Cristiano Ronaldo makes big-money move to Saudi Arabian club
1 year, 11 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo makes big-money move to Saudi Arabian club

Associated Press  

LONDON — Cristiano Ronaldo completed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Friday in a deal that is a landmark moment for Middle Eastern soccer but will see one of Europe’s biggest stars disappear from the sport’s elite stage. Al Nassr posted a picture on social media of the five-time Ballon d’Or holding up the team’s jersey after Ronaldo signed a deal until June 2025, with the club hailing the move as “history in the making.” “This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves,” the club wrote. While the signing is a massive boost for Middle Eastern soccer, it will also fuel the debate about Saudi Arabia using so-called “sportswashing” to boost the country’s image internationally. While Saudi Arabia earned its biggest international soccer win ever at the World Cup in Qatar last month when it beat eventual champion Argentina in its first group-stage game, the domestic league has few other stars and is not watched by a major international audience.

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History of this topic

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA
3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and massive spending in global sports ahead of being confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host was detailed on Monday in a report that cited risks to good governance off the field. The oil-rich kingdom’s investment of tens of billions of dollars in soccer, golf, boxing, tennis, the Esports Olympics and a …

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction
1 month ago

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction

Live Mint  

Saudi Arabia hosts this year's Indian Premier League player auction in a partnership between a money-spinning cricket tournament expanding its global reach and a kingdom using sports to improve its image. Saudi cricket federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal said that staging the auction reflected the kingdom's "commitment to developing the sport and showcasing its position as a global destination …

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true motive behind Saudi move: Want to leave a legacy
1 month ago

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true motive behind Saudi move: Want to leave a legacy

India Today  

Portugal and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his primary motivation for making a shocking move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 was to leave a lasting legacy. Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is widely regarded as the turning point for the Saudi Pro League’s global rise. Follow our journey as it unfolds in the Netflix docuseries, …

Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al Nassr in winter transfer window, possible return to Europe ruled out: Report
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al Nassr in winter transfer window, possible return to Europe ruled out: Report

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Al Nassr on December 30, 2022, shocked the world. Considered to be among the greatest-ever footballers in history, Ronaldo signed a contract where he would earn 200 million Euros per year, including a guaranteed salary of 90 million Euros, with commercial and sponsorship deals bringing his total annual salary to 200 million. But now it looks …

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals retirement plans - and has no intention of being a manager
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals retirement plans - and has no intention of being a manager

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three …

Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance in Saudi league
4 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance in Saudi league

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo is lining up for another Saudi Pro League season with the main aim of helping Al-Nassr end the dominance of Riyadh rival Al-Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance in Saudi league Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in December 2022 and has yet to win a domestic trophy with the club. “I'm feeling a lot of …

Richarlison rejects move to Saudi Arabia
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Richarlison rejects move to Saudi Arabia

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has made his intentions …

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry
5 months, 2 weeks ago

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry

The Hindu  

The Saudi Pro League’s remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said, after the sale of four top teams sparked a billion-dollar spending spree on foreign stars. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the top oil exporter’s sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year. Saudi …

Arsenal legend insists Cristiano Ronaldo should be BENCHED for the start of Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign... as he delivers scathing review of the Saudi Pro League
6 months, 1 week ago

Arsenal legend insists Cristiano Ronaldo should be BENCHED for the start of Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign... as he delivers scathing review of the Saudi Pro League

Daily Mail  

An Arsenal legend has claimed that Roberto Martinez should not pick Cristiano Ronaldo in the opening rounds of Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign. He has endured another excellent season finishing as the Saudi Pro League's top goal scorer, with a whopping 35 goals in 31 appearances, but was unable to guide his side to win the league. Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed …

Cristiano Ronaldo 'reaches out to TWO former Real Madrid team-mates in bid to persuade them to join him at Al-Nassr'... as the forward looks to help his side's Saudi Pro League fortunes
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo 'reaches out to TWO former Real Madrid team-mates in bid to persuade them to join him at Al-Nassr'... as the forward looks to help his side's Saudi Pro League fortunes

