Fofana joins Ronaldo and company as Al-Nassr seek dominance

Lens’ Franco-Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana before scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 match between RC Lens and SCO Angers at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens, France, Mar. 18, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 11 August 2023
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Fofana joins Ronaldo and company as Al-Nassr seek dominance

  • The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international has signed for the Riyadh club from RC Lens in France
  • Liverpool were reported to have been watching the player in the second half of the French season and there has also been interest from the likes of Newcastle and West Ham

Cristiano Ronaldo is good at keeping Al-Nassr and Saudi Arabian football in the headlines.

“I opened the way to the Saudi league and now all the players are coming here,” he said earlier this week.

Whether he “opened the way” is debatable, but there is no doubt that following his arrival in January, the quality of imports has moved to the next level.

He must have been pleased on Tuesday when Al-Nassr announced the signing of Seko Fofana.

Ronaldo had said: “In one year, more and more top players will come to Saudi. In a year the Saudi league will overtake the Turkish league and Dutch league.”

The comments may have provoked huge debate but there is little doubt that any club in Amsterdam or Istanbul, or in fact in any league, would love to sign a player of Fofana’s quality.

The 28-year-old arrives in Riyadh following a spell as captain of RC Lens, the team that finished second in France last season, just a point behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The Ivory Coast international was last season an integral part of a team that qualified for the UEFA Champions League, making 35 appearances and scoring seven goals.

A year earlier his record was three more games played and an extra goal scored. It is impressive consistency. Overall, he played 112 times for the club and scored 21 goals.

Fofana has developed into a goalscoring midfielder; that much is clear from his stats.

This spells danger for Al-Nassr’s rivals. With the threat from Ronaldo as well as Anderson Talisca, who ended last season as the second-highest scorer in the league, there is some serious firepower at the club.

When you consider that Marcelo Brozovic has arrived from Inter Milan as one of the best defensive midfielders around, it gives those with attacking threat greater possibilities to go forward, safe in the knowledge that a world-class star is behind them.

Lens provided one of the stories of the European season with their second-place finish.

Fofana was a major part of that team and it was no secret that he was wanted by many big sides in England. Liverpool were reported to have been watching the player in the second half of the French season and there has also been interest from the likes of Newcastle and West Ham.

It is a measure of how much impact he had with the French club that he received an unusual goodbye from the side’s CEO.

Arnaud Pouille said: “As proof of his deep attachment to Racing, he will very shortly become the first player to leave the club to become a shareholder.

“Far from being a mere announcement, this concrete commitment is a strong act that anchors our relationship over time and underlines Seko’s confidence in the club’s future.”

That Fofana has occupied such a central role on and off the pitch with Lens bodes well for Al-Nassr.

He told Lens fans in a social media post: “I leave you with the feeling of accomplishment and pride at being a part of this history which is ours.”

Fofana is also swapping the UEFA Champions League for the Asian edition.

Lens would be seen as outsiders to progress past the group stage in Europe but Al-Nassr are expected to go far in the Asian tournament.

Unlike bitter Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal, who hold the record with four continental championships, Al-Nassr have never been crowned as Asia’s best team, a final appearance back in 1995 being the closest they have got to the honor.

Al-Nassr will be one to watch in Asia and with such recruitments as Fofana, Ronaldo’s predictions may not be too wide of the mark. Fofana looks to be a great signing for the club.


Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup

Updated 13 June 2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup

  • Star’s appointment ‘defining milestone’ in evolution of tournament

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been appointed global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, the tournament’s organizers announced on Friday.

The Esports World Cup Foundation said the Portuguese football legend’s appointment marked a “defining milestone” in the evolution of the tournament and the rise of e-sports as a global force.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Ronaldo brings what the foundation described as “a powerful presence and cultural resonance that transcends traditional sports,” helping connect millions of fans to a new generation of e-sports athletes.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations — from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging competitors.

“His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the best players. As global ambassador, he bridges traditional sport and competitive gaming, helping spotlight the next generation of athletes competing for global glory. We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for e-sports.”

Ronaldo has been involved with the EWC since its inception. He took part in the global announcement of the competition in 2023 and attended last summer’s closing ceremony in Riyadh, where he joined in celebrations for Team Falcons’ historic Club Championship victory.

