Los Angeles: Bob Bradley still recalls the sight of a teenage Mohamed Salah taking the first baby steps of his professional career.
“I remember it so easily. It took only one training session to realize how good he was,” the former Egypt manager said with a beaming smile, as he stands on the touchline of a training pitch after completing a morning session with his current employers Los Angeles FC.
Bradley’s reminiscing takes him back to the autumn of 2011, when he was coming to grips with the quirks of life in Cairo, the sluggish pace of Egyptian bureaucracy, and the hordes of young autograph-hunters who followed his every move.
Amid these cultural challenges, he needed to begin broadening his knowledge of the players at his disposal, after he had agreed to become Egypt boss following his dismissal as US head coach the previous July.
Thankfully, his assistant manager, Diaa El-Sayed, was the perfect professor for a crash-course on the Pharaohs ranks. Three months earlier, El-Sayed had led Egypt to the last 16 of the under-20s World Cup, where Salah, Mohamed Elneny and Ahmed Hegazi were engaging an audience outside their homeland for the first time.
Bradley was quick to visit Salah’s then employers.
“We started talking about his players and I watched Arab Contractors several times. They were a young team, whose results were great and had some real talent,” he said.
“But there were two young players who quickly stood out — Salah and Elneny. You knew immediately that here was a special talent.”
But any thoughts over the 19-year-old Salah’s potential ended with the horror of the Port Said stadium disaster and the subsequent suspension of domestic football. The possibility of scouting the winger regularly was no longer an option.
Bradley was forced to hold lengthy training camps to shape his side for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign and it was the youngsters from El-Sayed’s U20s squad who were fast-tracked into the senior ranks. It did not take long to grasp the possibilities ahead for one of them.
“As we started to work with Salah, it took one training session to realize how good he was,” said Bradley.
“I had sat in the stands and seen the talent, I had watched the videos from the U20s World Cup. But then I saw him training, how eager he was to learn, how quickly he picked up things. He had an open mind. He is smart, focused on getting better. He understood the little things we
wanted him to work on.
“He is a really good guy — bright and determined to get better, listen and work.
“But it wasn’t just the attitude. He had ideas on how to really play, how to use his qualities. You could see he had explosive speed.”
Salah and the new crop of Egyptian players ensured Bradley was an instant hit, with back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories over Mozambique and Guinea providing the foundations for a campaign that saw the Pharaohs go close to reaching the 2014 tournament. Ultimately, it was only a playoff defeat to Ghana, having won all six of their previous qualifying matches, that ended their passage to Brazil.
Bradley was not the only one to grasp the potential of the standout prospect at his disposal.
By the time Salah scored the winner in the 3-2 success over Guinea, he had already penned a four-year contract with FC Basel after the Swiss side had spotted his ability at the U20 World Cup. After the winger spent a week on trial with the club, Basel agreed a fee with Arab Contractors for his services.
“When Basel came in for him, he made the move there and continued to grow. That burning desire to get better never left him,” said Bradley.
Salah’s subsequent journey to Chelsea, Roma and Liverpool is well-documented thanks to his emergence as one of world football’s elite performers. Seven years on from that breakthrough U20 World Cup tournament, the 25-year-old will be one of the most eagerly anticipated attractions in Russia this summer.
Egypt will be far from a one-man band, however, with Hegazi and Elneny now joining Salah as established Premier League players. Bradley is still working with one member of the squad, too, after LAFC signed Omar Gaber on a season-long loan from Basel, ahead of their inaugural campaign in MLS.
Gaber struggled for first-team action at Basel, but Bradley is delighted to be reunited with the 26-year-old and believes he can make an impact in Russia.
“I’m so excited to be working with Omar again and for him to be going to the World Cup,” he said.
“He is a player the fans enjoy because he gives everything.”
But with a player of Salah’s pedigree at Egypt’s disposal, Bradley believes the Pharaohs have every chance of emerging from a group featuring Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia, and reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history.
Certainly the performance in the friendly against Portugal during the international break provided encouragement that Egypt can reach the last 16. A subsequent friendly defeat to Greece was far less heartening, but Salah was an unused substitute for that encounter.
Bradley said: “I’m so excited for him going to the World Cup.
“Egypt have got talented players and obviously now there’s a star, so I can’t wait to see how they get on in Russia.
‘It was clear he was good’: Former Egypt boss Bob Bradley recalls ‘special’ Mohamed Salah
‘It was clear he was good’: Former Egypt boss Bob Bradley recalls ‘special’ Mohamed Salah
- Bob Bradley: “It took only one training session to realize how good Salah was”
- Former Egypt coach recalls working with Liverpool superstar
New report shows why brands need to invest in women’s football in Saudi Arabia
- Among fans of women’s sport in the Kingdom, 61% follow football
- 56% of female fans would think more positively about brands that sponsor the women’s game
RIYADH: New research from football media company Footballco has revealed a growing interest in and opportunities for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.