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached out to two of his former team-mates in a bid to convince them to join him at Al-Nassr, according to a report. The forward has struggled for on-field success since moving to the Saudi Pro League 18 months ago, failing to win a major trophy despite enjoying the luxuries of off-field life in the Middle East. …

Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants Bruno Fernandes to join him at Al-Nassr' as the Man United captain is linked with a '£90m move to Saudi Arabia'
7 months, 1 week ago

Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants Bruno Fernandes to join him at Al-Nassr' as the Man United captain is linked with a '£90m move to Saudi Arabia'

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to see Bruno Fernandes leave Manchester United and join him in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr at the end of the season, according to reports. Now, it has been revealed Ronaldo is desperate to see Fernandes join him in the Middle East after Al-Nassr made the United star their top transfer target, as reported by The Mirror. …

Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss out on silverware AGAIN but how have Al-Hilal crashed his Saudi Pro League party? Jorge Jesus' side are STILL unbeaten and sit 12 points clear at the top - and all
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss out on silverware AGAIN but how have Al-Hilal crashed his Saudi Pro League party? Jorge Jesus' side are STILL unbeaten and sit 12 points clear at the top - and all

Daily Mail  

Is it really a problem to have ONE Premier League game move to the USA? podcast Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr side may not be able to catch Al-Hilal this season Former Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia once likened Cristiano Ronaldo's lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League to Pele's transfer to New York Cosmos in 1975. Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr look set to …

Cristiano Ronaldo handed one-game ban for reacting to Lionel Messi chants with obscene gesture towards fans in Saudi Arabia
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo handed one-game ban for reacting to Lionel Messi chants with obscene gesture towards fans in Saudi Arabia

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match by Saudi soccer chiefs after appearing to make an obscene gesture at the end of Al Nassr's recent win over Al Shabab. Ronaldo was reportedly summoned by Saudi Pro League chiefs to explain the gesture he made towards supporters who were chanting great rival Lionel Messi's name towards him after Sunday's game. …

Lewd on-field gesture lands Cristiano Ronaldo in the soup, handed one match suspension
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Lewd on-field gesture lands Cristiano Ronaldo in the soup, handed one match suspension

India TV News  

The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for one match after he appeared to make a lewd gesture on the pitch during a Saudi Pro League fixture between Al Nassr and Al Shabab. In a video that has taken social media by storm, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his left ear before pumping …

Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘Saudi league is better than Ligue 1’
11 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘Saudi league is better than Ligue 1’

New York Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League has overtaken France’s Ligue 1. In the past year, the Saudi top division has enjoyed significant investment, with several high-profile players including Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Fabinho leaving clubs in Europe to move to the Middle East. The 38-year-old forward joined Saudi side Al Nassr in January 2023 and now believes …

A lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, one final crack at the Premier League, TV work - or an extended break to spend time with family at his plush London home... what's next for Jose Mourinho after being
11 months ago

A lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, one final crack at the Premier League, TV work - or an extended break to spend time with family at his plush London home... what's next for Jose Mourinho after being

Daily Mail  

Mail Sport has assessed Mourinho's possible options as he weighs up his future Jose Mourinho was finally put of his misery on Tuesday morning when he was sacked by Roma after two-and-a-half years at the club. Jose Mourinho was sacked by Roma on Tuesday after a dismal first half of the season His time at the club was littered with …

Rafael Nadal sees ‘potential’ in Saudi Arabia as he signs up as tennis ambassador
11 months, 1 week ago

Rafael Nadal sees ‘potential’ in Saudi Arabia as he signs up as tennis ambassador

The Hindu  

Rafael Nadal was named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation on Monday, as the Gulf kingdom aims to host more professional tournaments as part of a broader sports push. “Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that,” the 37-year-old Spaniard, winner of 22 Grand Slams, said in a …

How Saudi Arabia captured global sports in 2023
1 year ago

How Saudi Arabia captured global sports in 2023

Live Mint  

At the dawn of 2023, the spectre of Saudi Arabia's growing influence on pro golf—and sports in general—served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Making less-dramatic but almost equally important headlines were the continuing talks between the Saudis and leaders in …

In 2023, the Saudis dove further into sports. They are expected to keep it up in 2024
1 year ago

In 2023, the Saudis dove further into sports. They are expected to keep it up in 2024

