Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was a big step forward for Saudi Arabian football after the Portuguese forward arrived in Riyadh ahead of his official unveiling on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al-Nassr last week on a 2-1/2 year deal estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($213.30 million).
“The signing of a player the size of Cristiano Ronaldo is extraordinary and contributes to the development of Saudi football,” said Garcia, who previously managed Lille, AS Roma, Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais.
“We are happy with his arrival. The first goal is to work so he can adapt to our team, to enjoy playing for Al-Nassr, and to entertain the fans.”
Ronaldo will be unveiled at Al-Nassr’s home ground Mrsool Park, where 25,000 fans are expected to turn up.
The club, who lead the Saudi Professional League (SPL), have seen the number of followers on their Instagram account increase by millions since they announced Ronaldo’s transfer.
The 37-year-old forward has scored 819 career goals and his arrival represents a coup for the Gulf country, which is looking to bring more big names to the SPL.
“We will support the rest of our clubs for qualitative deals with international stars soon,” Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the country’s Minister of Sports, has said.
“Cristiano, welcome to your new home, welcome to SPL.”
($1 = 0.9376 euros)
Al-Nassr coach Garcia hails ‘extraordinary’ Ronaldo signing
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Al-Nassr coach Garcia hails ‘extraordinary’ Ronaldo signing
- We are happy with his arrival. The first goal is to work so he can adapt to our team, to enjoy playing for Al-Nassr, and to entertain the fans
Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece
- Kingdom’s jiu-jitsu team scoop 3 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze at event held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s jiu-jitsu team won 10 medals — three gold, three silver and four bronze — at the World Championship in Crete, Greece, which was held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The gold medalists are Mohammed Al-Mukhlis in the under-69 kg category (Masters Division), Omar Nada in the under-94 kg category (Senior Team Division), and Abdullah Nada in the under-85 kg category (Youth Division).
Silver medals were won by Abdulmalik Al-Murdi in the under-62 kg category (Senior Team Division), Elias Banjar in the under-62 kg category (Youth Division), and Waleed Al-Haidari in the under-56 kg category (Youth Division).
Bronze went to Osamah Al-Marwia in the No Gi category, Khaled Habab, who earned two medals in the under-52 kg and No Gi - 52 kg categories (Youth Division), and Hadeel Qadha in the under-57 kg category (Junior Division).
Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation CEO Rakan Al-Fehaid thanked the government for supporting the athletes and helping them to achieve success.
The team had played a “significant role in elevating the Kingdom’s name on the global stage,” the report added.
Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
- Pact between the parties was inked at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh
- Collaboration will help identify opportunities for improving public participation in physical activities
RIYADH: The Saudi Sports For All Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the STC Group to promote physical activity, encourage social integration through sports, and support the development of grassroots programs.
The signing ceremony took place last week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, which was held under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”
Shaima Alhusseini, managing director of the SFA, and Maha Alnuhait, general manager of sustainability at the STC Group, inked the agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The collaboration will focus on establishing sustainability reporting frameworks, key performance indicators, and metrics in alignment with community-driven programs.
The SFA aims to leverage the telecom group’s expertise to achieve their goals and contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030, the SPA reported.
Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event
- The night was not short on surprises, as the match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens ended with no result because of unexpected interference
RIYADH: In an extraordinary night at Mohammed Abdu Arena as part of Riyadh Season’s WWE events, “Crown Jewel 2024” delivered a memorable evening of intense matches that wrestling fans will not soon forget.
The General Entertainment Authority CEO, Faisal Bafarat, awarded Cody Rhodes the “Crown Jewel 2024” men’s title and Liv Morgan the women’s title, with both receiving a new championship belt adorned with 50 carats of diamonds as the first champions in Crown Jewel history.
The event kicked off with an explosive opening match in which “The Bloodline,” led by Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga (accompanied by Tanga Loa), achieved a historic victory over Roman Reigns and “The Usos” (Jey and Jimmy Uso) in a six-man tag team match.
In the WWE women’s tag team championship match, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill defended their titles successfully against fierce competition from teams including “Damage Control,” “The Meta-4,” and Chelsea Green with Piper Niven. Seth “Freakin” Rollins also delivered an outstanding performance, defeating “Big” Bronson Reed.
In the women’s showdown, Liv Morgan, the reigning RAW women’s champion, claimed the title of “Crown Jewel Women’s Champion” after defeating SmackDown women’s champion Nia Jax in a grueling battle.
The night was not short on surprises, as the match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens ended with no result because of unexpected interference, heightening the evening’s excitement.
In a triple-threat match for the United States Championship, LA Knight retained his title after an intense victory over Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.
The night culminated in a grand finale as Cody Rhodes, the undisputed WWE champion, defeated heavyweight champion Gunther, emerging as the Crown Jewel Champion to thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
- Abdullah Al-Hazza, CEO of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, writes for Arab News about the sport’s rapid growth in the country
- Saudi Arabia recently held the globally successful PFL MENA’s ‘Battle of the Giants’ event in Riyadh featuring Francis Ngannou
RIYADH: When Francis Ngannou said Saudi Arabia felt like “family” after his historic Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants” victory over Renan Ferreira in Riyadh recently, it made me feel very proud.
