Golden Boot winners Salah and Son prove African and Asian players among the world’s best

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (L) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min. (Reuters)
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Updated 23 May 2022
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Golden Boot winners Salah and Son prove African and Asian players among the world’s best

  • South Korea’s Son netted twice in Tottenham’s 5-0 win at Norwich to move to 23 goals — one clear of Salah, but the Egypt forward struck late in Liverpool’s 3-1 win at home to Wolves
  • The former Chelsea and Roma star, Salah, now matches Alan Shearer’s record with a third Premier League golden boot

The English Premier League came into existence in the summer of 1992, just as two of its future stars were being born: Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min, who now share the Golden Boot for the 2021-22 season.

It has been won jointly before, sometimes by three players.

That was the case in the 1997-98 season when the local trio of Chris Sutton, Michael Owen, and Dion Dublin all found the target 18 times each.

Twenty years later, Salah was the best and the following season the Egyptian topped the charts along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane in a special time for African football. This time, however, after a three-way and solo success, the 29-year-old Egyptian collects his third award but shares it with South Korean Son, it is a noticeable pairing.

Salah and Son have scored 23 goals over the campaign that finished on Sunday, with Liverpool finishing second behind Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur taking fourth, and the last UEFA Champions League spot, above rivals Arsenal.

Of the top two goalscorers in the most popular league in the world, one is African and one is from Asia. It shows the global power of football and the talent that exists in all corners of the world. Such a thing would have been almost unthinkable 25 years ago.

Salah’s goal-scoring exploits have become so commonplace that fans and media can forget just how impressive they are. The former Chelsea and Roma star now matches Alan Shearer’s record with a third Premier League golden boot. He has now scored 118 goals in 180 games in the competition. Such consistency over five seasons, his lowest total was 19 back in 2019-20, is truly impressive.

This is the first such prize for Son and comes after his best season for Tottenham Hotspur in terms of scoring, beating his previous highest tally of 17 from the last time around.

Unlike Salah, who hit the ground running as soon as he arrived at Liverpool, it took the South Korean some time to find his feet in North London after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015. There was even talk that he would leave the club at the end of his first season. From then, however, he quickly became a fan favorite. This season has been one to remember, especially as the 29 -year-old has, unlike Salah who managed five from the penalty spot, scored all his from open play.

Both these players would walk into any team in Europe. They are the cream of their respective continents, but to describe Salah as the best African player and Son as the best from Asia undersells them a little.

Both are simply two of the best players in the world and deserve to be described as such. Africa has had a few of those in the past. George Weah won the Ballon d’Or in 1995 while Didier Drogba, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and Samuel Eto’o all came fairly close in the past. That has not been the case in Asia. There have been plenty of talented players from the East, but none have established themselves as one of the best players in one of the big leagues in the way that Son has managed over the last few years.

If Spurs were challenging for titles, then Son would surely be the first Asian star to make an impact when it came to voting for the world player of the year. There has been some surprise that he has not gone to one of the global elite such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Liverpool, a place where he would win domestic titles and challenge for the Champions League, and there has not really been any speculation over his future.

Unlike Salah, the Asian player signed a lengthy new contract with his club last year, which has reduced that conversation. There is also the presence of an even bigger star, in English terms at least, as England captain Harry Kane gets more attention from the local media. Son has helped his team qualify for next year’s premier continental competition, and if he shines in that tournament, then there is a chance of being part of that global conversation. Son also suffers a little as his national team is unlikely to go too far at the World Cup, while Salah’s Egypt are not there at all. If these two nations were getting to semi-finals and finals, then these players really would be even bigger stars than they are right now.

Salah’s club situation is a little different. He has won and is still winning trophies and has lifted English Premier League, European, and world titles. His contract status - his deal ends in a year - has been the subject of a lot of speculation though it seems likely that the North African will stay at Anfield as there is still the prospect of more glory. While Son was delighted with his goals at Norwich that won him the award and helped his team finish fourth, Salah was disappointed that his 23rd strike couldn’t help the Reds finish above second. At least he has had the FA and the League Cup this season, and this weekend he has the chance to get revenge on Real Madrid for that 2018 defeat as the two powerhouses meet in the final in Paris.

Whatever happens on Saturday, this has been another great season for Mo Salah and another one in which Son Heung-min has shown what a fine player he is. To have sons of Egypt and South Korea on top of the Premier League goal-scoring charts is the global game at its best.