As a global ambassador he will headline the tournament’s global promotional campaign in the lead-up to and throughout the seven-week event and festival taking place this summer in Riyadh.

He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 titles featured in the 2025 tournament lineup.

With a combined social media following of over 1 billion, Ronaldo’s involvement is expected to amplify the EWC’s global reach and help introduce new audiences to the elite world of competitive gaming.

Ronaldo said: “Sport is always evolving and e-sports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in e-sports athletes is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch. I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation.”


‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans

Updated 13 June 2025
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‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans

  • The 43-year-old will take part in his third 24-hour race at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 14-15

LE MANS: As the racing world turns its eyes to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the weekend of June 14-15, Oman’s Ahmad Al-Harthy returns to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for a third time — this year behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 with Team WRT.

With a Le Mans podium already under his belt and growing support from BMW Oman, BMW Middle East and national partners, Al-Harthy continues to fly the sultanate’s flag high on the global motorsport stage. Here are some of his thoughts.

On representing Oman at the iconic race …

Coming back here for the third time is very emotional. To be able to race and represent Oman, the GCC and everyone from the Arab world is a very proud moment for me. Le Mans is something I’ve been following since childhood. To me, it’s the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it’s a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I’m looking forward to this third experience. 

On his technical and mental progress since his first Le Mans podium in 2023 …

It couldn’t have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and hungry.

As a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I’ve had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I’m ready, physically, yes; mentally, it’s the challenging part. Le Mans is a demanding circuit because the speeds are very high for extended periods. We are also racing alongside Hypercars and sharing the circuit with that level of speed always pushes your concentration to the limit. I believe that every year we come back, we are slightly stronger. We must take all the positives and learn from every single lap, every single turn. 

On the buzz of driving his BMW M4 LMGT3 …

The first thing is realizing how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don’t experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it’s the same in that sense.

This is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the “Road to Le Mans” in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025.

On the chemistry with teammates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde …

You mentioned a very important point: Teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it’s all about teamwork. It’s not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the grid.

We spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It’s not just about seeing each other in the race car; it’s what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don’t always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver. 

On the backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey …

When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW’s support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I’ve been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride in.

A message to young Arab and Omani athletes …

The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it’s time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. To reach Le Mans, you must come through the ranks, and I hope my presence here creates a path for that.

I want to motivate the younger generation to believe that they can be here and achieve their dreams. It takes time, and we need to understand that these things cannot be accomplished overnight. It’s a tricky formula, but it’s worth it.


Saudi Arabia a ‘pivotal force’ in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia a ‘pivotal force’ in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert

  • Kristian Coates Ulrichsen speaking to SPA following release of his new book “Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer”

LONDON: Saudi Arabia is playing a central role in transforming global football and wider sport, according to Middle East expert Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency following the release of his new book “Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer,” Ulrichsen said the Kingdom’s rise in global sport is “not a temporary shift but a broad transformation with political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.”

He continued: “The Kingdom has undergone profound changes and has quickly and decisively entered the global sports arena through club acquisitions, sponsorship of major tournaments, and hosting high-profile events, notably the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034.”

Ulrichsen noted the country’s long footballing heritage, with top-tier clubs approaching their centenary milestones and the national team having reached five consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals.

He also highlighted Saudi clubs’ strong record in continental competitions since the early 2000s.

In the book, he stresses that sport, entertainment, and tourism form “integral pillars of Vision 2030 and (are) essential to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination” in the coming years.

“Saudi Arabia’s engagement with sports has generated global impact across football, boxing, Formula 1, and even cricket, tennis, and e-sports,” he added.

“These sectors are expected to dominate international discussions throughout the next decade leading up to 2034.”


Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia

Updated 13 June 2025
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Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia

  • Former Pakistan skipper says playing first-ever BBL match will be ‘something special’
  • BBL is a Twenty20 cricket competition that features Australia’s eight city-based teams

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been picked by Sydney Sixers to debut in the upcoming 15th season of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the club announced on Friday.

The BBL is a professional Twenty20 cricket competition in Australia that features eight city-based teams.

Launched in 2011, the league is held during the summer and features a mix of local and international players.

