Football

Following last season's close second-place finish to Riyadh rivals Al Hilal, Al Nassr identified key positions requiring reinforcement. While striker Jhon Duran arrived in winter and defensive reinforcements came through Mohamed Simakan partnering Aymeric Laporte, perhaps their most crucial signing was finding a replacement for departing goalkeeper David Ospina. Despite having promising Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, the club looked abroad, ultimately signing 25-year-old Brazilian Bento from Athletico Paranaense. With over 150 appearances in Brazil and a national team cap under interim coach Fernando Diniz, Bento represented the ideal profile – experienced yet still developing, with his prime years ahead. While some viewed Europe as Bento's natural destination, the goalkeeper embraced the Saudi challenge. "I think there is a bit of prejudice against the Saudi league; just look at who plays there," Bento previously stated. "The level is the same, […]

At just 21 years old and in his first season in the Roshn Saudi League, Robert Renan has displayed remarkable maturity by mentoring a fellow Brazilian newcomer at Al Shabab. The defender, on loan from Russia's Zenit St Petersburg, has been a standout performer in his debut Saudi campaign, missing only two league matches. Renan has integrated perfectly into the team, becoming essential to Al Shabab's pursuit of a top-four finish. With seven rounds remaining, Fatih Terim's side currently sits sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Al Ahli. Beyond his on-field contributions, Renan has taken on another important role. When Al Shabab signed 20-year-old Brazilian Leandrinho during the winter transfer window on loan from Vasco da Gama, the center-back stepped up to help his compatriot adjust to life in Saudi Arabia. Leandrinho has clearly valued this support. "I like being here; […]

It stands as one of the most unexpected results in the Roshn Saudi League this season. Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia's record-setting champions, had established an unprecedented 46-match unbeaten streak in the competition. During this remarkable run, which delivered both the RSL title and King's Cup, they had assembled 34 consecutive victories – a sequence so impressive it earned recognition from Guinness as a world record. Al Hilal topped the RSL standings once again, with a second straight championship seemingly within their grasp. However, on November 23 at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium, their dominance crumbled. Under former Al Hilal manager Georgios Donis, Al Khaleej secured a stunning 3-2 victory. As halftime approached, the hosts trailed 2-0, with Marcos Leonardo and Aleksandar Mitrovic capitalizing on assists from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Salem Al Dawsari – further evidence of Al Hilal's attacking prowess. […]

Inter Miami has advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time following a dramatic three-goal comeback against Los Angeles FC (LAFC), led by Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar scored twice, including the decisive penalty kick in the 84th minute, helping Inter Miami secure a 3-1 victory on Wednesday night and a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-leg matchup. "We gave it our all," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. "We wanted it, we wanted to be in the semis, and I think it showed. Many times luck has to be on your side, and we had it." Inter Miami entered the match already trailing after losing the series opener 1-0 at LAFC last week. Their situation worsened when Aaron Long scored an away goal in the ninth minute, giving LAFC a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead early in […]

Lionel Messi will not participate in Argentina's upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches due to a groin injury sustained during Inter Miami's weekend victory over Atlanta, his club announced. In a statement released Monday, Inter Miami revealed that medical scans confirmed Messi had suffered a "low-grade injury in the adductor muscle" during Sunday's 2-1 win. The club provided no specific timeline for his recovery. "His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition," Inter Miami stated. The 37-year-old star had recently returned to action for Inter Miami, scoring as a substitute in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match after missing three previous games. Argentina must now face Uruguay this Friday and Brazil on March 25 without their captain. The world champions currently lead the South American qualifying group by five points ahead of their match against […]