Sports

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Published

3 years ago

June 22, 2023

Lionel Messi

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players.

Having already lured two of the sport’s biggest stars in Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, the Saudis, amid allegations of sportswashing, are targeting a host of other high-profile players from Europe’s best leagues.

World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up with Benzema at Al-Ittihad.

“It is part of the club’s efforts to establish itself as a top choice for world-class players in the Saudi Professional League,” Al-Ittihad said in a statement.

Messi opted for Inter Miami, rather than the Middle East, but the Saudis are pressing on. Premier League stars like Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves are expected to follow Kante this summer.

Chelsea had offered Kante a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge. But just as Real Madrid discovered in the case of world player of the year Benzema, money talks. France midfielder Kante is reportedly set to earn more than $100 million across the length of his contract.

Benzema will reportedly earn $107 million per year over his three-year contract.

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Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December in a deal reportedly worth up to $200 million a year.

At the time of that stunning move, it was not clear what Saudi’s plan was beyond using Ronaldo’s fame to raise the profile of its league. It has since become evident that the former Madrid and Manchester United forward was just the start of a recruitment drive that the country hopes will turn its league into a major player in the sport.

Currently, the Saudi league is considered well below the standard of the top divisions in Europe and South America.

Ronaldo dismissed criticism of his decision, claiming in January the league is “very competitive.”

“People don’t know that, but I know because I saw many games,” he said. “In Europe my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge.”

It is impossible to ignore the riches on offer as a major motivation to players.

The reported salaries and commercial deals for Ronaldo, Benzema and Kante could earn them a combined figure of nearly $1 billion.

Other countries have embarked on similar projects in the past.

Major League football in America has consistently signed big names like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and now Messi. Before that, the North American football League — most notably the New York Cosmos — enticed superstars like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Moore and George Best.

China went on a similar spree from 2015, signing internationals like Carlos Tevez, Pato and Hulk, but that initiative has fizzled out.

It looks like this is just the start of Saudi’s plans to grow the profile and quality of its league, while expanding its influence in global sport.

The kingdom’s sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund has taken a majority ownership stake in four of the country’s top clubs, including Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, as part of a nationalization project encouraging public sector organizations to invest in sports. Football teams are seen as a priority under the initiative backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

PIF is described as a “catalyst of Vision 2030,” which is a wide-ranging plan to overhaul the kingdom’s economy.

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The fund is worth around $700 billion and has already backed the takeover of Premier League club Newcastle and the launch of the contentious LIV Golf tour, which is merging with the PGA tour.

Saudi Arabia has also staged two heavyweight title fights involving Anthony Joshua, hosts Formula One racing and the Italian and Spanish Super Cups. There is also speculation that the country wants to host the 2030 men’s football World Cup.

The focus on sport has led to accusations of sportswashing — an effort to rebrand its public image in the face of its human rights record.

Football is already hugely popular in the country, with a television audience of more than 215 million watching its league in 2021-22, according to official statistics. More than 1.25 million attended matches during that campaign.

The demand for international broadcast rights could grow as a result of more top players joining the league.

While Saudi football should benefit from an influx of talent, Premier League clubs, in particular, look set to cash in.

England’s top-flight teams have found it increasingly difficult to offload unwanted players due to the high salaries they pay. Only a limited number of European clubs can match or better the contracts on offer in England, meaning a number of players have had to be sent out on loan, rather than sold.

Chelsea, which spent around $630 million last season, needs to reduce its squad this summer and it is notable that three of its players — Ziyech, Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy — have all been linked with moves to Saudi in addition to Kante.

Those potential deals have raised questions due to a reported connection between PIF and private investment firm Clearlake Capital, which was part of the consortium that bought Chelsea last year.

“The Premier League should put an instant embargo on transfers to Saudi Arabia to ensure the integrity of the game isn’t being damaged,” football pundit Gary Neville told the BBC. “Checks should be made on the appropriateness of the transactions.”

Chelsea players, however, appear to be a drop in the ocean as far as the scope of Saudi’s ambition and spending power is concerned.

Manchester United’s Alex Telles and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey are the latest names to be added to a list of targets that only looks set to grow.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Sports

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Published

13 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has joined growing opposition to FIFA’s proposed plan to sell minority stakes in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, insisting that football should remain accessible to supporters and not be placed in private hands.

Alonso expressed support for UEFA’s opposition to the proposal while speaking in Sydney, where Chelsea are preparing for the new season during a pre-season tour.

The former Spain international and 2010 World Cup winner said football’s global appeal is built on its connection with supporters and the shared emotions created by major competitions.

“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said.

“That’s the way we love it. We have seen a great World Cup, and some things should stay the same way. So it’s good to defend the interests of other people.”

The debate centres on a proposal backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to establish a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee the business operations of FIFA’s major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Under the proposed structure, FIFA would retain control of sporting and governance decisions while allowing private investors to acquire a minority, non-controlling stake in the commercial entity.

FIFA has argued that the investment could generate up to $4.2 billion in additional funding, which could be reinvested in football development across its 211 member associations.

The world football governing body has also maintained that the proposal would not transfer control of football or give private investors authority over competition rules, sporting decisions or FIFA’s governance.

However, the plan has generated strong opposition from UEFA, which has raised concerns about the commercialisation of football’s biggest tournament and the potential influence of investors on the future direction of the sport.

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UEFA has also questioned the consultation process surrounding the proposal and called for greater transparency on how the new commercial structure would operate.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have also expressed concerns, adding to pressure on FIFA to provide more details and address questions about the long-term impact of the proposal.

Some football stakeholders have argued that the World Cup should remain a global sporting competition managed primarily for the benefit of players, supporters, national associations and the wider football community.