Associated Press  

At the dawn of 2023, the specter of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on pro golf — and sports in general — served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Making less-dramatic but almost equally important headlines were the continuing talks between the …

WATCH | Cristiano Ronaldo scores stunning long-range goal in Al Nassr's win
1 year ago

WATCH | Cristiano Ronaldo scores stunning long-range goal in Al Nassr's win

India TV News  

Cristiano Ronaldo was on strike as he scored twice during Al Nassr's latest win over Al-Okhdood Club in the Suadi Pro League match on Friday night. Throughout his glorious career, Ronaldo has scored plenty of long-range goals and superb lobs inside the box but this was a rare instance where he managed to stun the world with a long-range lob …

Saudi Arabia eyes stakes in $30 Billion Indian Premier League
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia eyes stakes in $30 Billion Indian Premier League

Op India  

Saudi Arabia which has made substantial investments in professional sports clubs in various sports has now indicated interest in purchasing a multibillion-dollar share in the Indian Premier League, which is the richest tournament in international cricket, reported Bloomberg on Friday, November 3. According to persons acquainted with the situation, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s advisors have discussed transferring the Indian …

Less than a year after Ronaldo career seemed in crisis, Portugal on the brink of reaching Euro 2024
1 year, 2 months ago

Less than a year after Ronaldo career seemed in crisis, Portugal on the brink of reaching Euro 2024

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of leading Portugal to another major soccer tournament less than a year after his international career appeared to be over. PSG’s loss to Newcastle also raises questions about its credentials to finally win the Champions League — European club soccer’s biggest trophy and one that Mbappe craves. SPAIN’S WONDERKID Barcelona teenager …

All praise for Ronaldo: Mourinho keeps Saudi Arabia options open, praises Cristiano move
1 year, 2 months ago

All praise for Ronaldo: Mourinho keeps Saudi Arabia options open, praises Cristiano move

The Hindu  

Roma coach Jose Mourinho said he fully expects to work in Saudi Arabia one day, after his compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo, led the way by joining Al-Nassr, with a stream of players subsequently signing for Saudi Pro League teams. The former Chelsea coach said, “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will …

Zlatan Ibrahimovic DESTROYS Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars for Saudi Arabia move
1 year, 2 months ago

Zlatan Ibrahimovic DESTROYS Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars for Saudi Arabia move

Daily Mail  

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has torn into some of the world's biggest stars - including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema - for moving to Saudi Arabia to play football as he insists money is not everything. The likes of Ronaldo alongside Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Fabinho joined the Saudi league and took on lucrative money, with reports suggesting Brazil star …

Solskjaer says Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United move “turned out wrong”
1 year, 3 months ago

Solskjaer says Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United move “turned out wrong”

The Hindu  

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in an interview with the Athletic, said that the club’s decision to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo “turned out wrong.” Solskjaer was the manager when the Portuguese star arrived for his second United stint in August 2021. “It was a decision that was very difficult to turn down and I felt we had to take …

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you

CNN  

CNN — Editor’s Note: A version of this story appears in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says he doesn’t “care” about the country’s investment in sport being described as sportswashing. Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images By attracting some of the world’s biggest stars to …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title

News 18  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides
1 year, 3 months ago

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This marks the first time since 2016 that another international league has …

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on football stars
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on football stars

The Hindu  

After an outlay of $1 billion, Saudi Arabia’s transfer window shut on Thursday with the oil-rich kingdom having announced itself as a new powerhouse in global football. Liverpool last week reportedly rejected a bid worth 150 million pounds from Al-Ittihad for Salah and despite speculation a renewed offer would come before Thursday’s deadline, no deal was struck for the Egypt …

Mo Salah and Paul Pogba would be marquee arrivals, while Hugo Lloris and Donny van de Beek could be offered new starts... Who can still move to Saudi Arabia before their transfer window slams shut?
1 year, 3 months ago

Mo Salah and Paul Pogba would be marquee arrivals, while Hugo Lloris and Donny van de Beek could be offered new starts... Who can still move to Saudi Arabia before their transfer window slams shut?

