New era of Saudi football kicks off

Karim Benzema greets Al-Ittihad fans at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2023. (AP Photo)
Short Url
Updated 13 August 2023
Follow

New era of Saudi football kicks off

  • After an unprecedented summer transfer window that has seen some of the world’s top players move to the Kingdom, the 2023-24 SPL season finally kicks off on Friday
  • Al-Ahli have sensationally added Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, perhaps the most talented of all the new arrivals

The 2023-24 Roshn Saudi League season kicks off on Friday and to say it is eagerly awaited is an understatement.

Fans in Saudi Arabia have never had such talent in their own backyard, and there has never been such international attention. 

Al-Ittihad are the defending champions and the ones to beat in a league expanded from 16 to 18 teams. The Tigers are the only one of the “Big Four,” taken over by the Public Investment Fund in June, to have the same coach in place. Nuno Santo impressed in his first season and now has added Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota to an already-strong squad.

There are a few clouds on the Jeddah horizon. As Al-Hilal found last season, going deep into the Asian Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and King’s Cup can impact league form. Having so many games should at least help keep all the players happy with rumors already that Abderrazak Hamdallah, the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer last season, is unhappy at playing second fiddle to Benzema. There is also the major injury to defensive lynchpin Ahmed Hegazi but overall, Ittihad look formidable.

Al-Nassr finished second after half a season of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now they have a full campaign with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane have come in from Inter Milan and Bayern Munich respectively and are genuine top-class players. Then there is Seko Fofana and Alex Telles adding to the talent from last season such as Anderson Talisca, Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Sultan Al-Ghannam. Al-Nassr are stacked, especially in midfield and attack.

After a poor start to pre-season, the team looks to be coming together under coach Luis Castro. It remains to be seen if the boss — one of six Portuguese managers in the league — can deal with the pressure that is on the Yellows to win the league. 

Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal know all about that and are desperate for title No. 19 after third place last time around. Going far on four fronts was too much for the squad that had not been refreshed due to past transfer window bans. 

It’s stale no longer. Kalidou Koulibaly has come in from Chelsea to shore up the defense and the midfield has been seriously upgraded with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves arriving from Lazio and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively. Both were wanted by elite clubs in the big European leagues and are significant signings. Coach Jorge Jesus, appointed for a second spell, also has Brazilian forward Malcom from Zenit St. Petersburg. 

Hilal are sure to be challenging as the club is a winning machine with a number of Saudi Arabian internationals such as Salem Al-Dawsari, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Mohamed Kanno and Ali Al-Bulaihi and others to call on. Jesus may want a prolific goal scorer to replace Odion Ighalo. If he gets one, then the Blues really will take some stopping.

Many eyes will be on Al-Ahli who have come back up from their season in the second tier. The Jeddah club have signed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and have sensationally added Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, perhaps the most talented of all the new arrivals.

Going from the second division to the title is a huge jump but with no continental commitments, they can give it their all and a good start could set them up for a great season and a return to the top four.

Al-Shabab, fourth last season, look to be the best of the rest but haven’t been as busy in the transfer market as their rivals, though there is still time. Ettifaq will be looking to break into the top six on the back of hiring Steven Gerrard as head coach and bringing in Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool’s worldwide fanbase will be keeping an eye on how they do, but all football fans will be doing the same for the whole league.

This is going to be a Saudi Arabian season like no other.


‘Pioneering change’ — new report highlights rise of women’s football in Saudi Arabia

Updated 24 January 2025
Follow

‘Pioneering change’ — new report highlights rise of women’s football in Saudi Arabia

  • The analysis by NEOM Sport highlights the achievements and milestones of women’s football in the Kingdom to date and looks at its future

NEOM: A new report has been published that shines a light on the current landscape of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, looking at how it has grown so far and examining future opportunities.

The report by NEOM Sport, in partnership with the Asian Football Confederation, reveals how football has grown rapidly among women in the Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia. NEOM is a Presenting Partner of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.

Women’s football in Saudi Arabia has become a catalyst for their increased participation in sport on a wider scale, helping to redefine sports culture and societal norms for the future as well as promoting gender equality and healthier lifestyles in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Young Saudi prospects from the Riyadh Girld Regional Training Center. (SAFF)

Aalia Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed, head of women’s football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said: “It has been a truly remarkable journey for Saudi women’s football over the last six years since the establishment of a dedicated women’s football department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

“Driven by Saudi Vision 2030, we are hugely proud of the transformation across all areas of the game, including the establishment of four national teams, five competitions, 77,000 girls playing in our annual Schools League, six girls’ regional training centers and numerous coaching/refereeing development programs. It is truly something that needs to be seen to be believed.”

Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, said: “This report, created in collaboration with our contributors, is our way of truly understanding the landscape — where we are, what obstacles lie ahead and how the future could look.

The Saudi Women's National Team during their participation in the WAFF Women's Championship last year. (SAFF)

“But it’s about more than just football. It’s about providing more opportunities for women and demonstrating the far-reaching impact that sport can have on individuals and communities. Alongside the AFC, we aim to play our part in unlocking the full potential of women’s sport by telling the story of how key stakeholders are redefining football and empowering women across the Kingdom.”

With contributions from multiple stakeholders from the women’s game — including SAFF, the Saudi Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Sports for All Federation, the AFC and more — the report examines the strides taken that led to a significant increase in participation in women’s football between 2022-23.

