Why Al-Ittihad fans will embrace unique midfield master N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante is a different kind of world-class talent heading to Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
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Updated 11 August 2023
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Why Al-Ittihad fans will embrace unique midfield master N’Golo Kante

  • The French World Cup winner and former Chelsea midfielder is a different kind of star from the likes of flamboyant Ronaldo and Benzema
  • The 32-year-old box-to-box player will bring grit and determination to the newly crowned Saudi champions

N’Golo Kante is a different kind of world-class talent heading to Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo can do almost anything with the ball at his feet and has a penchant for the spectacular. Karim Benzema scores goals and has years of experience in finding the target, especially when the stakes are high, and that always gets fans on their feet.

Kante has a different set of skills. As a box-to-box player, the French World Cup winner has arguably been the best on the planet in his position in recent years, as Chelsea fans know better than most.

He was loved at Stamford Bridge, and new coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is a big admirer of the player and tried to sign him for Paris Saint-Germain, will not be happy at having to manage without one of the best in the business.

Al-Ittihad fans should celebrate this move. One of the most successful defensive midfielders in the history of the game is now joining his fellow French star Benzema at the newly crowned champions in Jeddah.

 

 

They say in football that you should build from a position of strength, and there is no doubt that the Tigers are doing just that. Kante may not always make the headlines, but he does have a habit of making teams tick.

The likes of Thomas Tuchel and Frank Lampard may have asked themselves whether Chelsea’s season, which saw the London team finish in a disappointing 12th place in the Premier League, would have been different had the 32-year-old not missed most of it with a hamstring injury.

Kante only played seven games.

“I think he is our key, key, key player,” said Tuchel. “But key, key, key players need to be on the pitch, and if he plays only 40 percent of the games, it is maybe a miracle that we arrive in third place. He is our Mo Salah, our (Virgil) van Dijk, our (Kevin) De Bruyne … He is simply that player. He is our Neymar, our Kylian Mbappe. He is the guy who makes the difference.”

This is high praise indeed, but then Kante has come a long way. The Paris-born player first came to global prominence in the 2015-16 season as the fulcrum of Leicester City, the team that shocked the world by narrowly avoiding relegation the season before to win the English Premier League. It was one of the biggest stories and surprises in the history of the sport.

That summer, he joined Chelsea.

“Inevitably Kante has gone,” former Leicester and England striker Gary Lineker said on social media. “Fancy Chelsea will now win the title. He’s that good!”

The UK’s leading football pundit was right. Kante did help the Blues to the title in his first season in the capital. He also won the FA Cup in 2018 and then, three years later, lifted the UEFA Champions League, the biggest prize in club football. In that win over Manchester City, he was hugely impressive and played a major role in Chelsea winning a second continental prize and was named man of the match in Porto.

A few months later, he won the Club World Cup.

But the biggest prize of all came in 2018, of course, when Kante starred as France became World Cup winners in Russia. This is a player who, like his new team-mate Benzema — and new adversary Ronaldo — has won the major prizes that the game has to offer.

Kante, famously, scores very few goals but is regarded as one of the best signings that Chelsea ever made.

“He is amazing with and without the ball,” said former Blues boss Antonio Conte. “When you have N’Golo in your team, you can think you are playing with one player more. You can find a smile on his face every day. He is a very positive guy. He is one of the best players I have had in my career as a coach.”

Coaches love Kante and no doubt Al-Ittihad’s Portuguese coach Nuno Santos will relish working with him.

The 32-year-old could keep going at the top level for a few years yet, and this is an exciting prospect for fans in Saudi Arabia.

As much as the genius of Ronaldo, this quietly spoken midfielder lifts those around him and does the simple things very well indeed, which is sometimes the most difficult thing to do. Local players playing alongside and against him will see first-hand how positioning, vision and work-rate make a difference when performed at the very highest level.

Al-Ittihad have a world-class midfielder to take into the AFC Champions League and the defense of their Roshn Saudi League title next season.

Kante, like Benzema, is a proven winner. They are going to take some stopping.


Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season

Updated 03 June 2025
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Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season

  • More than 40 clubs involved as Twisted Minds, Team Falcons, Al-Qadsiah lead charge

RIYADH: The Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom’s premier esports competition, has seen over 40 clubs take part in the 2025 season.

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, the league showcases the Kingdom’s top clubs as they battle across multiple titles and divisions.

Participating clubs have so far battled across 10 high-stakes contests, six in the elite category and four in the women category, with valuable points up for grabs at the top of the cross-game leaderboard.

The final standings will determine the qualifiers for the championship, the league’s most prominent event in which top clubs compete for the ultimate title and a major share of a prize pool worth almost $1.9 million.

Twisted Minds lead the pack after the latest round, with Team Falcons second. Al-Qadsiah Esports sit in third, the breakout team of the season, surging up the ranks with wins in both the men’s and women’s contests.

The first phase of the Saudi eLeague season has now concluded, and Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The strong start to this year’s Saudi eLeague says a lot about how far the scene has come.

“Compared to previous seasons … we’re seeing real progress, more clubs, stronger competition, new talents and growing excitement from the community.

“What matters most is how competitive and intense every match has become. (It is) a platform where Saudi talents and clubs can grow, compete, and shine on bigger stages.”

Fans can follow the action live at the SEF Arena or via Saudi eLeague channels on Twitch, YouTube, and social platforms.


Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025

Twisted Minds reign supreme at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, advancing to OWCS. supplied
Updated 01 June 2025
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Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025

  • Victory secures team’s spot in Overwatch Champions Series

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s top Overwatch 2 team, Twisted Minds, have once again stamped their authority on the national stage, successfully defending their title at the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, held at Riyadh’s VOV Gaming Arena.