Daily Mail  

The Saudi Arabian transfer window slamming shut would have barely been noticed 12 months ago, but the passing of this summer's deadline on Thursday will be a relief or a missed opportunity for European sides. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah continues to be linked with a £200m move to Saudi Arabia Jurgen Klopp will be among the managers most eager for …

AUDIO - Full Time Show Podcast: Decoding Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world of football
1 year, 3 months ago

AUDIO - Full Time Show Podcast: Decoding Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world of football

The Hindu  

The summer transfer window of 2023 saw a new entrant prising players away from the top leagues of Europe. Riyadh-based Al-Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was the starting point of the transfer frenzy as the four PIF-backed clubs from the country vied to secure the signatures of top European players. Saudi Arabia’s performance in the Qatar World Cup, beating eventual …

VIDEO: Neymar lands in Saudi ahead of unveiling ceremony
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar lands in Saudi ahead of unveiling ceremony

The Hindu  

Neymar was greeted with much fanfare on Friday as he arrived in Saudi Arabia where he joins a growing list of big names lured to the oil-rich kingdom. The 31-year-old Brazil forward, who will be unveiled as an Al-Hilal player on Saturday after six seasons with French champions Paris Saint-Germain landed in a Riyadh airport equipped with extra security for …

Everybody Called Him ‘Crazy’: Neymar Jr Credits Cristiano Ronaldo For Revolution in Saudi Pro League
1 year, 4 months ago

Everybody Called Him ‘Crazy’: Neymar Jr Credits Cristiano Ronaldo For Revolution in Saudi Pro League

News 18  

Brazilian star Neymar has credited Cristiano Ronaldo to bring a revolution to Saudi Pro League as several stars from European football made sensational moves to Saudi in the ongoing summer transfer window. Neymar joined the likes of Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to make a move to Saudi this summer. The Saudi Pro League …

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international when he starts playing for Al-Hilal. Neymar transfer to Al Hilal - Timeline of Brazilian striker’s club career Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a two-and-a-half-year contract following his acrimonious departure …

Saudi Pro League kicks off after raiding Europe’s top football clubs
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro League kicks off after raiding Europe’s top football clubs

Al Jazeera  

The Saudi Pro League kicks off on Friday following a year of high-profile transfers and amid criticism that Saudi Arabia’s lavish spending amounts to an attempt to shift the focus from its dire human rights record. “I’m aware of people now asking the question: Where can I watch the Saudi Pro League?” Just a few years after allowing its first …

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football

The Hindu  

When the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Friday, it will herald a new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom which has spent close to half a billion dollars luring top players and coaches from traditional European powerhouses. Al-Ahli, in particular, is one of the few clubs that has benefited from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s project …

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy
1 year, 4 months ago

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy

The Hindu  

With Saudi Arabian clubs offering ludicrous deals and managing to attract star players, global attention is diverting from European leagues. Saudi pro league club Al-Hilal made French club Paris Saint Germain an offer of a mind-blowing €300 million for its talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe last week. While Mbappe’s future remains uncertain, the offer is a strong statement from the Saudi …

US Monastir 1-4 Al Nassr Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo sets new record with goal in Arab Club Champions Cup, King Salman Cup news
1 year, 4 months ago

US Monastir 1-4 Al Nassr Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo sets new record with goal in Arab Club Champions Cup, King Salman Cup news

The Hindu  

MATCH PREVIEW Cristiano Ronaldo’s side Al Nassr will look to return to winning ways when it faces Tunisian side US Monastir at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Al Nassr has failed to secure a win in its last five games and has suffered damaging losses to Celta Vigo and Benfica with a 0-5 and …

Riyad Mahrez completes transfer to Al-Ahli from Man City
1 year, 4 months ago

Riyad Mahrez completes transfer to Al-Ahli from Man City

The Hindu  

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli from Manchester City on a deal until 2027, both clubs said on Friday. Financial details were not revealed, but British media reported the Premier League champion has accepted an offer from the Saudi side worth 35 million euros plus five million in add-ons. “Manchester City will forever be a huge and …

PSG accept world-record transfer bid for Kylian Mbappe from club in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League: Report
1 year, 4 months ago

PSG accept world-record transfer bid for Kylian Mbappe from club in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League: Report

Hindustan Times  

The PSG hierarchy were left shocked when Kylian Mbappe decided to not agree to a 12-month contract extension, which will see him depart the Ligue 1 side as a free agent after the 2023-24 season. Mbappe moved to PSG on loan from Monaco in 2017, before his move was made permanent in a deal worth 145 million euros, plus 35 …

Which players have signed for the Saudi Pro League?
1 year, 4 months ago

Which players have signed for the Saudi Pro League?