The report, released recently, also provides a profile of fandom in the region and how supporters want to consume both editorial and branded content.
Footballco’s study shows that among fans of women’s sport in Saudi Arabia, 61 percent follow football, compared to 47 percent globally.
This strong interest is relatively new, with 27 percent having followed women’s football for three to five years, 40 percent for up to two years, and one third stating that they have watched more games in the past 12 months.
The growth also highlights how, despite female fans being allowed into stadiums since 2018, some still felt excluded by the sport.
Seventy-two percent said that women’s football attracts fans who previously felt excluded from the sport, while 68 percent agree that inclusion can help tackle issues in broader society.
While females have played football in Saudi Arabia for decades, the Saudi Women’s Premier League only launched in 2022, making the surge in interest even more remarkable.
This is mirrored by the relatively high proportion of fans considering themselves Super Fans (21 percent). Only the US has a bigger proportion of Super Fans, and it is larger than in both Brazil and leading European markets.
Andy Jackson, Footballco’s senior vice president for the Middle East, said that globally an “increasing interest in women’s football follows an increasing interest in female empowerment.”
This was being replicated in Saudi Arabia with also a surge in interest in football more broadly, “creating a perfect storm that’s driving growth in both men’s and women’s football.”
The research shows that fans in the Kingdom see female players as great role models, more so than in other markets.
Saudi Arabia fans believe female footballers are the second-most inspirational group of women, beaten only by entrepreneurs. Globally, female footballers appear fourth behind entrepreneurs, actors and singers.
This should encourage brands to align themselves not only with women’s football as a sport but also with the women on the pitch. This point is emphasized by 56 percent of female fans saying they would think more positively about a brand that sponsors the women’s game.
For brands already involved in women’s football or those curious about opportunities, these numbers highlight that while socially conscious activations can be popular, they also need to align with broader lifestyle and cultural themes.
Sixty-one percent of women’s football fans say that they like it when content is a mixture of lifestyle and culture, rather than focusing on only the game.
By far, the most popular medium for this content is video, with 89 percent of fans naming it as their preferred format, which includes long- and short-form, live streams and documentaries.
Yasmin El-Bizri, Middle East and North Africa strategy director for Footballco, said: “Too often women’s football content and creative can be too focused on the struggle.
“While that’s important, it’s not everything and the output still needs to entertain and engage — this especially true in Saudi, where 54 percent of fans see women’s football as fun and entertaining.”
The research goes on to show that brands cannot rely on copying what they do for the men’s game. Sixty-six percent of fans say that the women’s game should be celebrated as different and that should be reflected by the media and the brands.
The research suggests brands should look at ways to increase participation for women and girls in all areas of football. Of those surveyed, 49 percent thought growth would be best achieved through more opportunities to play, while 30 percent wanted to see women in more off-pitch roles, in both men’s and women’s football.
“What’s clear is that Saudi women’s football isn’t an opportunity for brands in the future, it’s now,” Jackson added.
“As we’ve seen in more established markets, the brands that see the greatest benefits are those that are involved early on and get recognized for their contribution to supporting the game.”
Footballco’s research is based on data collected from more than 8,000 women’s sports fans across the world, including more than 1,000 from Saudi Arabia.
Footballco is home to a global football media brand, GOAL, and the biggest Arabic-language sports website, Kooora.
Footballco also operates two dedicated Arabic women’s football brands, INDIVISA, which covers the game and culture from the grassroots, and the Gen-Z YouTube show Yalla Girl.
Butler, Curry lead Warriors past Grizzlies 121-116 to secure seventh seed in West playoffs
- Playoff Jimmy in all his brilliance on the big stage took serious pressure off Curry, who knocked down a baseline 3-pointer with 1:50 to go and one from the left wing with a minute on the clock
- Golden State are now headed for a best-of-seven first-round series with the Rockets beginning with Game 1 on Sunday at Houston
SAN FRANCISCO: Jimmy Butler had 38 points, seven rebounds and six assists creating opportunities on both ends at every chance, Stephen Curry scored 37, and the Golden State Warriors earned the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 Tuesday night in the Play-In Tournament.
Playoff Jimmy in all his brilliance on the big stage took serious pressure off Curry, who knocked down a baseline 3-pointer with 1:50 to go and one from the left wing with a minute on the clock.
Golden State are now headed for a best-of-seven first-round series with the Rockets beginning with Game 1 on Sunday at Houston.
