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Arab News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Ittihad champions: 5 reasons behind the Jeddah giants' 2025 Saudi Pro League title triumph
LONDON: Al-Ittihad are champions of Saudi Arabia. The Tigers clinched their 10th title on Thursday with two games of the season remaining after a 3-1 win at Al-Raed. It has been a long campaign, and here are five reasons behind the latest success for the yellow-and-black half of Jeddah. Benzema, Aouar and Diaby provide an irresistible attacking force For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Tigers roared back to shine in big games Early in the campaign, Al-Ittihad lost 3-1 at Al-Hilal and were well beaten, going 3-0 down by the break. After finishing fifth the season before, a long way behind the champions, it looked as if Hilal were going to be too strong once again. Yet it seemed to be exactly the result needed. From then, there was a resilience about the Jeddah giants and they never lost again to any of their title rivals. The King's Cup victory over Al-Hilal in January, albeit on penalties, was a sign that they could beat the champions. Other powers were also dispatched. Six points were taken off Al-Nassr and Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli provided four. The big one was, however, that 4-1 win over Al-Hilal in February in front of an ecstatic home crowd. From that point on, Al-Ittihad looked like champions, while Al-Hilal did not. Local talent provided the foundation One lesson, not that it was really needed, from Al-Hilal's title win last time around was that while foreign players have a huge part to play, any potential champion need a solid local contingent and Ittihad certainly had that this time around. Abdulrahman Al-Oboud has come into his own, especially in the second half of the season providing goals, assists and generally making things happen. It was noticeable that in the 3-1 win at Al-Raed which clinched the title, the 29-year-old was everywhere. Saleh Al-Shehri was more of a squad player and also in his first season but the experienced striker made a difference when needed especially with the only goal of October's Jeddah Derby. Further back, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti has proven himself to be one of the best and certainly most consistent full-backs in Saudi Arabia while Hassan Kadesh has not only impressed for the national team, but been a huge presence in the middle of the defence. Blanc and Kante bring calm among the storm There is not just a strong French connection in attack but Laurent Blanc brought with him an air of calmness to the coaching hotseat after a tumultuous season last time with coaches. The former Lyon boss brings a pragmatic approach to get the best out of the players he has, rather than trying to impose a system regardless of what is available. Known in France for a defensive approach, there has certainly been an emphasis on stability at the back, but then, Ittihad have scored almost 2.5 goals per game. It helps that there is an intelligent coach on the pitch in the shape of N'Golo Kante. The midfielder is simply world class and ensures that Ittihad not only have more of the ball but also use it well. The former Chelsea star also rises to the big occasion and was immense in the vital win over Al-Nassr in early May that virtually sealed the title. Fans, schedule and the failings of others Al-Ittihad have some of the best — many in Jeddah would say the best — fans in the country and Asia. Having an average attendance of around 40,000 is hugely impressive, and not many other teams on the continent even come close. That brings pressure but can also inspire, and it has certainly done that this season. There have been other advantages. The relatively poor season last time around did provide some help as it meant no Champions League football. Title rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr had 10 or 11 extra games in Asia and that makes a huge difference. It gave Blanc time to train, rest and rotate. And then, there is the fact that the other teams all dropped points. Al-Ittihad had their stumbles but this season their rivals did not take advantage with Al-Hilal — a winning machine last time around — unusually fallible. But teams still have to make use of the hand they are dealt, and Al-Ittihad certainly did that to become deserving champions.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement
The club paid tribute in a heartfelt statement 'HEARTBREAKING' Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 14-YEAR-OLD footballer has died while playing in France. Ousmane Diaby collapsed on the pitch while in action for Jeunesse Aubervilliers against Auxerre. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A 14-year-old footballer has died while playing in a match in France He has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. A club statement read: "It is with immense sorrow that we announce the tragic death of our dear Ousmane Diaby, 14." Diaby received immediate attention following his collapse and efforts were made to resuscitate him. He was rushed to Dijon hospital by air ambulance before passing away on Wednesday. The club have launched a fundraiser to aid his family and help with funeral costs - it has already raised £7,600. They paid tribute to the youngster, saying: "This is a day of mourning for the city. Losing such a young child on a football pitch is a heartbreaking experience for all of us. "Ousmane was a child with a huge heart, with an exemplary upbringing. "He helped his mother every day with daily tasks, and volunteered with the youngest members of the club, including the Under-9s. "Always smiling, helpful, respectful - he leaves an indelible mark on our lives. "We will miss you Ousmane. You'll remain in our hearts forever. Football charity encourages Scots to donate old kits to help vulnerable people "We love you so much little brother. Rest in peace." The club will observe a minute's silence in Diaby's memory ahead of their Under-16's next match. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sent his "most sincere condolences" to Diaby's relatives and the club management.
