Latest news with #Al‑Nassr
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
New CR7 Life Museum Hong Kong puts spotlight on Portuguese football star
The Saudi Super Cup is packing its bags (and probably a few gold‑plated suitcases) for Hong Kong later this month (Aug 19-23), bringing along teams such as Al‑Nassr, Al‑Ittihad, Al‑Qadisiyah, and Al‑Ahli Saudi. But what's really going to get local football fans buzzing faster than a stoppage‑time winner is the chance to see the Saudi Football Federation's global ambassador himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, touch down at Chek Lap Kok. Think fans camping out at the airport, double‑decker buses wrapped in CR7's face, and social media feeds flooded with Ronaldo sightings – because if there's anything more unstoppable than his trademark celebratory leap, it's the hype that follows him everywhere. Hong Kong has already had a summer of football frenzy, with Liverpool, AC Milan, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur drawing nearly 100,000 fans to Kai Tak Stadium last month. But the possibility of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo in town? That's the real game‑changer – the headline act that could turn football fever into full‑blown CR7 mania. Forget dim sum queues; get ready for crowds in replica shirts – from Manchester United and Real Madrid to Juventus and Al‑Nassr – plus a sea of selfie sticks. Premier League and Serie A stars got a roaring welcome recently, but none of them have a museum built in their honour in Hong Kong – and nothing gets a city shouting 'Siuuu!' louder than Ronaldo. The CR7 Life Museum HK is located at K11 Musea, in the heart of the Victoria Dockside arts and cultural district. – Handout The CR7 Life Museum Hong Kong, which opened last month at the arty K11 Musea mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, has already drawn football fans from near and far – and is now being promoted as a new attraction by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Organisers say the Hong Kong exhibition will run for a year. During a recent tour hosted by HKTB, Filipe Goncalves – chairman of Svenska Capital, who helped bring Ronaldo's first museum to Asia with the CR7 Family Office – explains that the CR7 Life Museum HK is a refreshed take on the original 2013 museum in Funchal, Ronaldo's hometown in Madeira. He also stayed tight‑lipped about a possible Ronaldo visit. 'We don't have any announcements yet, but we do plan for Ronaldo to come to Hong Kong to launch the museum at some point,' he says. Instead, Goncalves was more eager to highlight what visitors can find inside the 1,110sq m museum and exhibition space. 'As a Portuguese, my favourite part of the CR7 Life Museum is seeing his incredible achievements with the national team,' he says. 'But no matter which club you support, the museum lets you revisit Ronaldo's early days and the defining moments of his career – through photos, videos, interactive displays, installations, and the many trophies he's won for club and country.' Goncalves adds that no club overshadows another – whether it's Manchester United or Real Madrid, Ronaldo's presence still shines through. Driven by Ronaldo's input, the museum takes Asian fans on a deep dive into his storied career – while doubling as a cultural hotspot, complete with an exclusive merch store to keep the fandom buzzing. 'I think the museum strikes a good balance. We all have our favourite Ronaldo years with his different teams,' says Liam Chan, 30, a Hongkonger Red Devil who was glad to see Ronaldo's Manchester United years featured at the heart of the museum. A replica of a young Ronaldo's room from his Sporting Lisbon days. – DARYL GOH/The Star Ronaldo, whose father was a municipal gardener and part‑time kit man and whose mother worked as a cook and cleaner, left Madeira for Lisbon to join Sporting Lisbon's youth system. His early days at the club are captured in the museum through a modest bedroom exhibit. 'The museum is filled with trophies and shirts from some of the world's biggest clubs, but Ronaldo's story had to start somewhere,' says Goncalves. 'We placed his humble bedroom at the entrance so visitors can see where it all began – a young football dreamer who turned his hopes into reality through hard work and perseverance,' he adds. Tan Wei Qian, 17, a visitor from Singapore, was glad to learn more about Ronaldo's boyhood years, especially his time with hometown clubs Andorinha and Nacional in Madeira, brought to life through digital screens and artefacts on display. 'All the dazzle of his five Champions League wins is great, but it's the glimpse into where it all started that really stands out,' says Tan. At the CR7 Life Museum Hong Kong, visitors can also snap photos or record videos with life-sized statues of Ronaldo – from his triumphant mid-air leap in a Portugal shirt to one in traditional Saudi garb – and check out digital exhibits, including an AI photo booth that adds a playful touch to the tour. An exhibit of Ronaldo's iconic overhead kick for Real Madrid that rocked Juventus in the 2018 Champions League quarter-finals. – DARYL GOH/The Star Just down the waterfront, there's a popular bronze Bruce Lee striking a fighting pose on the Avenue of Stars – but inside the CR7 Life Museum, you'll find gravity‑defying moves too. The highlight? An exhibit of Ronaldo (then with Real Madrid) frozen mid‑bicycle kick at 2.38m against Juventus in April 2018 that truly steals the show. That wonder goal, crowned Goal of the Season, racked up nearly 200,000 fan votes out of 347,000. 'In a city where martial arts is such a big deal, it's nice to have a superhuman overhead‑kick exhibit for visitors too,' concludes Goncalves.
