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Saudi Arabia training ahead of Algeria friendly with Renard
friendly

Brace for Algeria: Injury Clouds Hover Over Saudi Camp Ahead of Friendly

Saudi coach Hervé Renard faces unexpected setbacks as Abdullah Al-Hamdan trains separately due to muscle pain. Other key players briefly miss practice, while Abdulrahman Al-Aboud returns to boost options. Saudi Arabia recently defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 in a warm-up, aiming to build confidence before the Algeria friendly and the Arab Cup. The squad’s versatility and depth remain under the spotlight as prep heats up.

Al Nassr defensive shock training Inigo Martinez injury
Saudi Pro League

Defensive Knockback: Al Nassr’s Momentum Tested as Inigo Martinez Hurts at Training

Al Nassr face a defensive setback during the current international break as coach Jorge Jesus readies the squad for key fixtures. The team continues to lead the Saudi Pro League with a perfect eight-win record and tops their AFC Champions League group after four straight victories. The injury to Spanish defender Inigo Martinez forces adjustments in the backline while the coaching staff recalibrates. Jesus uses youth-level action to keep the team sharp, but tougher challenges loom in league and Asia.

Salah Hakimi Osimhen as Africa’s Best Player contenders at CAF Awards in Rabat
CAF-Awards

Rising Stars and Heavyweights: The CAF African Player of the Year Showdown in Rabat

CAF announced the final nominees for 2025 across multiple categories, revealing a marquee trio for Best African Player: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen. The ceremony will celebrate top performers from clubs and national teams between January 6 and October 15, 2025, at a grand event in Rabat, Morocco. Alongside the main prize, the article highlights rivalries in goalkeeping, youth, coaching, and club honours, with Moroccan hands shaping the backdrop of a strong North African storyline. The piece also notes standout domestic and continental achievements and the ongoing race between North African and Sub-Saharan talents.

Shabab Al Ahli beat Al Nasr 2-1 in the ADIB Cup quarterfinals first leg, while Jazira and Al Wasl drew 0-0; big results from Al Ain and a tight second leg awaits.
ADIB Cup

Dubai Derby Sparks: Shabab Al Ahli Edge Al Nasr as Jazira and Wasl Share the Spoils in Cup Quarterfinals

Shabab Al Ahli defeated Al Nasr 2-1 in the ADIB Cup quarterfinal first leg, with Matheus Lima scoring for the home side and Abdallah Tori answering for Al Nasr. Al Jazira and Al Wasl played to a 0-0 stalemate in the other first-leg clash. A separate note highlighted Al Ain’s 3-1 victory over Sharjah as the biggest result of the round. The return legs will decide who advances to the semis.

Portugal dominates Armenia 9-1 in Lisbon to seal World Cup 2026 qualification
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe

Portugal's World Cup Dream Begins with a 9-1 Thrashing: Ronaldo Sidelined, Victory Secures 2026 Spot

Portugal hammered Armenia 9-1 in Lisbon to seal direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Roberto Martinez praised the team’s focus and unity, highlighting contributions from the bench. Ronaldo sat out due to suspension, but the display reinforced Portugal’s title ambitions and top ranking in their group. The result fuels dreams of lifting a World Cup trophy, with Martinez stressing resilience and collective responsibility. A light-hearted note: if the team keeps this form, even the GPS will stop recalculating to show a straight path to Qatar.

France Azerbaijan 3-1 World Cup Qualifiers Getty Images
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe

Bleu Victory in Baku: Mbappé Absent, France Safely Secures World Cup Spot with a 3-1 Win

France completed its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan, despite Mbappé not lining up. Renat Dadashov put the hosts ahead early, but France stormed back with goals from Mateta, Akliouche, and an own goal by the Azeri keeper. France tops the group with 16 points, already qualified after a prior win over Ukraine. Deschamps used a rotated lineup as he eyes the World Cup, with late substitutions to rest stars.

Gamal Bohandi discusses the Arab Cup in Qatar as a unifying platform for Arab culture and regional solidarity, highlighting UAE ambitions and Qatar’s hosting.
Arab Cup

Gamal Bohandi: The Arab Cup as a Rallying Point for Arab Unity

Gamal Bohandi, a former UAE star, looks ahead to the Arab Cup in Qatar as a key moment for regional unity. He frames the tournament as a gathering to celebrate Arab culture and solidarity through football. Bohandi stresses the honor of representing the UAE on a world stage and the role of the event in showcasing the next generation of Emirati players. The piece also outlines group dynamics, venues, and the broader vision for football’s cultural impact.

Al Ahli Jeddah four battles after the international break
Saudi Pro League

Al Ahli Jeddah at a Crossroads: Four Battles That Could Redefine Their Season

With the international break behind them, Al Ahli Jeddah stands at a critical juncture. Four internal battles demand decisions that could shape their season. The issues range from coach Matias Jaissle's future and Ivan Tony's role, to the club's league title race and Asia Champions League defense. As pressures mount from fans and media, every move could tilt the balance between revival and regression.