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tragedy as 14-year-old footballer dies after suffering cardiac arrest during match as club release emotional statement
A 14-YEAR-OLD footballer has died while playing in France. Ousmane Diaby collapsed on the pitch while in action for Jeunesse Aubervilliers against Auxerre. Advertisement 1 A 14-year-old footballer has died while playing in a match in France He has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. A club statement read: "It is with immense sorrow that we announce the tragic death of our dear Ousmane Diaby, 14." Diaby received immediate attention following his collapse and efforts were made to resuscitate him. He was rushed to Dijon hospital by air ambulance before passing away on Wednesday. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The club have launched a fundraiser to aid his family and help with funeral costs - it has already raised £7,600. They paid tribute to the youngster, saying: "This is a day of mourning for the city. Losing such a young child on a football pitch is a heartbreaking experience for all of us. "Ousmane was a child with a huge heart, with an exemplary upbringing. "He helped his mother every day with daily tasks, and volunteered with the youngest members of the club, including the Under-9s. Advertisement Most read in Football "Always smiling, helpful, respectful - he leaves an indelible mark on our lives. "We will miss you Ousmane. You'll remain in our hearts forever. Football charity encourages Scots to donate old kits to help vulnerable people "We love you so much little brother. Rest in peace." The club will observe a minute's silence in Diaby's memory ahead of their Under-16's next match. Advertisement Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sent his "most sincere condolences" to Diaby's relatives and the club management.
Epoch Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Epoch Times
Buccaneers DL Makes Bold Prediction About His 2025 Performance
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Calijah Kancey says if he's healthy, he'll lead the NFL in sacks this season. A 2023 first-round pick of the Buccaneers, Kancey exploded onto the scene in November 2023 with an NFC Defensive Player of the Month award that saw him post two sacks, four QB hits, and 10 tackles. Kancey battled a nagging calf injury into the 2024 season but had another stellar campaign with 7.5 sacks in just 12 games played, including 6.5 in the final nine. In a Kancey began the exchange by talking about his exit interview with head coach Todd Bowles after the season. 'It was more so of me making sure that I'm ready, come beginning of the season, not missing those five games [like] I did the first two seasons,' he said. 'Really, just making sure I'm doing everything to not miss those games, but also to continue to dominate at a high level.' Kancey has dealt with calf injuries in both his NFL seasons so far. He dealt with one going into his rookie campaign, which he aggravated in his NFL debut in Week 1 of the He missed the first five games of the In the press conference, Kancey indicated that he suffered injuries to each calf muscle. 'Honestly, I think I got both of them out the way now,' he joked. Related Stories 3/8/2025 1/13/2025 A reporter then asked what would happen if he were able to suit up for a full season in 2025. 'I think you'll be looking at the sack leader,' Kancey said. 'In Tampa Bay or the league?' the reporter followed up. 'In the league,' Kancey said. In the same press conference, linebacker Yaya Diaby said he planned to compete for that title. 'Hey, I want him to win as much as he [wants] me to win but that's just something we're going to have to fight for,' Diaby said. 'But it's going to be fun.' Kancey had praise for his 2023 Draft classmate. 'Yaya is going to have a crazy season,' he said. 'We don't stop talking about it ... We always talk about how we want to go out there and dominate ... just looking at the work that's been put in this offseason, [it's] definitely rolling on the right path.' The Bucs have had a recent NFL sack leader: outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett led the league in 2019 with 19.5 sacks. And last year's sack leader was Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, with 17.5 sacks. But Kancey and Diaby will both have to compete with free agent acquisition Haason Reddick, who posted double-digit sack counts in four of the last five seasons. Regardless of individual accolades, Kancey wants the defense to elevate their performance. 'We definitely want to raise the bar here every day,' he said. 'We all want to hold each other to a higher standard and bring more to the table. I mean, it's year three for me, I'm sure the coaches, my teammates, they all want to see more from me as much as I want to see more from myself. So that's just how it is around here. We all bring each other up, and we also want to be as good as our offense is as well.'
USA Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Yaya Diaby believes sack production affected people's opinion of him
Yaya Diaby believes sack production affected people's opinion of him Yaya Diaby is believed to be a potential long-term answer to the Bucs pass-rushing consistency issues they have had in recent years. When he was drafted out of Louisville in 2023, he was coming off a nine sack season and then added 7.5 as a rookie for the Bucs. In 2024, however, he only had 4.5 which he cannot be happy with in terms of the box score but it doesn't tell the whole story. Speaking on the Pewter Report Podcast, Diaby acknowledges that the dip in sack production from 2023 to 2024 may have affected how people view him. He says, 'Besides the sack numbers, I feel like I made major growth in every other category. I just want to thank myself and congratulate myself on that part, you know? I know for sure the sack part is going to come.' When people look at defensive player of the year winners, sacks are their go-to statistic. It is why Steelers and Browns fans still argue over whether Myles Garrett or T.J. Watt is the better player. For the Bucs, yeah, they would have liked more production out of Yaya Diaby, but the pressures were being created by him as he compiled 65 of them and had 38 defensive stops. Both of those numbers had him ranked in the top ten across the NFL, according to PFF. Yaya Diaby will be okay, he is going to be a vital part of this defense in 2025. If the team adds more pass rushers after adding Haason Reddick, it will take pressure and attention off him to perhaps increase those sack numbers like he and everyone else would like to see.
