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☆ Neymar returns from ACL injury after more than a year on the sidelines
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-22 | by ( Jamie Barton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Brazilian soccer star Neymar made his return to the pitch more than a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee, playing 20 minutes for Al-Hilal on Monday. The 32-year-old was introduced as a substitute in the 77th minute of the team’s 5-4 AFC Champions League Elite win against Al Ain on Monday. “I’m so happy,” the Brazilian said to Al-Hilal’s media department following his return on Monday. Neymar controls the ball during the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al Ain and Al-Hilal on October 21. His contract with Al-Hilal, which is top of the league having won all seven of its games, expires in June 2025.

Persons: Neymar, Germain, Nicolás de, Nicolás de la Cruz, “, ”, Santos, He’s, Rafael Leão, ” Neymar, Francois Nel Organizations: CNN, Al, Monday, AFC, League Elite, Al Ain, Saudi, Paris Saint, Copa, CONMEBOL, Venezuela, AFC Champions, Elite, Saudi Pro League Locations: Brazilian, Hilal, Paris, Brazil, Uruguay, Nicolás de la, Santos, Portuguese, Al Ain, Al

As hosts of the next World Cup, the U.S. automatically qualifies for the tournament. In the 2022 World Cup, the U.S. was knocked out by the Netherlands in the round of 16. Asked by host Roger Bennett on the “Men in Blazers” podcast what success means for the U.S. in the upcoming World Cup, Pochettino was unequivocal. “We win the World Cup,” Pochettino responded. “I think we need to dream that we are going to win the World Cup.

Persons: Mauricio Pochettino, who’s, ”, Matt Crocker, ” Crocker, Pochettino, Germain, Christian Pulisic, “, Gregg Berhalter, Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Pochettino’s, haven’t, ” Pochettino, Berhalter, Berhalter’s, Paris Saint, Kylian, Lionel Messi, ’, Todd Boehly, They’ve, Messi, Roger Bennett Organizations: Argentine, Soccer Sporting, Copa America, Chelsea, Paris Saint, Tottenham, Milan, Christian, U.S, English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham vacillated, UEFA Champions League, Spurs, English League, Champions League, Liverpool, Premier League, Manchester City, men’s, “, Pochettino’s Spurs, Borussia Dortmund, League, Arsenal, PSG, Real Madrid, MLS, Columbus Crew, South, Blazers Locations: U.S, Paris, Manhattan, Argentine, Uruguay, Netherlands, City, Liverpool, American, France, South American

☆ New US men’s soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino outlines his vision ahead of the next World Cup: ‘We need to think big’
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Glen Levy | Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York City CNN —New US men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday that his aim is nothing short of competing with – and beating – the best teams in the world. Finally, the 52-year-old Argentine was announced this past Tuesday, just minutes before the men’s national team labored to an uninspiring 1-1 draw in a friendly match against New Zealand in Cincinnati. Pochettino’s new charges have now failed to win their past four matches, a fact surely not lost on a head coach universally known as Poch, even if he wasn’t watching from inside the stadium. The recent hiring of U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes was a coup for the USWNT, as the Blues legend won no fewer than 16 trophies in her 12-year stint with the Chelsea’s women’s team. But does the new hire read anything into being unveiled on Friday 13th, a date many people are superstitious about?

Persons: Mauricio Pochettino, –, Germain, Gregg Berhalter, Christian Pulisic, “, Pulisic, Sport’s Don Riddell, Pochettino, ‘, ” Pochettino, ”, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Timothy Weah, Giovanni Reyna, Folarin, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Mbappé, Emma Hayes, Hayes Organizations: York, York City CNN —, men’s, –, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint, CNN Sport, Copa America, New Zealand, CNN, Argentine, Mexico, women’s, South, Espanyol, Spain’s, Spain’s La Liga, English Premier League, Southampton, UEFA Champions League, Spurs, Liverpool, Ligue, Premier League, Pochettino, U.S, Women’s, Team, Blues Locations: York City, USA, Argentine, Cincinnati, New York, Austin, Panama, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, Japan, United States, Europe, Spain’s La, Chelsea, Paris

