Daily News 19

Tag: Saudi Pro League

  • Tijjani Reijnders Explains Al-Qadsiyah Move: ‘The Money Was Almost Impossible to Turn Down’

    Tijjani Reijnders Explains Al-Qadsiyah Move: ‘The Money Was Almost Impossible to Turn Down’

    Key Highlights

    • Former Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiyah.
    • Reijnders addressed criticism suggesting his transfer was motivated solely by financial incentives.
    • The move continues the trend of European-trained talent relocating to the rapidly expanding Saudi league.

    Reijnders Confirms Switch to Al-Qadsiyah

    Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has officially completed his transfer to Al-Qadsiyah, marking a new chapter in his career after departing Manchester City. The player, who developed through the City Football Group system, has moved to the Saudi Pro League amid the competition’s aggressive recruitment of international talent. While the specific contract terms and transfer fee remain undisclosed by the clubs, the arrival of a player with Premier League academy pedigree underscores the league’s ongoing strategy to elevate its technical standard and global profile.

    Player Responds to Financial Motivation Criticism

    Following the announcement, Reijnders was questioned regarding scrutiny from observers who characterized the decision as a purely monetary one. The midfielder took the opportunity to explain the reasoning behind his relocation, pushing back against the narrative that financial gain was the exclusive driver. Though the full details of his explanation were not quoted in the initial report, the fact that he chose to engage directly with the criticism signals an awareness of the perception challenges faced by players moving to the Gulf state’s domestic competition.

    Saudi Pro League Continues European Recruitment Drive

    The acquisition of Reijnders fits a broader pattern of Saudi clubs targeting players from top European academies and leagues. Since the high-profile arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in late 2022, the Saudi Pro League has secured numerous stars and promising talents, backed by the Public Investment Fund’s oversight of the “Big Four” clubs—Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. Al-Qadsiyah, having secured promotion back to the top flight, is investing heavily to establish itself as a competitive force, with Reijnders representing a significant technical addition to their midfield options.

    Why This Matters

    The transfer of Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiyah is emblematic of the shifting dynamics in global football’s labor market. For years, the career trajectory for a Manchester City academy graduate typically involved loans to Championship sides or permanent moves to mid-table Premier League or top-flight European clubs. The Saudi Pro League now offers an alternative pathway: immediate first-team football at a high intensity, lucrative contracts, and a platform in a league actively marketing itself as a top-ten global destination. For Al-Qadsiyah, securing a player with City DNA provides tactical versatility and a marketable asset as they navigate their return to the elite tier. The league’s ability to attract players in their prime or early developmental stages—rather than solely at the twilight of their careers—will be the key metric in determining whether the project achieves sustainable sporting credibility alongside its commercial momentum.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Tijjani Reijnders?
    Tijjani Reijnders is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He is a product of the Manchester City academy system.
    Which club has he joined?
    He has joined Al-Qadsiyah, a club competing in the Saudi Pro League.
    Why did the move attract criticism?
    Critics accused Reijnders of making the move purely for financial reasons, a common narrative surrounding transfers to the Saudi Pro League due to the high wages on offer.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo Fed Up With Fans Chanting Messi During Warm-Ups

    Cristiano Ronaldo Fed Up With Fans Chanting Messi During Warm-Ups

    Key Highlights

    • Cristiano Ronaldo reacted with visible confusion and fatigue as Al Nassr fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name during his pre-match warmup in Saudi Arabia.
    • The Portuguese forward responded by applauding the crowd before resuming his training routine, signaling a refusal to engage with the persistent rivalry taunts.
    • The incident underscores the ongoing intensity of the Messi-Ronaldo debate among supporters, despite both players now competing outside Europe’s top leagues.

    Ronaldo’s Silent Response to Persistent Messi Chants in Riyadh

    Cristiano Ronaldo encountered a familiar but unwelcome soundtrack during a recent warmup session with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. As the 39-year-old Portuguese captain prepared for training, sections of the home crowd repeatedly chanted the name of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi. Video footage from the session captured Ronaldo pausing mid-routine, his expression conveying a mix of bewilderment and exhaustion as the chants swelled. Rather than confront the provocation or display frustration, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner offered a slow, deliberate round of applause directed at the stands—a gesture widely interpreted as a mixture of resignation and polite dismissal—before turning back to his drills without further comment.

    A Rivalry That Refuses to Fade Across Continents

    The episode in Riyadh highlights how the Messi-Ronaldo narrative continues to follow both players even after their departures from the European stage. Since Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January 2023 and Messi’s subsequent transfer to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, the geographic distance between the two has grown, yet the comparative debate among fans has not diminished. In Saudi Pro League stadiums, chanting “Messi” when Ronaldo touches the ball has become a routine tactic for opposition supporters—and occasionally even home fans seeking a reaction. The persistence of this dynamic suggests that for a generation of football followers, the duality of their careers remains the sport’s defining reference point, transcending leagues, continents, and the players’ own advancing years.