After a pair of free throws by Curry with 5.4 seconds left, the Grizzlies had one last chance – but Santi Aldama couldn’t inbound the ball before a five-second violation.
Desmond Bane scored 30 points and Ja Morant 22 for Memphis, who will head home to host the winner of the Mavericks-Kings matchup on Wednesday night in Sacramento to determine the eighth playoff spot.
With the Grizzlies on a roll midway through the third, Butler grabbed momentum right back with a steal and dunk. He shot 12 for 20 in a second straight 30-point performance and his highest scoring game since joining the Warriors at the trade deadline. He converted 12 of 18 free throws – having been 63 of 68 from the line over the previous eight games in April.
Morant went down hard rolling his right ankle when he stepped on Buddy Hield’s foot and was fouled by Quinten Post with 4:25 remaining in the third but got up and converted the three-point play to pull the Grizzlies within 82-81.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 18 points, while Zach Edey contributed 14 points, 17 rebounds and converted two free throws with 14.3 seconds left.
Curry had eight rebounds, four assists and shot 9 for 22 while regularly swarmed by Scotty Pippen Jr. before he fouled out late.
Curry had lit up the Grizzlies for 52 points on their home floor in a 134-125 win on April 1, and the Grizzlies made him a top priority this time – so Butler took charge.
He led four straight scoring possessions to put the Warriors up 31-18 late in the first quarter – assisting on Gary Payton II’s cutting dunk, dishing to Post for a 3 and making a 3-point shot and three-point play himself. Butler showed no signs of being affected by a tender left quadriceps muscle after he took a knee from Kawhi Leonard on Sunday.
The Warriors hoped to avoid this extra game, but lost in overtime to the Clippers in the regular-season finale on Sunday for their third home defeat over the final week.
Curry, Draymond Green and the Warriors had been 0-3 in play-in games during appearances in 2021 and last year. The Grizzlies eliminated them at Chase Center with a 117-112 overtime victory in ‘21.
PSG survive Aston Villa scare to reach Champions League semis
- A PSG side that looked imperious in the first 45 minutes were suddenly all at sea as Villa missed a series of chances to take the game to extra time
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom: Paris Saint-Germain survived a second half onslaught to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate and reach the Champions League semifinals despite a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday.
The French champions were cruising toward the last four when full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes struck in the first 27 minutes to add to their 3-1 first leg lead.
Youri Tielemans pulled a goal back for the English side before half-time and two goals in two minutes from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa transformed the tie early in the second period.
PSG were thankful to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping Unai Emery’s men at bay and preventing another famous collapse in the Champions League knockout stages.
Villa boss Emery was in charge of PSG when Luis Enrique’s Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first leg deficit with a dramatic 6-1 win in 2017.
Luis Enrique again emerged victorious over his compatriot but was the one this time given a scare of blowing a seemingly unassailable lead.
Villa had not experienced a European night like this since 1983 and there was an embarrassing moment for the hosts before a ball was kicked as the Europa League anthem was played instead of the famous pre-match hymn of the Champions League.
Desire Doue’s stunning strike to begin PSG’s fightback from 1-0 down in last week’s first leg was not enough for him to retain his place in the side.
But Luis Enrique’s decision to start Bradley Barcola was justified when he sprinted down the left and Emiliano Martinez spilled his cross into the path of Hakimi, who fired home the opener on 11 minutes.
Another blistering break from the visitors cut Villa open as Ousmane Dembele squared for left-back Mendes to stroke in his fourth Champions League goal of the season and second of the tie.
Villa’s refusal to give up the fight was rewarded when Tielemans’ deflected effort pulled a goal back before half-time.
Villa fanatic Prince William and his son George were among the home support that were in raptures as what seemed an impossible fightback came closer to reality.
McGinn’s deflected effort flew into the top corner to restore parity on the night at 2-2.
Emery’s decision to start with Marcus Rashford up front ahead of top scorer Ollie Watkins was a controversial one before kick-off.
Rashford has been reborn since a January loan move from Manchester United.
The England international was denied a goal by a stunning save from Donnarumma.
But from the resulting corner, Rashford nutmegged Fabian Ruiz, skipped past Vitinha and cut the ball back for Konsa to slot in at the near post.
A PSG side that looked imperious in the first 45 minutes were suddenly all at sea as Villa missed a series of chances to take the game to extra time.
Donnarumma produced another brilliant save to prevent Tielemans’ header finding the top corner.
Marco Asensio then had the chance to net against his parent club only for Donnarumma to fly out from his goal to block.
Konsa should have headed in another enticing Rashford delivery.