“The SCG [Sydney Cricket Ground] has been home to many legends. Now it’s home to the [king]. Welcome, Babar Azam,” the Sydney Sixers said in a post on X.

Azam said he was “super pumped” to join the team, highlighting that his BBL debut “will be something special.”

“Cannot wait to share the dressing room with my favorite batter Steve Smith and world class bowler Josh Hazlewood,” he was quoted saying in a video posted by BBL on X.

“So really excited and looking forward to getting over there and meeting my craziest cricket fans.”

Azam has featured in several major franchise leagues around the world.

Apart from competing in the Pakistan Super League, Azam has played for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Sylhet Sixers and Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League, and Somerset in England’s T20 Blast.
 


Norway’s Warholm shatters own world best time in 300m hurdles

Updated 13 June 2025
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Norway’s Warholm shatters own world best time in 300m hurdles

  • KarstenWarholm delivers for home crowd at Oslo Diamond League
  • Sweden’s Armand Duplantis cruises to pole vault victory

OSLO: Norwegian hurdling great Karsten Warholm destroyed his own world best time in the rarely run 300 meters hurdles at the Oslo Diamond League meeting on Thursday, chasing down American Rai Benjamin in a stunning finish.

Roared on by the home crowd, the 2020 Olympic champion came off the corner behind Benjamin but roared past the man who had beaten him for Olympic gold last year in Paris to finish in a blistering 32.67 seconds, breaking his previous mark of 33.05 set in April.

Warholm ripped off his shirt and spun it around his head in delight when his record time flashed on the Bislett Stadium screen.

“I never really went away of course, but it is good to be back for sure,” Warholm said. “I usually fade at the end of the 400, so the 300 suits me to some degree but I will be back strong in the 400 on Sunday (in Stockholm).

“The crowd was amazing as ever and the atmosphere was something else and I am just so happy that I could perform at my best in front of the support.”

Benjamin was second in 33.22, while Alison dos Santos of Brazil was third in 33.38.

World record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden cruised to an easy victory in the pole vault, while Nico Young became the fastest American over 5,000 meters outdoors.

Julien Alfred opened her season with a win in the 100m to set the pace as the woman to beat at this year’s world championships in Tokyo.

Duplantis, a twice Olympic and world champion, cleared 6.15m and then called it a night rather than chase a world record attempt in chilly 14 C temperatures.

“It did get cooler so that was why I stopped jumping,” said Duplantis, who soared 6.27m in February to break the world mark for the 11th time.

“On Sunday in Stockholm it would be an absolute dream to break the world record, in fact I could retire if I do,” he said laughing.

“At the moment the forecast is good for Sunday and I am feeling good. I need to build on tonight and get ready now for the big one.”

“Crazy race“

Young outsprinted an excellent 5,000 field to win in 12 minutes 45.27 seconds in a race full of national records and personal bests.

While Young’s time was a US outdoor record, fellow American Grant Fisher clocked a world and national indoor record of 12:44.09 in February.

“It was a crazy race,” Young said. “This surprised me a little bit but I am really proud that I managed to stay on this pace all this time. The best is yet to come.”

Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary and Kuma Girma crossed second and third respectively, while Englishman George Mills was fourth in 12.46.59 to obliterate the British record of 12:53.11 held by distance great Mo Farah.

Alfred, the first athlete from Saint Lucia to win an Olympic gold medal when she triumphed last year in Paris, enjoyed victory in the 100m in a time of 10.89 seconds.

“I was a little rusty but I got the win under my belt which is the main thing,” Alfred said. “As for my season I am Olympic champion so I am the one to beat but I really want to add world champion to my name as well.”

Paris Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya raced to victory in the men’s 800m, holding off a fast-closing field over the final 100m to finish in 1:42.78.

“My body felt a little tired as I have come from Kenya so the travel has been long but I am happy with my performance against a strong field,” Wanyonyi said. “I am happy with the start to my season in this world championship year.”

Kenya’s Faith Cherotich won the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, outsprinting Olympic champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain in a neck-and-neck battle over the final 200m, clocking 9:02.60 to edge Yavi by 0.16 seconds.

Haruka Kitaguchi of Japan, women’s javelin gold medalist at the Paris Games, threw almost a meter more than the rest of the field to win in Oslo with a toss of 64.63m.