    Veteran Professionalism Amid Provocation

    Ronaldo’s measured reaction—applause followed by immediate focus on his preparation—aligns with the disciplined public persona he has cultivated throughout his two-decade elite career. While earlier in his career such taunts might have elicited a sharper response, the veteran forward now appears to treat the chants as background noise. His ability to compartmentalize external distractions remains a hallmark of his longevity at the highest level. Teammates and coaching staff at Al Nassr have previously noted Ronaldo’s singular focus during training sessions, and this latest incident reinforces that his primary channel for competition remains his own performance standards rather than crowd orchestration.

    Why This Matters

    The scene in Riyadh encapsulates the unique position both Ronaldo and Messi occupy in modern football culture: they are simultaneously active competitors and living monuments to a rivalry that has shaped the sport’s commercial and narrative landscape for nearly two decades. For the Saudi Pro League, which has invested heavily in global stars to raise its profile, the Messi chants directed at Ronaldo represent both a testament to the league’s most famous signing and a reminder that the shadow of his Argentine counterpart remains inescapable. As both players enter the twilight of their careers—Ronaldo at 39, Messi at 37—their every public appearance continues to be filtered through the lens of their shared history, ensuring that the debate they defined will outlast their playing days.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do fans in Saudi Arabia chant Messi’s name when Ronaldo is playing?
    The chant has become a standard form of provocation used by fans across the Saudi Pro League—and globally—to test Ronaldo’s reaction, leveraging the historic rivalry between the two players as the sport’s most recognizable debate.
    How did Cristiano Ronaldo react to the chants during his warmup?
    Ronaldo paused, appeared confused and tired, then offered a slow applause toward the crowd before immediately returning to his training drills without verbal engagement.
    Does this rivalry still affect both players’ careers in their current leagues?
    While both Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Messi at Inter Miami compete in different continents and competitions, the comparative narrative remains a constant backdrop in media coverage, fan discourse, and commercial branding for both players and their respective leagues.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Bans After Rúben Neves Targeted by Diogo Jota Chants

    Cristiano Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Bans After Rúben Neves Targeted by Diogo Jota Chants

    Cristiano Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Stadium Bans for Fans Who Taunted Rúben Neves Over Diogo Jota

    Cristiano Ronaldo has called on the Saudi Pro League to issue lifetime stadium bans to any supporter found to have participated in the taunting of Rúben Neves with chants about the late Diogo Jota during a match on Saturday. The incident occurred at Al Taawoun’s home stadium as Neves prepared to take a free kick alongside Al Hilal teammate Crysencio Summerville.

    Neves Targeted With Chants About Late Teammate

    Diogo Jota was killed alongside his brother in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in July 2025. Both Neves and Ronaldo were international teammates of Jota with Portugal. Footage circulating on social media on Saturday captured audible chants of “Jota, Jota, Jota” directed at Neves. The midfielder appeared to react by sarcastically applauding and giving a thumbs up to the supporters before pointing to the sky and his own eye, then gesturing toward the section from which the chanting originated.

    After the match, Neves walked through the mixed zone and addressed reporters directly:

    “I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did.”

    Ronaldo’s Instagram Statement Demands Action

    Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr but earned numerous Portugal caps alongside Neves and Jota, responded forcefully in a comment on an Instagram post showing footage of the incident. He wrote:

    “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again,”

    Neves and Jota Shared Deep Bond From Youth to Senior Level

    The two midfielders grew close after progressing through youth teams together for Portugal and Porto before becoming teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Their connection extended beyond the pitch; Neves served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral and inherited Jota’s Portugal No. 21 shirt last year.

    Al Hilal Extend Lead Atop Saudi Pro League Table

    On the field, Al Hilal retained top spot in the Saudi Pro League with a commanding 6-0 victory over Al Taawoun. Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat trick, while England international Ollie Watkins netted a brace to secure the three points.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Again for Al Nassr, Nears 1,000 Career Goals; Can Messi Keep Pace?

    Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Again for Al Nassr, Nears 1,000 Career Goals; Can Messi Keep Pace?

    Cristiano Ronaldo found the net once again on Wednesday, opening the scoring in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Abha on matchday six of the Saudi Pro League. The strike brought the Portuguese superstar’s official career goal tally to 979, leaving him just 21 goals shy of the historic 1,000-goal milestone he has publicly targeted.