But Rashford’s removal for Watkins proved a turning point as PSG restored control and should have added to their lead in the closing stages as Martinez saved from Hakimi and Doue.
Willian Pacho blocked Ian Maatsen’s goalbound effort in stoppage time to deny Villa at the death.
But they have surpassed expectations in their first experience of the elite level of European football for over four decades.
For PSG, their quest to win the competition for the first time goes on and they have rarely had a better opportunity to end that wait.
Arsenal are their likely semifinal opponents as the Gunners take a 3-0 quarter-final, first leg advantage away to holders Real Madrid on Wednesday.
On the other half of the draw Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in a heavyweight clash.
But PSG are arguably the continent’s form side and with the Ligue 1 title long since sewn up, can focus entirely on conquering Europe in Munich on May 31.
Barca through to Champions League semis despite Guirassy hat-trick
- Guirassy reignited Dortmund’s belief with a third on the 76th-minute mark
DORTMUND, Germany: Barcelona are through to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-3 aggregate win, despite losing 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday with Serhou Guirassy hitting a hat-trick.
Holding a 4-0 lead after a dominant performance in Catalonia, the visitors were made to sweat as Dortmund and Guirassy nearly pulled off a stunning turnaround.
Guirassy put Dortmund in front with a Panenka from the spot with 11 minutes gone and headed them two goals clear early in the second half.
Dortmund sensed a sensation but Barcelona hit back, Fermin Lopez forcing Ramy Bensebaini into an own goal with just over half an hour remaining.
Guirassy reignited Dortmund’s belief with a third on the 76th-minute mark and the final stages may have been different had Julian Brandt not been offside before scoring with 11 minutes remaining.
Despite losing their first competitive game in 2025, Barcelona are through to the semis, keeping their dream of a remarkable treble alive, 10 years after last completing the feat by winning the Champions League in Berlin.
Barcelona, considered title favorites, will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the final four.
Clearly outclassed in the first leg, Dortmund will take inspiration from Tuesday’s performance, not least the goalscoring form of Guirassy.
The 29-year-old Guinean, who has spent most of his career bouncing between the first and second divisions in Germany and France, now has 13 Champions League goals this season, more than any other player.
Despite a big first-leg lead, Hansi Flick made good on his pre-match pledge to continue attacking, opting against resting any of his attacking trident of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal or Raphinha.
With coach Niko Kovac admitting Dortmund needed a “miracle” to reach the semis after the debacle in Catalonia, the hosts’ task got a little harder when captain and center-back Emre Can was ruled out with injury just before the match.
But Dortmund raced out of the blocks, Guirassy and strike partner Maximilian Beier going close inside the opening 10 minutes before Pascal Gross was the victim of a clumsy foul in the box by Wojciech Szczesny.
Guirassy stepped up to the spot and was nerveless, calmly unleashing a Panenka to get the hosts underway.
Dortmund sliced Barcelona open repeatedly without reward until half-time but made it count four minutes into the second-half, Guirassy heading in a Ramy Bensebaini assist from a corner.
With Dortmund’s 81,355-strong Westfalenstadion smelling blood, Barcelona’s familiar response was to send their attack down the right and the move paid off almost immediately.
After Yamal’s cross was half-cleared, Fermin Lopez found himself in the teenager’s channel, whipping a pass toward Lewandowski which Bensebaini hit into his own net.
With Barcelona content to control possession as the clock wound down, Guirassy relit the hosts’ hopes when he scored his third in the final quarter of an hour, blasting in from close range after some delightful dribbling from teenage winger Julian Duranville.
The home fans erupted when Brandt scored three minutes later, but the midfielder was offside, allowing Barcelona a breather.
Barcelona managed to hold on despite waves of energetic Dortmund attacks in the final stages to remain on track for the treble.
Europa League anthem played by mistake before Villa-PSG in Champions League
- A minute or so later, the more famous Champions League anthem was finally played
- This is Villa’s first season in the Champions League
BIRMINGHAM, England: Call it being inexperienced in the Champions League.
There was confusion before kickoff in the second leg of the quarterfinal between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday when the anthem for the second-tier Europa League competition appeared to be played by mistake as players from both teams lined up.
A minute or so later, the more famous Champions League anthem was finally played at Villa Park — by which the players were almost ready for the kickoff. In the crowd was Prince William, the heir to the throne and a die-hard Villa fan.
This is Villa’s first season in the Champions League. The team previously played in Europe’s top competition in the 1982-83, as reigning champion when it was called the European Cup.
The pre-match error was followed by mistakes on the field as the hosts fell 2-0 behind to PSG by the 27th minute thanks to goals by full backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. PSG had a 3-1 advantage from the first leg.
