawaf Al Harthi, Kouaido, Kaku, Erik, Al Harthi, Rahimi, Pakhtakor, Azizbek Turgunboyev, Hojimat Erkinov, Michael Church, Clare Fallon Organizations: Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Senin Sebai, FC Istiklol, Saudi, United Arab, Al, Azizbek, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Al Duhail, Qatar, Persepolis, Tehran, Tajikistan, Ain, Paraguayan, United Arab Emirates, Al, Pakhtakor, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tashkent

☆ 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

☆ Karim Benzema: French Interior Minister makes baseless claim about soccer star
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Ben Morse | Claudia Colliva | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Speaking to French outlet CNews on Monday, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Benzema of having connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, a religious and political group which France considers a terrorist organization. And in recent weeks, I’ve been particularly interested, Mr. Benzema is linked, we all know it, notoriously with the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is a religious and political group founded on the belief that Islam is not simply a religion, but a way of life. The Muslim Brotherhood officially rejects the use of violent means to secure its goals. There is no evidence that the Muslim Brotherhood has any connection to Hamas’ attack on Israel.

Persons: CNN —, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Gérald Darmanin, Benzema, Darmanin, I’ve, ’, Gilles Kepel, ”, Sarah Meyssonnier, ” Benzema, “, Benzema’s Organizations: CNN, French, Muslim, French Interior Ministry, UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Al, France’s men’s, Palestinian Health Ministry, Reuters, Twitter, Muslim Brotherhood Locations: Israel, France, Ittihad, Gaza, Paris, Palestinian

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

☆ Henderson remains committed to England despite Wembley boos
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Henderson was named skipper with Harry Kane rested and the 33-year-old, who has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, played for 62 minutes before being taken off at Wembley. Henderson moved to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool on a three-year deal in July. The switch to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, made headlines as Henderson has long been a vocal supporter of the LGBT community. Henderson acknowledged the reactions to his move to Al-Ettifaq, saying: "I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. It was a good tournament, I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think Saudi would be no different.

Persons: Jordan Henderson, Henderson, Harry Kane, Ettifaq, I've, Tommy Lund, Ken Ferris Organizations: Australia, Saudi, Wembley, Saudi Pro League, Liverpool, Sky Sports, England, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Qatar, Thomson Locations: England, Saudi Arabian, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Italy, Gdansk

☆ Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia's 'huge' football project
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO:Saudi Arabian soccer team Al Ittihad player Karim Benzema arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in this handout photo obtained by Reuters June 7, 2023. "When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects, and I wanted to be a part of it and help advance the game in Saudi Arabia, and this is one of the reasons that made me come here," Benzema said in an interview with the Saudi Pro League, posted on messaging platform X. "Also, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and they welcomed me with open hands, and I felt loved immediately. I am really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don't watch a lot of football matches here," the 35-year-old added. "But now there are lots of people (in Europe) who are watching the Saudi league after many big names were brought in."

Persons: Karim Benzema, Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jota, Ittihad, Al, Ahmed El Khashab, Hatem Maher, Ed Osmond Organizations: Saudi Arabian soccer, Al, Reuters, REUTERS, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Real, Saudi, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Al Ittihad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Handout, Al, Ittihad, Mecca, Europe, Hilal

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Ronaldo sparks fightback as Al-Nassr given Asian Champions League scare
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Al-Nassr survived a scare in the Asian Champions League on Monday with the Saudi Pro League side coming from a goal down to hand Tajikistan's Istiklol a 3-1 defeat in Riyadh. The Asian Football Confederation said the game, which was due to be played in Isfahan's Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium, had been "cancelled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances". In Group B, Uzbekistan's Nasaf climbed into pole position after claiming their second win in a row when Azizbek Amonov struck twice in a 3-1 win over Al Sadd of Qatar. Ruzikul Berdiev's team hold a two point lead over Sharjah from the United Arab Emirates, who beat Jordan's Al-Faisaly thanks to a 20th minute goal from Moussa Marega, an Asian Champions League winner with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in 2021. Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Senin Sebai, Istiklol, Ronaldo, Anderson Talisca, Luis Castro's, Al Duhail, Omid Alishah, Qasem Soleimani, Ali Jasim, Sanzhar Tursunov's, Siavash Haghnazari, Nasaf, Azizbek Amonov, Al, Ruzikul, Jordan's, Moussa Marega, Saudi Arabia's Al, Michael Church, Ken Ferris Organizations: Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Brazilian, Iran's Persepolis, Iran's Sepahan, Saudi, Asian Football Confederation, Air Force Club, AGMK, Air Force, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Dushanbe, Saudi, Qatar, Isfahan's, Uzbekistan, Al, Ittihad, Al Sadd, Sharjah, Hilal

☆ 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 Pro League COO lays out the long-term strategies for the league
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSaudi Pro League COO lays out the long-term strategies for the leagueCarlo Nohra, chief operating officer at Saudi Pro League, says "we are delighted with where we are at the moment, but still need to continue to delivery to fans of what they wish to have form Saudi football."

Persons: Carlo Nohra Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Saudi

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