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Former Saudi star Ahmed Ateef believes Salman Al-Faraj, Neom's captain, could lead the Green Army to World Cup success. His ACL injury in 2024 paused his career, but his return with Neom signals readiness. Ateef stressed leadership and top form are essential as the team eyes the World Cup. The coming months will show if the captain can make a decisive impact.
A high-stakes recruitment saga unfolds in Riyadh as clubs chase Al-Ittihad’s Saleh Al-Shehri. Reports say Al-Riyadh has approached Al-Ittihad to loan the striker through the season, with wages covered to seal the deal. The Uruguayan coach Daniel Carenio pushes for a stronger attack, while Al-Shabab also weighs a move to replace an injured forward. Al-Shehri’s sparse playing time this season adds urgency to the pursuit, intensifying a tense capital showdown.
Real Madrid weighs a defensive overhaul as backline problems mount. Militao's injury accelerates market moves. Alaba's contract status could trigger a summer exit. The club signals a youth-focused refresh to reduce injury risk.
Legal counsel Yaqoub Al-Mutair reveals when Al-Ittihad will be barred from hosting fans after the disciplinary verdict. The club faces a 200,000 riyal fine and a match behind closed doors. The fan ban is suspended for four months, with Article 72 guiding potential actions if violations occur. If no new incidents arise, the ban may stay on hold; otherwise, it could take effect. This update signals a notable shift in how Saudi football handles crowd conduct.
Fabinho’s comeback puts coach Sérgio Conceição in a tricky spot ahead of a high-stakes Roshn Saudi League clash with Al-Shabab. Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Shabab at Al-Enma Stadium, aiming to cap a strong run despite injuries. The report notes Fabinho and Muhannad Al-Shanqiti’s return to training after minor knocks, while several foreign players remain unavailable. With a crowded foreign quota, Conceição must balance his lineup carefully for the match.
Antonio Rudiger's future at Real Madrid is uncertain as his contract runs out. ESPN suggests Madrid could renew, but the defender is weighing other options. A move to the Roshn Saudi League is appealing to him in the twilight of his career, especially given injuries. With a June 2026 expiry, a free transfer is possible. The Touchline hints that Saudi football is a top wish for him as the saga unfolds.
Mali’s head coach Tom Saintfiet guarantees his team won’t park the bus against Morocco in the AFCON group clash. He downplays fear in his squad despite Morocco being the tournament favorite. Morocco won their opener, while Mali drew their first game, setting up a high-stakes meeting. Saintfiet describes the hosts as a tough test that could spark a big performance and a positive result. The match is scheduled for late December with a clear call for resilience and ambition.
The Saudi Football Federation announced an early change to the birth-year rule for the 2026-27 season. The move allows non-Saudi players under 21, registered with clubs in the Pro League, to play without the following-season continuity requirement, provided registrations are valid. The timing aims to give clubs ample preparation time, both technically and financially. Officials say the change is about sustainability, not a one-off tweak.
Zamalek suffer their first defeat of the edition, losing 1-0 to Smouha at The Arab Contractors Stadium. Hossam Ashraf struck the decisive goal in the 41st minute, lifting Smouha to 4 points. Zamalek stay on 4 points, sitting second behind the group leader by 7 points. In the other match, Ismaily beat Pyramids 3-1 at PetroSport, with Abdel Karim Mustafa opening and Nader Faraj adding a brace, while Pyramids stay winless. Miloud Hamdi’s side collect 3 points as Pyramids’ youth team remains at zero.
After a 1-0 loss to Smouha in the Cairo Cup, Ahmed Abdel Raouf slammed Zamalek's performance as subpar on all fronts. He cited multiple technical errors and a missing fighting spirit in the first half, with a slight improvement after the break that still left questions unanswered. The coach blamed an overconfident mindset entering the game and stressed the need for sharper focus. He also outlined selective youth integration and affirmed Juan Bizera's continued importance despite fluctuations.
Morocco’s preparations intensify as Hamza Igman trains with the squad, signaling fitness ahead of the AFCON 2025 group clash with Mali. Achraf Hakimi’s involvement remains a talking point, with Walid Regragui affirming readiness. A Ligue 1 injury earlier in December adds a cautious note. The Atlas Lions aim to secure their position in the group when they face Mali on 26 December.
Al Hilal suffers a fresh injury hit hours before hosting Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. Ali Al-Bulayhi is sidelined, prompting concerns for the lineup. Coach Simone Inzaghi has also benched Mohammed Al-Qahtani for tactical reasons, with AFCON absences and domestic-list exclusions adding to the puzzle. Al Hilal sit second with 23 points, while Gulf trail in sixth on 14. The medical updates and selection calls could shape a pivotal Friday fixture.
Friday, December 26, 2025, brings a double-header of top-tier football. Four AFCON 2025 group-stage matches light up the schedule, alongside a Saudi Pro League triple-header and a marquee Premier League clash at Old Trafford. The piece lists channels, streaming options, and designated commentators to help fans tune in from anywhere. It’s a full-day football feast, with a dash of global connectivity courtesy of streaming services and VPNs.
Gabon’s coach Mouyama drew Marseille’s ire during the Africa Cup of Nations opener against Cameroon. Aubameyang’s late, controversial involvement became the flashpoint, despite his thigh injury. Marseille issued a sharp statement questioning medical arrangements and availability for upcoming matches. The saga, echoed by RMC Sport, underscored the delicate balance between club duties and national team duties in football.
The Saudi Football Federation ends the debate over the birth clause during the upcoming winter transfer window. Changes will take effect from the 2026-2027 season. The dispute centered on Al Hilal and Al Nassr, with mid-season changes rejected. The new rules affect foreign players under 21 and their registration with Roshen Pro League clubs.
Borussia Dortmund is set to chase a Manchester City forward as the January window looms. City reportedly considers freeing Pob while chasing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Dortmund joins other Premier League clubs in the race, underscoring a busy transfer season. The unfolding rumors reflect a league-wide shuffle as injuries and form reshape plans.
Real Madrid has locked in a plan to bring Nico Paz back from Como by 2026, activating a 9 million euro buy-back option. Paz left Madrid for Como in 2024 on a four-year deal worth 6 million euros. Despite interest from Inter Milan, Madrid intends to reintegrate him into the first team and considers him a rising asset, with his market value climbing to 65 million euros.
A viral video spark a debate about how closely Arsenal's Leandro Trossard resembles French referee Clément Turpin. The clip highlights striking similarities in facial features, eye color, hair shade, and even hand gestures. Viewers are left wondering whether it’s just a trick of the camera or a genuine likeness. The article notes the buzz online and invites fans to watch the video for themselves.
Salman Al-Faraj returns to official action after a long injury layoff, marking a milestone for both Neom and the Saudi national team. He entered as a stoppage-time substitute in a 2-1 Roshn Saudi League win, ending a 415-day absence. The comeback follows a serious knee ligament injury that sidelined him through much of last year. Analysts see this as a potential turning point for his club and for the Green in the ongoing season.
A towering Chinese player challenges basketball stereotypes with a 115-kilogram frame and 191 cm height. Audie Krook is a rising US college basketball star, averaging around 29 points per game and known for lockdown defense and court IQ. Opponents often keep their distance, wary of contact. The piece highlights how size reshapes the way teams play on the court.