    Landmark goal arrives in the 21st minute

    The goal carried a touch of numerical symmetry. Ronaldo headed home a corner delivered by Ângelo in the 21st minute — matching the exact number of goals he now requires to reach four figures. The header broke the deadlock and set the tone for a match Al Nassr would ultimately control, with Abdullah Al-Hamdan doubling the advantage in the 58th minute.

    CR7 vs. Messi: The race to 1,000

    Despite already holding the record as football’s all-time leading scorer in official matches, Ronaldo continues to chase the unprecedented 1,000-goal barrier. His closest rival remains Lionel Messi, who sits on 927 goals and was recently named among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo’s latest effort confirms his sharp scoring form; he now has three goals in the current Saudi Pro League campaign and has amassed 131 goals since his move to the Asian continent in 2022.

    Career breakdown: Where the goals came from

    The bulk of Ronaldo’s haul was accumulated during his peak years at Real Madrid, where he netted 451 times. His international record with Portugal stands at 146 goals, while he scored 145 for Manchester United across two spells. Since joining Al Nassr, he has added 131, with 101 coming during his stint at Juventus and the five that launched his professional career at Sporting CP.

    Missed chances and a late Abha fightback

    Ronaldo could have extended his tally further. In the first half, one of his efforts struck the post, and a subsequent opportunity was cleared off the goal line. Al-Hamdan’s second goal appeared to settle the contest, but Abha responded through Nabil Fekir, who curled a direct free-kick past the goalkeeper in the 75th minute. The visitors pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, yet Al Nassr held firm to secure the three points.

    Al Nassr join leaders at the summit

    The win lifts the side managed by Ange Postecoglou to 15 points after six rounds, leaving them level at the top of the standings alongside Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah. With domestic and Asian competitions on the horizon, Ronaldo’s path to 1,000 goals remains clearly defined: 21 more strikes at the age of 41.

    Without question, the pursuit of that four-figure landmark will serve as the final great chapter in a rivalry that has defined more than two decades of the sport.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Today? Confirmed Al-Nassr vs Abha Lineups for 2026-27 Saudi Pro League

    Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Today? Confirmed Al-Nassr vs Abha Lineups for 2026-27 Saudi Pro League

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr return to Saudi Pro League action on Wednesday, aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. The clash with Abha presents several selection dilemmas for manager Ange Postecoglou, who must navigate injuries and suspensions while keeping his side near the top of the table.

    Al-Nassr has collected 12 points from its opening five league matches, while Abha has taken just one point and sits at the bottom of the standings. With the two teams arriving in completely different form, the focus will be on whether Postecoglou can make the right calls to restore momentum.

    Al-Nassr’s strong start halted by Al-Ittihad

    Ronaldo’s side started the campaign with four consecutive league victories before suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Al-Ittihad in the previous round. George Ilenikhena scored twice for the hosts, while Angelo Gabriel pulled one back, but Al-Nassr could not find a late equalizer despite sustained pressure.

    The result ended a four-match winning run but did little to change the overall picture of an impressive opening to the campaign. Al-Nassr has scored 13 goals and conceded only five in five league games, while both of its home fixtures have ended in victories.

    Al-Nassr 2026-27 Saudi Pro League results

    Matchweek Date Opponent Score / Result
    Matchweek 1 Aug 15, 2026 Al-Fateh 3–0 Win
    Matchweek 2 Aug 21, 2026 Al-Riyadh SC 4–0 Win
    Matchweek 3 Aug 25, 2026 Al-Ettifaq 3–2 Win
    Matchweek 4 Aug 28, 2026 Al-Taawoun 2–1 Win
    Matchweek 5 Sept 5, 2026 Al-Ittihad 1–2 Loss

    The match therefore represents an excellent opportunity for Postecoglou’s side to respond. Abha has failed to win any of its opening five matches, losing four and drawing once, while scoring only four goals and conceding 11.

    Abha 2026-27 Saudi Pro League results

    Matchweek Date Opponent Score / Result
    Matchweek 1 Aug 13, 2026 Al-Hazem 1–2 Loss
    Matchweek 2 Aug 22, 2026 Al-Ahli 0–4 Loss
    Matchweek 3 Aug 25, 2026 Al-Khaleej 1–1 Draw
    Matchweek 4 Aug 28, 2026 Al-Fayha 2–3 Loss
    Matchweek 5 Sept 4, 2026 Al-Ettifaq 0–1 Loss

    Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Abha?

    Despite the recent defeat and the club’s selection issues, Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Abha. The Portuguese superstar has scored twice in four league appearances this season and remains the focal point of an attack that has produced 13 goals.

    Ronaldo has been partnered in attack by Ayman, while Sadio Mane, Angelo Gabriel and Samu Costa have also retained their places. Joao Felix was initially expected to feature alongside Ronaldo, but his fourth yellow card of the season against Al-Ittihad means he is suspended for Wednesday’s match.