CairoScene
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
Jorge Jesus Returns to Saudi League as Al-Nassr's New Coach
The 70‑year‑old coach returns to Riyadh with a one‑year deal, replacing Stefano Pioli after leading Al‑Hilal to a domestic treble and an AFC semi‑final berth. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus has officially signed a one-year contract to lead Al‑Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, following his departure from rival club Al‑Hilal two months ago. His previous season with Al‑Hilal was marked by success - a domestic treble and a deep run in the AFC Champions League - before he exited in May after a semifinal defeat to Al‑Ahli. Al‑Nassr confirmed the signing in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the move is intended to revitalise their coaching staff under the management of Stefano Pioli's predecessor . The reigning nine-time Saudi champions also recently extended Cristiano Ronaldo's contract.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
From Al Hilal to Al Nassr: The top 10 football clubs in the Gulf you should know in 2025
Top Gulf football clubs like Al Nassr are attracting global attention with star players and major investments/Image Credits: X The Gulf's football scene is heating up, driven by investment, continental ambitions, and growing local passion. These ten clubs lead the charge: 1. Al‑Hilal (Saudi Arabia) Saudi's elite club/Image: Wikipedia Elite status: Record 19 Saudi Pro League titles and 11 King's Cups. Most successful club in Asian history with 4 AFC Champions League trophies (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021) Recently knocked Barcelona off its pedestal by beating Manchester City at the Club World Cup, showcasing the Saudi Pro League 's rise. Impact: Backed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, they're blending legacy with world-class stars like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Rúben Neves. This strategy has transformed them into a global brand and continental benchmark. 2. Al‑Ahli (Saudi Arabia) Recent AFC title/Image: Wikipedia Revival story: After being relegated in 2022, they swung back with the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite title, overcoming Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. Key factor: S trong investment post-2023, landing stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney; their journey 'completes a crazy journey', says coach Matthias Jaissle. 3. Al‑Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) Jeddah's champion club/Image: Wikipedia Champion pedigree: Two-time AFC Champions League winners (2004, 2005) Nine Saudi Pro League titles; current title contenders Momentum: Garden of strong local support and renewed ambition—set to be a major rival in continental competitions. 4. Al‑Nassr (Saudi Arabia) Star-studded club/Image: Wikipedia Global draw: Nine league titles, Arab Club Champions Cup winners Injected star power with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, and clinched their place in the 2025 ACL Elite quarter-finals Regional role : They're a high-profile brand attracting global sponsors, but performance expectations remain high. 5. Al‑Ain (UAE) Famous for ending unbeaten streaks/Image: Wikipedia Domestic power: 14 UAE Pro League titles and two ACL trophies (2003, 2024) Famous for eliminating Ronaldo's Al‑Nassr in the 2024 ACL quarter-finals ending Al‑Hilal's 34-match unbeaten streak Legacy: Well-structured academy, disciplined management, and consistent performance have cemented their influence. 6. Shabab Al‑Ahli (UAE) Dubai's powerhouse club/Image: Wikipedia Dubai's powerhouse: Nine Pro League titles, multiple domestic cups, and an IFFHS ranking among Asia's top clubs Influence: Strong grassroots development, youth systems, and a fan-centric model maintain their elite status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 7. Al‑Wasl (UAE) Dubai's Club of the Century/Image: Wikipedia Cultural icon: Seven Pro League titles and a revered legacy since the 1960s Local impact: "Club of the Century" in Dubai, nurtures homegrown talent and inspires local support and identity. 8. Al‑Nasr SC (UAE) One of the UAE's oldest clubs/Image: Wikipedia Foundational strength: One of the UAE's oldest clubs, founded in 1945, with multiple league successes Role: Maintains firm grassroots presence, develops local talent, and contributes heavily to Dubai's football narrative. 9. Al‑Sadd (Qatar) Qatar's continental club/Image: Wikipedia Continental star: Qatar Stars League leader with 64 domestic trophies Twice Asian champions (1989, 2011) Significance: Boosted by post‑World Cup infrastructure and deepened regional appeal, Al‑Sadd remains Qatar's dominant force. 10. Al‑Rayyan (Qatar) Known for consistent performance and legacy/Image: Wikipedia Traditional heavyweights: Eight league titles, six Emir Cup wins, and home of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium Presence: Deep local roots, fan-based momentum, and consistent top-tier performance define their legacy. Why These Clubs Matter in the Gulf Today Continental dominance: Saudi clubs lead with multiple ACL medals and Club World Cup breakthroughs Financial firepower: Backed by PIF and big names, Gulf leagues now attract stars away from Europe Cultural engines: UAE clubs to Qatar's post‑World Cup momentum, football is shaping national identity Tourism & youth impact: Clubs are key to sports tourism and building youth engagement across the Gulf
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Top 10 football clubs in the Gulf