England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

Updated 29 sec ago
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England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

  • Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s 142-run loss to India on Wednesday
  • The injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy

LONDON: England’s prospects for the Champions Trophy received a boost on Saturday when opening batsman Ben Duckett was passed fit for the one-day international tournament.
Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s crushing 142-run loss to India in the third ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
His injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy, which starts in Pakistan next week and features the eight top-ranked ODI teams qualified from the 2023 50-over World Cup.
But the dashing left-hander has now been given the all clear following a scan, with an England and Wales Cricket Board statement saying: “Scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that England Men’s batter Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy.
“Duckett sustained the injury while fielding during the first innings of England’s third ODI defeat to India in Ahmedabad last Wednesday.”
England are set to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday before they begin their Champions Trophy campaign against oldest rivals Australia in Lahore on Saturday, with all-rounder Jacob Bethell ruled out because of a hamstring injury and replaced by Tom Banton.
Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket with Wednesday’s thumping defeat condemning them to a 3-0 series loss against India in what was Test coach Brendon McCullum’s first ODI campaign since he also took charge of the limited-overs side.


Terrific Thitikul triumphs in Riyadh with runaway victory

Updated 10 min 46 sec ago
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Terrific Thitikul triumphs in Riyadh with runaway victory

  • Thai star secures $675,000 top prize after dominant display
  • Victory follows compatriot Tavatanakit’s 2024 triumph in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Jeeno Thitikul delivered a commanding performance to claim victory at the PIF Saudi Ladies International on Saturday, securing her 17th professional title with a final-round 69 to finish at 16-under par.

The Thai sensation, who turns 22 next Thursday, followed in the footsteps of compatriot Patty Tavatanakit, who lifted the trophy at Riyadh Golf Club in 2024. Thitikul’s triumph also marked a dream start to her season.

“It’s the best present I’ve ever received in my life,” she said. “To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be able to win my first event of the year at all because after a long offseason without playing tournaments, you need to adjust a little bit on the course. But winning here is a huge advantage.”

She added: “We can take this form and carry on the good things that happened here. More than anything, I think my team will be proud because we’ve worked really hard in the offseason, always trying to get better. Having a win here means we’re moving in the right direction.”

Thitikul started the final day with a three-shot lead and wasted no time in extending her advantage, carding four birdies in her opening 10 holes. A five-shot cushion with eight to play proved unassailable, as she dropped just one shot on the back nine to seal a dominant win.

South Korea’s Somi Lee secured second place with a two-under-par 70, while England’s Annabell Fuller recovered from a tough front nine to finish one over, earning a solo third-place finish.

Fuller, 22, continued her strong form on the Ladies European Tour after a sixth-place finish last week. Her third-place showing in Riyadh earned her $270,000, a financial boost she described as transformational.

She added: “I was saying to my parents last week (that) this kind of tournament is life changing. Golf isn’t cheap, and neither is traveling, so having the opportunity to earn at this level is huge. It really helps make a career in the game more sustainable.

“It was awesome to play next to her (Thitikul) and watch her game; she’s so good. Even when she made a mistake, seeing how she recovered was incredible. Her short game is just next level, and she always managed to get out of tough spots so well. For me, it’s a huge confidence boost to have two strong weeks back to back.”

The PIF Saudi Ladies International, boasting a $5 million prize fund, matches the men’s equivalent, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. It is the highest non-major purse on the LET, highlighting Golf Saudi and PIF’s commitment to advancing the women’s game.

Thitikul acknowledged the importance of such investment in women’s golf.

She said: “I think Golf Saudi and PIF have done so much to elevate women’s golf and grow the game. I really appreciate how they see the potential in women’s golf and continue investing in it. The women’s game really needs this kind of support to keep growing, especially for the next generation. Hopefully, more fans will watch, whether on TV or coming out here in person. Saudi has done a really good job organizing a big event and bringing in top players to compete, which is great for women’s golf.”

This year’s tournament also introduced a new two-day team format to heighten competition and increase prize-winning potential. South Korea’s Somi Lee captained her team to a two-shot victory, lifting the trophy on Friday.


Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

Updated 36 min 3 sec ago
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Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

  • The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe
  • Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot

PAMPLONA, Spain: La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.
The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent toward the end of the first half.
Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.
Atletico Madrid, second and two points behind the leaders, host Celta Vigo later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed and had just been expressing his frustration rather than directly insulting the referee.
“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well... I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous... Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
The coach said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.
“In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player,” said Ancelotti.
The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.
Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.
Vinicius appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender’s arm.
The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.
Madrid did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.
It was the in-form French forward’s seventh goal in his last five La Liga matches.
Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.
Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.
The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.
Madrid have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it “rigged” and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.
Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.
Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Madrid’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Budimir’s penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.
Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.
Madrid pushed for a winner despite their numerical disadvantage, knowing their title rivals are breathing down their necks.
Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.
After playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, Manchester City will hope it takes a toll on Madrid on Wednesday when the sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu.


La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

Updated 58 min 14 sec ago
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La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

  • ‘It represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,’ says managing director
  • Account will act as a hub for thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches

JEDDAH: Spanish football league La Liga on Saturday launched an Arabic account on TikTok in a bid to connect with millions of football fans in the Arab world.
It is part of the league’s efforts to reach and engage with its followers in the Middle East and North Africa region, a media statement said.
“We are thrilled to launch the Arabic TikTok account, as it represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,” said Maite Ventura, managing director for MENA.
“We believe that Arab fans deserve high-quality digital content that meets their expectations. This account will bring us closer to them than ever before,” she added.
The initiative marks another step in La Liga’s digital success, as it remains the most-followed football league in the world online, boasting more than 245 million followers across 16 platforms in 20 different languages.
Mohammed Harb, head of partnerships at TikTok MENA, said: “We are delighted to be part of this special step for La Liga.
“Launching a TikTok account in Arabic reinforces the league’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the game they love, providing the TikTok community with a platform that reflects the unique culture and passion of Arab football fans.”
The La Liga Arabic TikTok account will be a hub for all the thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches, coinciding with the intense competition in the league.
Arab football stars will also receive special attention, as La Liga has hosted more than 80 Arab players throughout its history, from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Syria.
Beyond match highlights, the account will offer a diverse range of visual content, featuring contributions from influencers, players, journalists and fans across the Arab world.


Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

Updated 15 February 2025
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Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

  • The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek
  • Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes

MANCHESTER: Omar Marmoush scored his first Manchester City goals with a first-half hat-trick to beat Newcastle 4-0 and fire Pep Guardiola’s men back into the Premier League’s top four on Saturday.
The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek.
The English champions have a mountain to climb when they visit Madrid on Wednesday if they are to reach the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition for the 12th consecutive season.
But Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes.


The match had been billed as a clash between the Premier League’s two top strikers as Golden Boot rivals Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak went head-to-head.
However, they were both overshadowed as Marmoush announced his arrival to the English game.
The 26-year-old scored 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season before making a £59 million ($72.6 million) move to Manchester in January.
City were keen to add more goalscoring threats to support Haaland and the early signs are promising that the Norwegian and Marmoush can dovetail effectively.
Guardiola made six changes to freshen up his side between the Madrid double header with Marmoush one of those to come into the side.
Ederson was at fault for City’s late collapse from 2-1 to 3-2 down against the European champions on Tuesday, but made amends with his third assist of the season.
Kieran Trippier was caught underneath the Brazilian goalkeeper’s booming kick upfield and Marmoush had the simple task to lob the stranded Martin Dubravka.
That goal continued City’s run of scoring in their last 33 Premier League games against the Magpies.
Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when Ilkay Gundogan fed Marmoush inside the area, who cut inside before his deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Savinho’s pace and trickery down the right was another major positive for Guardiola and he created the third by skipping past Lewis Hall and squaring for Marmoush to fire home from close range.
City’s fragility at defending leads this season was never seriously tested as the visitors suffered another damaging defeat to their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
Either side of reaching next month’s League Cup final, Eddie Howe’s men have lost three of their last four Premier League games to slip to seventh.
City, on the other hand, climb back into pole position for Champions League qualification despite their drastic dip in standards this season that will see an unprecedented run of four consecutive league titles almost certainly come to an end.
James McAtee came off the bench to add the fourth six minutes from time when the midfielder turned in Haaland’s flick on from a Gundogan corner.
But there was a worrying scene for City as Haaland had to be replaced in the closing stages after receiving treatment on a knee injury.