The Saudi Women's National Team during their participation in the WAFF Women's Championship last year. (SAFF)

Milestones over the past six years include the launch of the Saudi Women’s Premier League and women’s national team, the appointment of female leaders and achieving an official FIFA world ranking. Other contributing components include developmental pathways at grassroots level, the importance of leadership and coaching, investment in infrastructure and accessibility, and commercialization of the sport. These insights are among many highlighting how women’s football drives tangible strategic efforts that are propelling the sport and communities forward.

“Our mission is simple: We want to inspire and offer new opportunities for girls throughout the country to realize their dreams and showcase their talent and love for the beautiful game,” Al-Rasheed said.

The Saudi Women's National Team during a match against Malaysia in 2023. (SAFF)

“Our journey has inspired millions along the way, not just in Saudi Arabia but across different parts of the world. We are not doing this alone. We are open to the world and are already in 62 active partnerships with federations to co-develop the women’s game and realize its full potential. Today, 60 international players from 20 nationalities play in our leagues and have joined us on this journey.

“We are living in hugely exciting times and there is so much more to come from Saudi women’s football in the years to come.”


Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

Brazilian footballer neymar junior. supplied
Updated 23 January 2025
Follow

Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

  • ‘Moving in Elegance’ campaign part of company’s official team sponsorship
  • Handover ceremony embodies partnership between Genesis and Saudi Pro League champions

RIYADH: Luxury vehicle brand Genesis Riyadh has presented its latest top-of-the-range cars to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.

The handover to the club’s personnel, including players and management, was part of the company’s larger agreement as Al-Hilal’s official car sponsor.

The slogan “Moving in Elegance” reflects the stature of the football club and cements the start of the car company’s activities in Riyadh for 2025. 

“This special ceremony between Genesis and Al-Hilal, the leading team in the region, reaffirms a long-term strategic partnership that we and the club cherish. The strong partnership is emphasized by the shared values that unite us, which are excellence and elegance,” said Ahmed Marshidi, chief operating officer at Genesis Al-Wallan.

Last season, Al-Hilal made football history by setting an unparalleled record of 34 consecutive victories across various competitions. This remarkable winning streak, which spanned September 2023 to April 2024, captured global headlines and cemented the club’s place in sporting history.


Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud appointed to Asia yoga board

Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud. (Supplied)
Updated 20 January 2025
Follow

Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud appointed to Asia yoga board

  • Princess Mashael is vice president of Saudi Yoga Committee
  • She has over 15 years of expertise in several yoga traditions

JEDDAH: The Asian Yogasana Sport Federation has announced the appointment of Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud, representing Saudi Arabia, to the organization’s board.

Princess Mashael will also head the federation’s Women and Children’s Safeguarding Committee, the AYSF stated in a press release recently.

The appointment was approved unanimously at the AYSF’s sixth general assembly in Dubai recently.

Princess Mashael, the vice president of the Saudi Yoga Committee, has been instrumental in empowering women and youth, and ensuring athlete safety at various sporting events.

Her appointment represents a significant step toward increasing women’s participation in sports, promoting initiatives to protect women and children, and supporting the growth of Yogasana and traditional sports across Asia.

She has over 15 years of yoga expertise, including Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, the Himalayan tradition of meditation, and yoga therapy.

She trained with the AYSF in 2022, mastering yoga federation management and Yogasana systems.

In addition to her yoga accomplishments, the princess is a passionate advocate for women and youth in sports, the AYSF stated.

She owns and runs a sports nongovernmental organization and heads the women’s committee of the Arab Cycling Federation.


Super heavyweight championship rematch to headline first Saudi Power Slap event

Updated 20 January 2025
Follow

Super heavyweight championship rematch to headline first Saudi Power Slap event

  • It will take place on Jan. 30 as part of Riyadh Season

RIYADH: Power Slap, in partnership with the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, is set to host its first event in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 30 at the anb Arena as part of Riyadh Season.

The focal point of Power Slap 11 will see reigning super heavyweight champion Da Crazy Hawaiian (16-1-1, 12 KOs) and No. 1 ranked super heavyweight Dumpling (1-0-1, 1 KO) face off in a rematch after they drew at Power Slap 9 in Abu Dhabi.

In the co-main event, light heavyweight champion Wolverine (14-5, 5 KOs) returns to defend his belt for the third time against rising contender Vern “The Mechanic” Cathey (5-2, 5 KOs).

Power Slap, founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Craig Piligian in partnership with Ultimate Fighting Championship, has grown in recent years to reach huge audiences around the world.

In just two years, with only 10 live events, Power Slap has gained 22 million social media followers and its content has garnered over 11.5 billion lifetime views across its platforms. Events regularly draw global influencers with more than a billion followers collectively.

Additional matches on the card include: 

  • No. 2 ranked light heavyweight Russel “Kainoa” Rivero (4-3, 3 KOs) and No. 3 ranked light heavyweight Austin “Turp Daddy Slim” Turpin (5-2, 4 KOs) face off in a pivotal match.
  • 2 ranked super heavyweight Kalani “Toko” Vakameilalo (2-1, 2 KOs) aims to defend his spot in the rankings against No. 3 ranked super heavyweight Danie “The Pitbull” Van Heerden (5-2, 4 KOs).
  • The return of women’s featherweight star Sheena “The Hungarian Hurricane” Bathory (3-0, 2 KOs), in a highly anticipated grudge rematch against Jackie “The Hybrid” Cataline (1-2).

Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

Updated 14 January 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

  • Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh

RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.

Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”