☆ U.S. men's national soccer team names Mauricio Pochettino next coach
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Rudy Chinchilla | Rudy Chinchilla Is A Breaking News Editor For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

He's coached soccer greats Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé — and now Mauricio Pochettino will be taking the helm of the U.S. Men’s National Team, ending the high-profile search for the person to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup on home soil. “I am so excited to become the new head coach of [the] U.S. men’s national team. The men’s national team is coming off a stinging and humbling experience at this summer’s Copa America, which was also played in the U.S. Pochettino and the U.S. Men’s National Team now find each other at perhaps a perfect — or imperfect — time. The Copa America laid bare some glaring deficiencies, including at center-back, full-back and even goalkeeper, long a position of strength for the national team.

Persons: He's, Lionel Messi, Kylian, Mauricio Pochettino, “, Pochettino, Germain, Emma Hayes, Mauricio, Cindy Parlow Cone, should’ve, Gregg Berhalter, Christian Pulisic, Robin Alam, Matt Crocker, Crocker, he’s, Harry Kane, Paris Saint, who’d, Todd Boehly, Christian, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, it’s Organizations: Men’s, men’s, Argentine, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint, . Soccer, Copa America, CONCACAF Nations League, AC Milan, USMNT Sporting, TNT, Southampton, Tottenham, Premier League, Spurs, Champions League, Liverpool, League, PSG, French Super, Clearlake Capital, U.S, Men’s National Team, CONCACAF Locations: U.S, England, Paris, France, Netherlands, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Southampton, London, Pochettino’s, Chelsea

☆ Vinícius Jr.: Real Madrid star offered over $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia, per reports
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. has been offered a lucrative deal worth more than $1 billion to play in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple reports including Reuters and ESPN. Citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported that Vinícius was approached by Saudi officials and offered a five-year contract worth around 200 million euros (roughly $218 million) per season, plus bonuses, to join the Saudi Pro League (SPL). Vinícius has not yet rejected the possibility of leaving the Spanish capital, Reuters reported, and is studying the offer with his team. Last year, French striker Kylian Mbappé reportedly rejected a $775 million salary packet to join Saudi club Al-Hilal. The four founding teams of SPL – Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr – are majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.

Persons: Vinícius, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema –, Kylian Mbappé, Nassr Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Reuters, ESPN, Saudi, Saudi Pro League, CNN Sport, SPL, Blancos, Flamengo, Real, Champions League, La Liga, Brazilian, Ballon, Al, SPL – Al, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Locations: Saudi Arabia, Hilal, Ahli, Al, Ittihad

☆ Léon Marchand is carrying on a long tradition of athletes from host nations becoming Olympic greats
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Tokyo Olympics – skateboarders shineJapanese athletes claimed 27 gold medals in Tokyo three years ago, the third-most of any nation behind the USA and China. Neymar celebrates Brazil's Olympic gold in 2016. Still the Olympic record holder following his gold medal in Rio, Braz went on to win bronze at the Tokyo Games. Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty ImagesGymnast Yang Wei won gold in the all-around and team events as China almost completed a clean sweep in the men’s events. Atlanta Olympics – Michael Johnson dominatesThe USA won 44 gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Persons: Léon Marchand, He’s, Marchand, Antoine Dupont, Momiji Nishiya, Lucy Nicholson, Yuto Horigome, Sakura Yosozumi, Yui Ohashi, Neymar, Laurence Griffiths, Thiago Braz, France’s Renaud Lavillenie, Braz, heptathlete Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis, Hill, Johannes Eisele, Getty Images Farah, Andy Murray, Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny, Trott, Anthony Joshua, Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle, Liu Xiang, China's Yang Wei, Lluis Gene, Yang Wei, Du Li, Ilias Iliadis, Franck Fife, Iliadis, Thorpedo ’, Ian Thorpe, “ Thorpedo ”, Al Bello, Cathy Freeman, Freeman, John Howard, Michael Johnson, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Dominique Dawes, Kerri Strug, Amy Chow, Amanda Borden, Jaycie Phelps, Johnson, Mike Powell, Strug, Shannon MacMillan, Tiffeny Organizations: Paris CNN —, Arizona State University, Fiji, Games, Japan, Tokyo, Germany, Olympics, Tokyo Games, London Olympics, “, Getty Images, Wimbledon, Beijing, Getty, Athens Olympics, Athens, Sydney Olympics, Atlanta Olympics, The USA, US, China, Shannon Locations: France, Tokyo, USA, China, Paris, Rio, Brazil, Brazilian, Hill, AFP, Beijing, Athens, Georgia, Greece, Sydney, Atlanta, Russia, Romania