I was proud that one of the greatest fighters in our sport has such love for this country, which is certainly reciprocated. And that the work we are doing to promote MMA across the Kingdom is bearing fruit.
Ngannou is aware of what we as a federation are doing, and he understands how passionate people are for MMA in Saudi Arabia. He wants to play his part in the growth of what we all believe is the sport of our era.
There has been a 21 percent increase in MMA participation this year from last year across Saudi Arabia — which includes not just fighters and athletes of various ages, but also coaches, referees and judges.
This is evidence of an MMA ecosystem in place, which we are constantly trying to expand and enhance.
With six PFL events in 2024, including three pay-per-views, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a leading destination for major MMA competitions, while increasing awareness and excitement for the sport among our local population.
Since the federation’s inception in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s MMA fighters have won 35 medals — 19 gold, three silver and 13 bronze — in various international competitions. This includes world, Asia and other international championships.
We have three undefeated fighters in the PFL with Malik Basahel (3-0), Mostafa Nada (2-0) and Hattan Al-Saif (2-0). In addition, Abdullah Al-Qahtani has a 4-1 record. Overall, Saudi Arabia fighters now have a 11-1 record in reputable organizations such as the PFL.
There is also the financial aspect of MMA. Saudi Arabia has been highly successful in utilizing the sports industry as a catalyst for economic and social development.
This has connected us with global communities, attracted inward investment, contributed significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product, created jobs, and, essentially, encouraged healthy lifestyles.
We recognize the opportunities that MMA provides and our responsibility as a federation, working with relevant partners such as the Ministry of Sport, to ensure they are fully realized. Securing sponsorships for the programs we have created is but one example of this in action.
The next big international MMA event in Saudi Arabia takes place on Nov. 29 when Riyadh hosts the 2024 PFL finals.
The event will be held outside the US for the first time, with the federation, ministry, and the global PFL organization in charge of its management.
There is a $6-million prize pool, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the six main fights across various weight classes.
For us as Saudi Arabia citizens, however, perhaps the most exciting part is the inaugural Middle East and North Africa PFL finals, where Al-Saif will make history as the first woman from this nation to compete in a global PFL event.
The promotion of MMA among women is an integral part of what we do as a federation. We have organized two championships for women, and now have an increasing number of women fighters, coaches, referees and judges participating.
This means, I can assure everyone, that while Al-Saif is on an exciting journey, she is the first of many to come.
Speaking of which, I am often asked by members of the media if there will ever be a Saudi Arabian Francis Ngannou — an elite, world champion from the Kingdom.
My answer is always the same: there will be. It is only a matter of time, and when it happens, I will be justifiably proud because of all the work we have put into this endeavor.
Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in epic Six Kings Slam final, cementing a fierce rivalry
- Sinner’s triumph in Riyadh cements his position as the world’s top player, but with Alcaraz close behind, their rivalry is expected to dominate the sport for years to come
- This showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz is already being compared to some of tennis's great rivalries, including Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer
RIYADH: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner triumphed in a hard-fought battle against World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, winning 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 to claim the $6 million prize.
This encounter further established their rivalry, one of the most exciting in men’s tennis today.
From the outset, both players displayed incredible shot-making and court coverage. Alcaraz’s explosive backhand and Sinner’s powerful forehand kept the first set finely balanced, with each player trading deep, penetrating groundstrokes.
The two battled to a 5-5 tie before Alcaraz edged out Sinner in a tense tiebreaker, 7-6(5), using his superior net play and deft touch to take the set. The crowd roared with every baseline rally, as each point saw both players stretch their limits.
Sinner came back stronger in the second set, adjusting his tactics by stepping inside the baseline and dictating points with his forehand. He broke Alcaraz early, using consistent, flat strokes and deep returns to pin the Spaniard back.
Alcaraz fought back with several blistering backhands, narrowing the score to 3-2, but Sinner’s relentless pressure saw him secure the second set 6-3, capitalizing on Alcaraz's unforced errors in crucial moments.
In the final set, both players showcased their fierce competitiveness, exchanging powerful serves and cross-court winners. They were level at 3-3 when Sinner’s aggressive play—marked by precision serves and sharp angles—allowed him to break Alcaraz’s serve at a pivotal moment.
As the match progressed, Sinner’s depth and control of the rallies wore down his opponent, giving him a 5-3 lead. He sealed the victory with a perfectly placed forehand winner down the line, ending a dramatic contest.
This showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz is already being compared to some of tennis's great rivalries, including Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. Djokovic himself remarked, "They’re pushing each other just like I did with Nadal and Federer," highlighting how their fierce competition is elevating the level of men's tennis.
Sinner’s triumph in Riyadh cements his position as the world’s top player, but with Alcaraz close behind, their rivalry is expected to dominate the sport for years to come.
Their frequent encounters, filled with high-octane tennis, have created a dynamic that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats for the foreseeable future.