Alonso echoed those concerns, saying he hoped football authorities would preserve the traditions and authenticity that have helped make the sport popular around the world.

“Hopefully it won’t happen,” he said.

“I think it’s the common feeling of football people that we want something that we keep in the hands of everyone, that it’s for all the people.”

The Chelsea manager said the emotional connection supporters have with football could be affected if commercial interests became more influential in the management of major competitions.

“Hopefully we’ll keep the game as attractive and as authentic as we like it, and that’s why it creates these emotions and these passions we’ve seen in the World Cup, in the Champions League and in the Premier League, because it’s for everyone,” Alonso added.

FIFA has defended the proposal, saying the planned commercial structure is intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of global football and increase funding for development programmes.

The governing body has also insisted that the investment plan does not amount to selling the World Cup or handing control of football to private companies.

The proposal is expected to require approval through FIFA’s governing structures and support from its member associations before it can be implemented.

The growing opposition from major football confederations could make it more difficult for FIFA to secure broad support, particularly because UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC represent a significant part of the global football community.

The disagreement has also renewed debate over the increasing commercialisation of football and whether private investment could affect the independence, accessibility and traditions of major international competitions.

For now, FIFA has not withdrawn the proposal, while UEFA and other football bodies continue to seek greater clarity on the proposed structure, investor involvement and safeguards for the future of the game.

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Published

2 days ago

July 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ranked 10th among the greatest players in Manchester United history, placing the Portuguese football icon alongside some of the most influential figures to have represented the English club.

The ranking reflects Ronaldo’s achievements, performances and impact during his two spells at Manchester United, while also highlighting the depth of the club’s history and the number of legendary players who made long-term contributions at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 as an 18-year-old and quickly developed into one of the most exciting young players in world football.

Under the guidance of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo transformed from a highly skilful winger into one of football’s most complete and dangerous attacking players.

During his first spell between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo helped Manchester United win several major trophies, including three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His performances during the 2007/08 season remain among the most remarkable individual campaigns in Manchester United’s history.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions as Manchester United won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

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His outstanding form earned him the 2008 Ballon d’Or, making him the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious individual award since George Best in 1968.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009 in what was then a world-record transfer. He later became Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer and won multiple domestic and European honours.

The Portuguese forward returned to Manchester United in 2021, nearly 12 years after his first departure.

During his second spell, Ronaldo became the club’s leading goalscorer in the 2021/22 season and produced several important performances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

However, his return ended in November 2022 after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement following a public disagreement with the club.

Across his two spells, Ronaldo made 346 appearances for Manchester United and scored 145 goals, cementing his place among the club’s most successful and recognisable players.

His ranking at number 10 has generated debate among supporters, with some arguing that his individual ability, goalscoring record and achievements should have placed him higher.

Others believe the ranking reflects the contributions of Manchester United legends who spent longer periods at the club and played central roles in its success across multiple generations.

Players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Denis Law, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson are regularly included in discussions about the club’s greatest-ever players.

The debate also highlights the difference between identifying the best footballer to have played for Manchester United and ranking the greatest players based on their achievements and overall contribution to the club.

While Ronaldo went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in football history, his ranking is based primarily on his legacy and accomplishments during his time at Manchester United.

Despite being placed 10th, Ronaldo remains one of the most influential players of the modern era and one of the most successful footballers to have worn the Manchester United shirt.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Sports

Super Falcons Stunned by Debutants Malawi in Historic WAFCON Upset

Published

3 days ago

July 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Falcons Stunned by Debutants Malawi in Historic WAFCON Upset

Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title suffered a devastating blow on Tuesday night as the Super Falcons fell 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The result ranks among the biggest upsets in the history of the competition, with Malawi, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at No. 153, defeating Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team, Nigeria at No. 36, in what many are calling a seismic shock for African women’s football. The defeat also ended Nigeria’s remarkable 17-match unbeaten record against WAFCON debutants, having won 16 and drawn one since the competition began in 1998, making the loss even more significant for the 10-time champions who had never previously lost to a tournament newcomer.

After a goalless first half in which the Super Falcons dominated possession but failed to register a shot on target, the match exploded into life in the final quarter, exposing Nigeria’s defensive vulnerabilities in stunning fashion. Temwa Chawinga, the two-time National Women’s Soccer League MVP and Kansas City Current striker, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, calmly finishing after beating goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had come off her line too early and was left stranded by the perfectly weighted lob. Just six minutes later, her elder sister and Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead with another clinical finish, leaving the 10-time African champions in a state of panic as their carefully laid plans unravelled in spectacular fashion.

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Nigeria refused to surrender, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 90th minute to spark hopes of a dramatic comeback, giving the Super Falcons a glimmer of hope after a largely frustrating evening. However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep in stoppage time, lobbing Nnadozie after spotting the goalkeeper off her line once more, to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and effectively seal the victory for the debutants. Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back in the ninth minute of added time, showcasing the team’s fighting spirit, but there was no time left for Nigeria to salvage a result as Malawi held on for a historic victory, sparking wild celebrations among their players and coaching staff.

The result leaves Zambia top of Group C on goal difference after a 6-0 thrashing of Egypt, with Malawi second on three points, while Nigeria and Egypt are yet to get off the mark, placing the defending champions in an unfamiliar and precarious position. The Super Falcons will now face a must-win encounter against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. WAT, followed by a final group match against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, leaving them with no room for further slip-ups if they hope to defend their continental crown. Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has already emphasized her team’s readiness to overcome Nigeria, while the Super Falcons must strengthen their defence after conceding three goals and seize every offensive opportunity against a clinical Zambian side that scored six in their opener. With six points still available, Nigeria’s dream of an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title remains alive, but their campaign now hangs in the balance, requiring an immediate response from a team that has historically thrived under pressure.