☆ For Fashion, Sports Stars Are the New Superstars
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-21 | by ( Vanessa Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the late 1990s, something strange started happening on the cover of glossy magazines. Instead of models, movie stars increasingly became the faces of choice. And not just in the world of men’s wear, which has long embraced the sports world as part of the fashion world for reasons related to long-held gender stereotypes), but in all worlds. “Sports stars are the new Hollywood stars,” said Jens Grede, a co-founder of Skims, a brand that reached a $4 billion valuation in four years in part by focusing campaigns on athletes. star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Olympic gold medal gymnast Sunisa Lee and a host of W.N.B.A.

Persons: Linda Wells, “, ”, Jens Grede, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Sunisa Lee, Skylar Diggins, Smith, Cameron Brink

☆ Copa América 2024: Lionel Messi’s final ‘Last Dance’ with Argentina?
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —For just the second time in the tournament’s 108-year history, the Copa América will be played outside of South America. “Today, all I think about is to get well to the Copa América and play it. The squad for the 2024 Copa América is largely inexperienced, with 15 players on less than 10 caps for their country. UruguayPerennial overachiever Uruguay once again goes into a Copa América among the favorites to win the title. The nation of just 3.5 million people holds the joint record alongside Argentina for most Copa América titles won with 15.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Messi, ”, ” Messi, Ángel Di María, Catherine Ivill, Lionel Scaloni, “, he’s, ” Scaloni, Leo, Di María, West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá, Neymar, Brazil’s, Vinícius, –, Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, Vinícius Jr, Marcelo Bielsa, Argentina –, Ander Gillenea, Luis Suárez, Giménez, Ronald Araújo, Federico Valverde, Matt Turner, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Ron Jenkins, Gregg Berhalter’s, ’, Juan Antonio Pizzi, Ricardo Gareca, Marcelo Hernandez, Alexis Sánchez, Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, Cafeteros, Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno, Luis Díaz, James Rodriguez, David Ospina, Yerry Mina Organizations: CNN, Copa, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF Nations League, Nations League, América, Brazil, Messi, Argentine, Star, “, Copa América, ”, Beijing, Getty, England, USA, Real, La Liga, League, overachiever, Argentina, CONCACAF, US, Panama, Uruguay, Copa Américas, Roja, La Roja, Qatar Locations: South America, United States, US, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Qatar, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Spain, Real Madrid, Uruguay, overachiever Uruguay, AFP, Colombia, Washington, Bolivia, Russia, Peru, Paraguay, Albania, France, Marseille, Colombia Colombia

☆ Kylian Mbappé officially joins Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( George Ramsay | Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid announced the signing of French superstar Kylian Mbappé on a five-year deal on Monday, ending one of the longest-running transfer sagas in soccer. Mbappé’s move from Paris Saint-Germain comes two days after Real won a record-extending 15th European Cup with victory over Borussia Dortmund, adding further star quality to the team’s attack. Mbappé wrote on social media shortly after the announcement was made that the move was “a dream come true.”“So happy and proud to join the club of my dream @Real Madrid,” he said alongside a photo of himself when he was younger in a Madrid jacket. He played more than 300 games for the club, scoring his 250th goal in March and winning the Ligue 1 title a month later. But that could change at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos boasting unprecedented success in the competition, having won six European crowns over the past 10 years.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Mbappé, ”, Hala, – Mbappé, Blancos, Neymar Jr, Real, –, Frenchman Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Paris Saint, Real, Borussia Dortmund, Jude Bellingham –, PSG, Ligue, –, AS Monaco –, League, France, Real Madrid, Monaco, Mbappé, Real – Locations: Paris, Madrid, Hala Madrid

☆ Saudi Arabia is reportedly trying to plug a $21 billion deficit by selling bonds
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. Read previewSaudi Arabia plans to raise money by selling bonds as it presses ahead with massive spending projects, Bloomberg reported. Riyadh previously sold $12 billion of sovereign debt in January, while planned desert megacity Neom has also reportedly mulled issuing Islamic bonds in a bid to raise more cash. AdvertisementThe latest bond sale comes as Saudi Arabia presses ahead with Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan that seeks to diversify its oil-reliant economy. In February, The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia had started borrowing to help fund Neom and other Vision 2030 "gigaprojects."