Al Jazeera  

The exodus of big-name footballers making the move from European leagues to Saudi Arabia shows no sign of abating. The five-time UEFA Champions League winner and current Ballon d’Or holder signed a two-year contract, with the option to extend for a third, with the reigning Saudi Pro League champions that is reportedly worth $213m per season. N’Golo Kante: Chelsea to …

Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal makes record $332 million bid for France striker Kylian Mbappe
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal makes record $332 million bid for France striker Kylian Mbappe

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — After missing out on Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal made a record 300 million euro bid for Kylian Mbappe on Monday, an offer which could see the France striker join Cristiano Ronaldo in the oil-rich kingdom. The moves are part of efforts by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to leverage the kingdom’s oil wealth to …

Telles reunites with Ronaldo as he leaves Man United to joins Al-Nassr
1 year, 5 months ago

Telles reunites with Ronaldo as he leaves Man United to joins Al-Nassr

The Hindu  

Brazilian full-back Alex Telles has left Manchester United to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on a contract until 2025, the two clubs announced on Sunday. The 30-year-old, who won the Europa League last season while on loan at Sevilla, will be reunited with former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at his new club. The Saudi Pro League has attracted many …

Manchester City forward Mahrez joins Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli -Saudi state media
1 year, 5 months ago

Manchester City forward Mahrez joins Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli -Saudi state media

The Hindu  

Manchester City’s Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez has completed a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya TV said early on Friday. READ | Inter Miami signs Spain defender Jordi Alba The 32-year-old saw his role for Pep Guardiola’s side reduced last season, scoring 15 goals in 47 games, but missing out on action in the FA Cup and …

Saudi league is much better than the MLS, says Cristiano Ronaldo
1 year, 5 months ago

Saudi league is much better than the MLS, says Cristiano Ronaldo

The Hindu  

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remains intact even with the football stars now plying their trade on different continents. One day after Messi, the 36-year-old Argentinian forward, was officially signed by Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, Ronaldo took a verbal shot at his longtime foe, maintaining that his new league in Saudi Arabia is better than the …

MLS commissioner Don Garber ‘not threatened’ by Saudi league’s growing influence
1 year, 5 months ago

MLS commissioner Don Garber ‘not threatened’ by Saudi league’s growing influence

New York Times  

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said he is “not threatened” by the growing influence of the Saudi Professional League in the global football landscape. Speaking with a small group of reporters ahead of Inter Miami’s event to introduce Lionel Messi to fans at DRV PNK Stadium, Garber said the Saudi league’s growing influence speaks to the efforts in “emerging …

FIFA bans Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al-Nassr from registering new players over unpaid debts
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA bans Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al-Nassr from registering new players over unpaid debts

Live Mint  

FIFA on Thursday said Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi club Al-Nassr are banned from registering new players until unpaid debts are settled. The team "is currently prevented from registering new players due to outstanding debts", a FIFA spokesperson told AFP. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard took over as coach at Al-Ettifaq earlier this month, while Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante have also …

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the latest player leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr
1 year, 5 months ago

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the latest player leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr

Associated Press  

MILAN — Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is the latest elite player taking advantage of the Saudi Arabian league’s riches by joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. The move means Brozovic will go from having played in the Champions League final in his last match with Inter Milan — as team captain — to a league that is just starting to emerge …

Football’s Arabian Nights a big hit of the season
1 year, 5 months ago

Football’s Arabian Nights a big hit of the season

Hindustan Times  

Before the discussion shifts to Harry Kane’s possible move, whether Kai Havertz can bed in at Arsenal, Mason Mount at Manchester United and Ilkay Guendogan at Barcelona, Saudi Pro League has dominated the conversation around the summer transfer window. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is now part of football lexicon, not so much because of the acquisition of Newcastle but …

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