    That suspension is a significant blow given Felix’s strong start to his Al-Nassr career. The Portuguese attacker has recorded two goals and two assists in five league appearances, but will now watch from the sidelines as Ronaldo leads the attack.

    Al-Nassr hit by triple blow

    Postecoglou also has injury concerns. Kingsley Coman is expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury during the defeat to Al-Ittihad, forcing him off after 60 minutes.

    Medical tests indicated that Coman require at least seven days of rest, with the Frenchman potentially targeting a return around Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite opener against Al Ain. Sultan Al-Ghannam is another absentee after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

    With Felix suspended and several players unavailable, Postecoglou will have to adjust his attacking and midfield combinations. Ronaldo’s presence provides valuable experience and goals as Al-Nassr tries to avoid consecutive setbacks.

    Al-Nassr vs Abha: Confirmed lineups

    Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Al Nasser, Martinez, Simakan, Boushal; Samu Costa, Al Khaibari, Angelo; Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hamdan, Mane.

    Abha confirmed XI (4-5-1): D. Léon; S. Saud S, A. Hindi, J. Gaari, M. Al Zaid; A. Darisi, F. Al Ghamdi, A. Al Fahad, N. Fekir, A. Gory; M. Batshuayi.

  • Al-Ittihad Have No Plans to Make an Offer for Jadon Sancho

    Al-Ittihad Have No Plans to Make an Offer for Jadon Sancho

    Al-Ittihad have decided against pursuing a move for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, despite previously considering him as a potential transfer option.

    The Saudi Pro League club had assessed Sancho as a possible attacking reinforcement. However, after further consideration, Al-Ittihad believe other player profiles would be better suited to their needs.

    Source: tribuna.com

  • Al-Hilal Head Coach Simone Inzaghi: I Admire Watkins’ Skills and Style of Play

    Al-Hilal Head Coach Simone Inzaghi: I Admire Watkins’ Skills and Style of Play

    Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has explained the Saudi club’s decision to sign England striker Ollie Watkins following Karim Benzema’s departure.

    Inzaghi insisted that Watkins was not brought in as a rushed replacement for the French forward. Instead, the Italian coach said Al-Hilal had identified Watkins as a transfer target well in advance.

  • Al-Hilal Confirm Signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa

    Al-Hilal Confirm Signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa

    Al-Hilal have confirmed the signing of English striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

    The Saudi Pro League club are reportedly paying the Premier League side around €58 for the transfer.

    Source: tribuna.com

  • Gabriel Martinelli’s Move to Al Hilal in Final Stages, Says Romano

    Gabriel Martinelli’s Move to Al Hilal in Final Stages, Says Romano

    Gabriel Martinelli’s transfer from Arsenal to Al Hilal is in its final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.

    The Arsenal winger has already agreed personal terms with the Saudi Pro League club and has given Al Hilal permission to negotiate a transfer fee with Arsenal.

  • Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Faces Al Ettifaq in Early Saudi Pro League Showdown

    Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Faces Al Ettifaq in Early Saudi Pro League Showdown

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will travel to face Al Ettifaq on Tuesday in a clash that could give the defending champions an early lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. Both sides have opened the new campaign with two victories, leaving them level on points before this head‑to‑head encounter. Read also: Transfer Deadline Drama: Arsenal Chase Alvarez, Liverpool Eye Barcola, United Seal Baleba Deal. Read also: Rugby Legend Sir Billy Boston Dies at 92: Wigan Warriors Icon Leaves Unmatched Legacy.

    The match is set for 1:45 PM EDT and will be broadcast on FOX Sports 2, with a live‑stream option available via Fubo. The fixture marks the third round of the league season, and a win for Al Nassr would create a three‑point cushion over their closest rivals.

    Al Nassr’s title‑winning run last season ended a seven‑year drought, delivering Ronaldo his first major trophy since returning to Europe. The team has looked dominant so far, posting 4‑0 and 3‑0 wins over Al Fateh and Al Riyadh respectively. In contrast, Al Ettifaq’s victories have been narrower — 1‑0 and 4‑2 against the same opponents — suggesting a tighter defensive test for the visitors.

    Ronaldo has found the net once in the opening games, while summer signings João Félix and Angelo have each contributed two goals. Al Ettifaq’s attacking threat centers on former Atlético Madrid and Lyon striker Moussa Dembélé, who announced his arrival with a hat‑trick in the season opener.

    Beyond the points, the match carries narrative weight: a successful title defense would cement Ronaldo’s legacy in the Middle East, while a strong showing from Al Ettifaq under returning coach Arthur Papas could signal a resurgence for a side that finished seventh last year. Fans worldwide can catch the action live on the listed channels, with regional restrictions applying to the streaming service.