Persons: —, Goldman Sachs, Mohammed bin Salman's, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, LIV, Tim Callen Organizations: Service, Bloomberg, Business, Citigroup, BNP, Saudi Pro League, Street Journal, Gulf States Institute Locations: Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Washington, Saudi

☆ Seven years and 11 trophies, but no Champions League: Has Kylian Mbappé’s time at Paris Saint-Germain been a success?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-25 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

He’s won six Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, two League Cups and a record five Player of the Year awards. The closest Mbappé came to winning the Champions League was reaching the final in 2020. Even if Mbappé was to lift one more trophy, can his time in Paris be considered a success if he didn’t achieve the club’s ultimate goal? “He’s their all-time top scorer, he’s won the league’s Player of the Year award five times in a row. “What’s interesting is he’s not necessarily captured the hearts of fans, especially in the way he’s left the club.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Lionel Messi, Neymar, He’s, Julian Finney, ” Mbappé, Mbappé, ”, Raphaël Jucobin, “, ” Jucobin, he’s, Michael Regan, Real, –, Frenchman, Jucobin, “ He’s, Marco, Verratti, Thomas Meunier, L’Equipe, ‘ Kyks, Neymar Jr, Aurelien Meunier, Messi, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, relishes, It’s Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, Monaco, Ligue, Champions League, Qatari, Bayern Munich, League, UEFA, French, Lyon, Real Madrid, FIFA, Mbappé, Independent, Al, Parc des Princes, Toulouse, Qatar, Ouest, European, ”, Los Blancos, French national Locations: Paris, France, €, Saudi, Hilal, Parc des, Ouest France, ” Real Madrid, Real

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the twilight of his career, but the soccer star still tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes thanks to his huge wages in Saudi Arabia. According to Forbes’ list, which was released on Thursday, Ronaldo earned $260 million over the last 12 months, $200 million from his club contract with Al-Nassr and $60 million in off-field earnings. Rahm’s total earnings are $218 million, Forbes calculated – $198 million through playing wages alone – while Messi’s are $135 million, more than half of which ($70 million) are off-the-field payments. Ronaldo, one of four Saudi-based soccer players on the list of the 50 highest-paid athletes, made his debut for Al-Nassr in January 2023. Forbes’ 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024:

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Forbes, Ronaldo, Jon Rahm, LIV, Lionel Messi, Nassr, Neville Hopwood, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Karim Benzema –, Mbappé, Lamar Jackson, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Naomi Osaka Organizations: CNN, Forbes, Al, Inter Miami, Saudi Pro League, Neymar, –, Baltimore Ravens, NFL, Forbes ’ Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Hilal

☆ Brazil floods: Images from space reveal airport runway and football field submerged
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Paul P. Murphy | Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Overview of the Guaiba River in Porto Alegre, Brazil, captured on April 21, before the area was flooded, and May 7, during floods. Maxar Technologies Overview of the Guaiba River in Porto Alegre, Brazil, captured on May 7, amid flooding. Maxar Technologies Porto Alegre's Salgado Filho International Airport is pictured under flood water on May 7. Maxar Technologies Porto Alegre's Salgado Filho International Airport is seen before flooding, left, and with its runways submerged under flood waters, right. Maxar Technologies The Gremio Arena in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is seen flooded on May 7.

Persons: Cai Rivers, Salgado, Alegre's Salgado, El Niño, Neymar Jr, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Organizations: CNN, Technologies, Maxar Technologies, Porto, Maxar, Gremio Arena, Arena, Gremio, Brazilian Football Confederation Locations: Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Pacific

☆ 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

☆ 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

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

☆ 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

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