The Gulf's football scene is heating up, driven by investment, continental ambitions, and growing local passion. These ten clubs lead the charge: 1. Al‑Hilal (Saudi Arabia) Saudi's premium club/Image: Wikipedia Elite status: Record 19 Saudi Pro League titles and 11 King's Cups. Most successful club in Asian history with 4 AFC Champions League trophies (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021) Recently knocked Barcelona off its pedestal by beating Manchester City at the Club World Cup, showcasing the Saudi Pro League 's rise. Impact: Backed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, they're blending legacy with world-class stars like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Rúben Neves. This strategy has transformed them into a global brand and continental benchmark. 2. Al‑Ahli (Saudi Arabia) AFC champions/Image: Wikipedia Revival story: After being relegated in 2022, they swung back with the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite title, overcoming Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. Key factor: S trong investment post-2023, landing stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney; their journey 'completes a crazy journey', says coach Matthias Jaissle. 3. Al‑Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) Jeddah's champion club/Image: Wikipedia Champion pedigree: Two-time AFC Champions League winners (2004, 2005) Nine Saudi Pro League titles; current title contenders Momentum: Garden of strong local support and renewed ambition—set to be a major rival in continental competitions. 4. Al‑Nassr (Saudi Arabia) Riyadh's high-profile club/Image: Wikipedia Global draw: Nine league titles, Arab Club Champions Cup winners Injected star power with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, and clinched their place in the 2025 ACL Elite quarter-finals Regional role : They're a high-profile brand attracting global sponsors, but performance expectations remain high. 5. Al‑Ain (UAE) UAE's domestic powerhouse/Image: Wikipedia Domestic power: 14 UAE Pro League titles and two ACL trophies (2003, 2024) Famous for eliminating Ronaldo's Al‑Nassr in the 2024 ACL quarter-finals ending Al‑Hilal's 34-match unbeaten streak Legacy: Well-structured academy, disciplined management, and consistent performance have cemented their influence. 6. Shabab Al‑Ahli (UAE) Dubai's powerhouse/Image: Wikipedia Dubai's powerhouse: Nine Pro League titles, multiple domestic cups, and an IFFHS ranking among Asia's top clubs Influence: Strong grassroots development, youth systems, and a fan-centric model maintain their elite status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo 7. Al‑Wasl (UAE) Dubai's Club of the Century/Image: Wikipedia Cultural icon: Seven Pro League titles and a revered legacy since the 1960s Local impact: "Club of the Century" in Dubai, nurtures homegrown talent and inspires local support and identity. 8. Al‑Nasr SC (UAE) One of the UAE's oldest clubs/Image: Wikipedia Foundational strength: One of the UAE's oldest clubs, founded in 1945, with multiple league successes Role: Maintains firm grassroots presence, develops local talent, and contributes heavily to Dubai's football narrative. 9. Al‑Sadd (Qatar) Qatar's continental star/Image: Wikipedia Continental star: Qatar Stars League leader with 64 domestic trophies Twice Asian champions (1989, 2011) Significance: Boosted by post‑World Cup infrastructure and deepened regional appeal, Al‑Sadd remains Qatar's dominant force. 10. Al‑Rayyan (Qatar) Famous for consistent performance and legacy/Image: Wikipedia Traditional heavyweights: Eight league titles, six Emir Cup wins, and home of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium Presence: Deep local roots, fan-based momentum, and consistent top-tier performance define their legacy. Why These Clubs Matter in the Gulf Today Continental dominance: Saudi clubs lead with multiple ACL medals and Club World Cup breakthroughs Financial firepower: Backed by PIF and big names, Gulf leagues now attract stars away from Europe Cultural engines: UAE clubs to Qatar's post‑World Cup momentum, football is shaping national identity Tourism & youth impact: Clubs are key to sports tourism and building youth engagement across the Gulf
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Al-Nassr working on Kim Min-jae swoop
Saudi Pro League giants Al‑Nassr are actively pursuing a move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min‑jae, according to Foot Mercato. The South Korean centre-back, who joined Bayern from Napoli in 2023 for €50 million, featured 27 times for his current employers en route to Bundesliga glory last time out. Advertisement Despite suffering from an Achilles injury earlier in the season, Kim remained a core figure in Bayern's defensive plans for the rest of the campaign. However, due to the arrival of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, manager Vincent Kompany may be open to letting Kim depart, especially if it benefits all parties. Al‑Nassr are now working on a deal to bring Kim to Riyadh, viewing him as a prime candidate to replace the soon-to-depart Aymeric Laporte and bolster their AFC Champions League ambitions. Kim's experience in Europe's top leagues, having excelled in Serie A and the Bundesliga, would bring invaluable leadership to Al-Nassr's backline. Advertisement With the Saudi Pro League continuing its aggressive recruitment strategy, Kim could become the latest name to join the exodus from Europe to the Middle East. A move to Saudi Arabia would provide both financial reward and the prospect of regular playing time, which are both important factors for the 28-year-old as he enters the peak years of his career. While negotiations are still ongoing and are expected to continue in the coming weeks, Al-Nassr will be buoyed by Kim's reported desire to move to the Middle East. Al-Nassr are working on reinforcements in several positions and remain keen on bringing in a new left-sided winger. Luis Diaz is the prime target for the Knights of Najd, who have also been linked with Rafael Leao.
