Saudi Arabia

1Nov

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TRANSFERS

Saudi Arabia set sights on Thibaut Courtois as next Real Madrid objective

After attempts of varying success to recruit Real Madrid stars Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez and Vinicius Junior, Saudi Arabia are now looking at other opportunities to bring star power to the Middle East. One of their objectives is the best goalkeeper in the world, in the eyes of many. Belgian shotstopper Thibaut Courtois is reportedly the latest objective of Al-Ahli, and they intend to present huge offers to both the Belgian and Real Madrid. MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) The repo...

Roberto Mancini departs Saudi Arabia job richer but with team no better off

26Oct

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NEWS

Roberto Mancini departs Saudi Arabia job richer but with team no better off

Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Just before full time in Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain in a vital 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier this month, fans in Jeddah started to hold up phones with Roberto Mancini’s face on the screen with “out” written below. There was lengthier communication after the match as the Italian exchanged gestures with supporters behind the dugout and, as he exited the pitch at the King Abdullah Sports City, it was pretty clear that Mancini would not be coming back. The 59 year-old was seemingly an upgrade on his predecessor, Hervé Renard. There was the same European sophistication a...

Inter expands its business in Saudi Arabia

16Oct

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SERIE A

Inter expands its business in Saudi Arabia

A corner flag with the Fc Internazionale logo is seen prior to the Uefa Champions League football match between FC Internazionale and FK Crvena Zvezda. Fc Internazionale wins 4-0 over FK Crvena Zvezda. Inter is formalising its commitment to strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of the MISA licence, which is essential for any foreign company wishing to operate commercially in the country. The club will benefit from the support of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment (MISA) to further extend its brand presence in the Middle East and grow its fanbase. At the same time, Inter will bring its expertise, values and experience as a top-level football club to the country, supporting Saudi Arabia's national plan for 2030 (Vision 2030). Through promoting talent and sports cul...

Stefano Piolo heads to Saudi to take over misfiring Al Nassr

19Sep

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SERIE A

Stefano Piolo heads to Saudi to take over misfiring Al Nassr

Stefano Pioli will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s new boss after the Italian was named as Saudi club Al Nassr’s head coach Wednesday, replacing Luis Castro who parted ways with the club after a slow start to the season. MILAN, ITALY - MAY 25: Head coach of AC Milan Stefano Pioli greets the fans for his last match with AC Milan at the end of the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and US Salernitana at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 25, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images) The 58-year-old Pioli, in his first job outside of his homeland, started his managerial career in 1999 and was AC Milan’s boss from October 2019 to May 2024, overseeing the club’s Serie A title-winning campaign in 2022. Prior to his nearly five-year stint at the Rossoneri, Pioli coach...

Saudi Arabia’s 10 men fight back to beat China in World Cup qualifying

11Sep

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NEWS

Saudi Arabia’s 10 men fight back to beat China in World Cup qualifying

China face a struggle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as they followed their 7-0 drubbing in Japan last week with a 2-1 defeat against 10-man Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. China went ahead in the 14th minute in Dalian through an Ali Lajami own goal but failed to take advantage of Saudi midfielder Mohamed Kanno being red-carded a few minutes later. Hassan Kadish equalised with a header from a corner before half-time and repeated the feat in the last minute of the 90 to spark wild celebrations from the visitors. China, who had registered just one shot in their match with Japan, struggled to carve out chances despite their numerical advantage. They paid the price when the Saudis, managed by former Manchester City and Italy coach Roberto Mancini, equalised through Kadish before half-time. ...