The high-octane finale saw Twisted Minds overcome a fierce challenge from Al-Qadsiah, who went into the match with a lot of momentum after a decisive win against Team Vision in the semifinals.

The final matchup was a showcase of strategy and execution, with Twisted Minds ultimately pulling ahead through superior coordination and championship composure. With the win, they not only retained the title but also secured a berth in the Overwatch Champions Series, the official qualifier for the Esports World Cup.

They also claimed the top prize from a $20,000 pool.

The ESL Saudi Challenge, launched by ESL FACEIT Group, is part of a broader push to elevate the competitive gaming scene in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Designed as both a platform for talent and a pipeline to international competitions, the tournament reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in the global esports ecosystem.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is a cornerstone in our long-term commitment to building a thriving and sustainable esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region,” said Franck Guignery, the group’s senior vice president for MENA.

“Through this tournament, we’re not only creating high-level competitive opportunities for local talent but also reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a key player on the global esports map.

“This is just the beginning, we see Saudi and MENA as essential to the future of competitive gaming and we’re here to help shape that future.”

As Twisted Minds prepare to represent Saudi Arabia in the OWCS, the Kingdom’s position as a force in international esports continues to grow. With strategic investments, a strong talent pool and quality infrastructure, the country is no longer just part of the global esports movement it is helping to lead it.


Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final

Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
Updated 28 May 2025
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Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final

RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia’s top Overwatch 2 teams are set to battle for regional supremacy and a place on the global stage.

The high-stakes tournament will see Team Vision take on Al-Qadsiah in a best-of-five showdown, with the winner advancing to face reigning champions Twisted Minds in a best-of-seven grand final. 

With qualification for the Overwatch Champions Series and the Esports World Cup at stake, the event is being hailed as a defining moment for the Kingdom’s esports scene.

This year’s ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving esports ecosystem. More than just a tournament, it serves as a direct pathway to international competition while highlighting the rising caliber of local talent.

Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub.

EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, in a $1.5 billion deal aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in the region.

The ESL Saudi Challenge is a key pillar in that strategy, with EFG also serving as the main operating partner for the Esports World Cup over the next five years. The group’s involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike.

Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia’s official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday’s final, the event promises not only elite-level Overwatch 2 gameplay, but a powerful statement of intent from a nation rapidly becoming a leader in global esports.


Jeddah United strike gold in Saudi 3x3 basketball tourney

Jeddah United crowned champions of Saudi 3x3 Women’s Basketball Tournament. supplied
Updated 27 May 2025
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Jeddah United strike gold in Saudi 3x3 basketball tourney

  • Jeddah beat Al-Nassr 22-20, win championship without dropping a game at Madinah tourney in May
  • Standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, Noura Alkhayyal

RIYADH: Jeddah United Club have added another remarkable chapter to their legacy by clinching gold at the Saudi 3x3 Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Held over three days in Madinah, the overall tournament was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Basketball Federation, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing basketball across all categories.

The event featured three competitive brackets — for men, women and under-18 boys — and drew more than 1,500 spectators, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the sport.

In the women’s division, six teams competed: Jeddah United, Al-Nassr Club, Al-Qadisiyah Club, NEOM Club, Jeddah Club, and Gym Master Team.

From the opening game to the final, Jeddah United displayed unmatched dominance and tactical finesse.

Jeddah United opened their campaign with a commanding 21–2 victory over Gym Master. They followed with a solid 14–5 win against Al-Qadisiyah in the group stage. In the semifinal, they outpaced Jeddah Club 20–12.

The final proved to be the most intense matchup of the tournament, as they faced a determined Al-Nassr squad. In a tightly contested battle, Jeddah United held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 22–20 victory, sealing the championship without dropping a single game.

The championship squad featured standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, and Noura Alkhayyal, all under the direction of team manager Ahmed Amir.

Their synergy, athleticism, and tactical discipline were evident throughout the tournament, setting a high bar for future competitions.

Jeddah United’s triumph was bolstered by strong institutional support, which includes their strategic partnership with the University of Business and Technology and the medical backing of MyClinic.

This latest title adds to Jeddah United’s impressive record. They previously secured back-to-back gold medals at the Saudi Games in 2022 and 2023, followed by a bronze in 2024.

With this 3x3 tournament victory, they continue to affirm their position as pioneers in women’s basketball in Saudi Arabia, inspiring a new generation of female athletes and setting a benchmark for excellence in national and regional competitions.

As the landscape of Saudi sports evolves, Jeddah United’s continued success serves as a powerful symbol of the Kingdom’s growing commitment to women’s participation and achievement in sports.


ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory

the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
Updated 19 May 2025
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ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory

  • Top Overwatch 2 squads compete for $20k prize and place in the global circuit

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning esports scene takes another significant step forward as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 kicks off, spotlighting the Kingdom’s top Overwatch 2 talent and offering a direct path to the Esports World Cup.

Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, a Savvy Games Group company, the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. But more than just the money is on the line — the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the Overwatch Champions Series, a premier international circuit that feeds into the EWC.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a local tournament; it’s a strategic platform that offers players a genuine opportunity to reach the global stage,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president of Middle East and North Africa at ESL FACEIT Group. “As an official operating partner of the EWC, ESL FACEIT Group is committed to building professional pathways and empowering local talent to represent Saudi Arabia in the international esports scene.”

The initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to develop a sustainable esports ecosystem and position the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive gaming.

This year’s tournament will culminate with the grand final on May 30 at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where the top three teams from the May 13–16 playoffs will compete live in front of a home crowd.

With high stakes and international exposure on offer, the ESL Saudi Challenge has become a proving ground for players looking to make the leap from national heroes to global contenders.