Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr's next match after he was banned for a gesture he directed at opposition fans

All the details on a new international friendly competition that is being launched next month

The Riyadh Season Cup featured Al Nassr taking on Al Hilal — but the spectacle overshadowed the on-pitch action

Saudi Arabia spent January trying to retain its best players rather than sign new ones. Here is the state of football's big disruptor…

Roberto Mancini has apologised for his early departure during Saudi Arabia’s penalty shootout defeat to South Korea on Wednesday. The Saudi Arabia manager left the pitch at the Education City Stadium and headed for the tunnel before the conclusion of the last-16 tie in the Asia Cup, which his side lost 4-2 on penalties. Mancini, who has also previously managed Manchester City and the Italy national team, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) to “reiterate his apology” for the early exit. 2/2Again I reiterate my apology to everyone of my early exit to the dressing room...

South Korea have made it through to the Asian Cup quarter-final after defeating Saudi Arabia on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Abdullah Radif’s second-half goal seemed destined to secure victory for Saudi Arabia, but Cho Gue-sung’s dramatic 99th-minute header levelled the match, forcing the game to extra time. The scoreline remained unchanged in the added 30 minutes as the last 16 clash headed to a penalty shootout. Sami Al Najei and Abdulrahman Ghareeb both saw their penalties saved, while South Korea smoothly converted their first three, paving the way for Hwang Hee-chan to...

Karim Benzema will remain at Al Ittihad as the Saudi Pro League January transfer window deadline approaches. The Athletic reported Lyon were exploring a move for their former player during the January window, six months on from his move to Saudi Arabia. The 36-year-old signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad last summer after moving from Real Madrid. Follow the transfer window live on The Athletic David Ornstein’s transfer deadline guide Benzema was absent from team duties over the recent Saudi Arabian mid-season break, leaving on holiday without permission before reporting late...

Inter Miami finally broke through with the team’s first goals of its preseason world tour – including one each from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez – but it wasn’t enough in a 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal on Monday. The loss is Miami’s second of preseason, which opened with a scoreless draw against the El Salvador national team and a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas. The game was played as part of the Riyadh Season Cup, which continues on Thursday with a highly-anticipated Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo matchup as Miami takes on Al-Nassr. Here are some takeaways from the match. After failing to score in...

Jordan Henderson has quit Saudi Arabia and Karim Benzema might follow him — but others have taken the league by storm

A new contract ensures vast riches – but what is a man who once had elite managerial ambitions building towards?

Henderson's Saudi 'project' unravelled very quickly - here's what happened

Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension as head coach of Al Ettifaq. The hierarchy will continue its commitment to provide the 43-year-old funds to sign players and develop the club. Gerrard’s new deal sees him tied down until 2027. Al Ettifaq confirmed Gerrard’s new deal on the same evening that they announced Jordan Henderson’s contract at the club had been terminated by mutual consent, as the England international midfielder completed his move to Ajax. Gerrard said upon signing his new deal: “This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels...

Liverpool’s former captain could have been at the heart of a four-pronged trophy pursuit at Anfield. Instead, he is damaged goods

Carlo Ancelotti says neither he or Toni Kroos understood the hostile reception the Real Madrid midfielder received from the Saudi Arabia crowd during Wednesday’s Supercopa de Espana semi-final win over Atletico Madrid. Kroos was whistled by supporters at the Al-Awwal Stadium as his side booked their place in Sunday’s final with an extra-time victory over their Madrid rivals. The 34-year-old has previously criticised players’ decisions to move to the Saudi Pro League, stating it was “against football”. Ancelotti said: “I don’t understand it, I don’t think Kroos...

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