Portugal celebrates World Cup 2026 qualification with a 9-1 win over Armenia in Lisbon, Ronaldo suspended
World Cup Qualifiers

Portugal’s World Cup 2026 Parade: Ronaldo Watches as the Ticket Is Sealed in a 9-1 Win Over Armenia

Portugal secured a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia in Lisbon to seal their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, suspended and watching from the sidelines, celebrated the win with his teammates and fans. The result left Portugal topping Group 6 with 13 points from six games. Ronaldo’s absence did not dampen the mood or the goals. The story also highlights Ronaldo’s bid to become the first player to feature in six World Cups, a feat that would rival Lionel Messi’s longevity.

Mohamed Sabry funeral in Cairo with Egyptian football stars
Egyptian Premier League

Farewell on the Field: Egyptian Stars Honour Mohamed Sabry

A galaxy of Egyptian football legends gathered in Cairo to mourn Mohamed Sabry, former Zamalek and Egypt national team star. The ceremony highlighted Sabry's career, loyalty, and impact on Egyptian football, as clubs and officials paid tribute. Zamalek announced mourning and support for his family, while colleagues from both Zamalek and Al Ahly attended. The event underscored unity across Egyptian football in times of loss.

Toni Kroos dream XI with Messi, Ronaldo and Zidane
DreamXI

Kroos's Dream XI: Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane and Maldini Lead the Legends

Retired German star Toni Kroos unveils his all-time XI, a fusion of eras and continents led by Neuer in goal and a frontline of Ronaldo, Ronaldo, and Messi. The lineup blends legends from across generations, including Maldini, Zidane, and Ramos in defense and midfield maestros Ronaldinho, Modric, and Zidane controlling the tempo. The piece revisits Kroos's storied career at Bayern and Real Madrid, along with his World Cup triumph and international retirement. It ends with a nod to his enduring influence on midfield precision and tactical discipline, sprinkled with light humor.

Gabriel Magalhaes injury update from Arsenal vs Senegal in Emirates Stadium
Premier League

Gabriel Magalhaes Injury Casts Shadow over Arsenal as Brazil Defender Hits the Sidelines

Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes is ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury sustained in Brazil's friendly win over Senegal at Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian federation said he will be out of action for the foreseeable future and will not join the squad for the upcoming Tunisia friendly in Lille. The setback compounds Arsenal's defensive depth concerns as they bid for Premier League and European success this season. With several teammates also sidelined, Arsenal must rely on a deep squad and consistent performances to keep pace at the top.

Al Hilal star Ruben Neves renewal rumors in Saudi Pro League with European interest
Saudi Pro League

Turkish Giants Circle Al Hilal's Star Neves as Renewal Talks Stall

Renewal talks for Ruben Neves with Al Hilal have stalled, triggering renewed transfer rumors. Fenerbahçe is reportedly watching the situation closely, with European clubs from the Premier League and beyond also showing interest. Neves has been a cornerstone for Hilal, and his contract status could reshape the midfield landscape this season. Injuries and schedule pressures add to the drama as Hyllal battles on multiple fronts.

Maaz Faqihi nears return to Al Ittihad in Saudi Pro League context
Saudi Pro League

Faqihi Poised for a Defensive Reboot: Al Ittihad Eyes a Sharper Backline

Maaz Faqihi, a 23-year-old defender for Al Ittihad, is close to rejoining team training after rehabilitation. His comeback comes as the Saudi club prepares for a packed run in the Saudi Pro League and Asia's elite competitions. Coach Sergio Conceicao has kept him in defensive plans amid squad shortages. A summer move from Al Hilal, with a previous loan spell at Al Taawoun, shapes his story this season. The team aims to stabilize form and reclaim identity amid a busy schedule.

Zidane edges toward a France coaching return after 2026, with Real Madrid success backing his case and Saudi links fueling the rumor mill.
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe

Zidane’s Quiet Return? France Could Be in Line for a Stylish Comeback After 2026

Zinedine Zidane is reportedly edging toward a coaching return, potentially with France after the 2026 World Cup, per Spanish outlets. He left Real Madrid in 2021 and has since stayed away from club management. Deschamps’ long tenure as France coach keeps things in flux, while French and Saudi connections swirl around a possible move. The article also covers recent France fixtures and squad selections ahead of the Europe World Cup qualifiers.

Achraf Hakimi on the comeback trail ahead of AFCON in Paris
AFCON

Hakimi’s Comeback Countdown: Morocco’s AFCON Hopes Rest on a Brighter Injury Report

Morocco received a hopeful update on Achraf Hakimi’s recovery after a serious ankle injury. Paris Saint-Germain doctors confirmed bleeding in ankle tissues but no full ligament rupture, opening a faster rehabilitation path. Hakimi is in regular contact with teammates from the Moroccan camp and has posted motivating messages about returning stronger. Coach Walid Regragui is adjusting the lineup to keep momentum ahead of the Uganda friendly and AFCON.

Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast friendly Getty Images
Friendlies

Saudi's Hidden Ace: Abu Al-Shamat Cleared by Coach, World Cup 2026 in Sight

Yusuf Al-Ghadeer defends Saleh Abu Al-Shamat after a composed showing in a friendly against Ivory Coast. The win underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing cohesion as they build toward the 2026 World Cup. The piece traces Abu Al-Shamat’s rise, Renard’s trust, and the team’s evolving plan in the lead-up to a tougher schedule. A friendly against Algeria adds another test and a chance for this generation to shine.