Latest news with #RCLens'
Saudi Gazette
16 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saud Abdulhamid becomes first Saudi player to debut in French league
PARIS — Saudi Arabia's Saud Abdulhamid made history on Thursday night by becoming the first Saudi footballer to play in the French top flight, appearing as a second-half substitute in RC Lens' 1-0 loss to Lyon in the opening round of Ligue 1. Abdulhamid, who joined Lens on a season-long loan from Serie A side AS Roma, received a warm ovation from the home crowd at Stade Bollaert-Delelis when he stepped onto the pitch. Despite Lens' defeat, the moment was a personal milestone for the Saudi international, whose entry into the French league adds to the growing global footprint of Saudi football talent. The match's only goal came in first-half stoppage time (45+1) through Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze, who capitalized on a precise assist from Belgian winger Malick Fofana one of Lyon's standout performers on the night. The game also marked a turning point for Lyon, who recently emerged from financial uncertainty after the departure of former owner John Textor. The French financial watchdog initially ruled the club ineligible for the top division, but that decision was overturned after new president Michele Kang convinced regulators of the club's financial stability for the 2026 season.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Emma Saunders update on Sky Sports return after brain infection and cancer fight
Emma Saunders attended RC Lens' final game of the season this weekend to support partner Will Still, as fans eagerly anticipate the Sky Sports presenter's return to the screen Emma Saunders is bravely planning to return to Sky Sports when the 2025/26 season kicks off in August, as she continues to recover from a brain infection that left her in a coma. The popular presenter also had to battle thyroid cancer last year, and told fans she had been diagnosed with the disease at the beginning of the season. But further complications meant she was hospitalised with a brain infection called encephalitis. Saunders, who is in a relationship with former RC Lens manager Will Still, revealed the news on Instagram in March. She made clear at the time she had plans to return to presenting before the season concluded, although that won't happen now. Saunders wrote: "Hi folks. Unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago and I'm now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. "I hope it wont be long until I'm back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer. "So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding again - I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care. And of course you [Will Still] just for being you and being there for me." This month, though, Saunders gave fans a positive update as she confirmed a "fresh start" awaits in August, after noting her final game of the 2024/25 campaign came in February at Anfield. Writing on Instagram, she said: "2024/25 unposted. Wasn't to know at the time but a trip to Anfield in Feb was my last game this season; gutted to have had this campaign cut so short but at least we signed off on a high at the home of the Champions. "Thank you to everyone who's reached out - the kind words and encouragement have gone such a long way in recovery. Very grateful to say things are moving in the right direction and I'm feeling much more 'me'. Looking forward to a fresh start in August." While fans will have to wait until August to see presenter Saunders back on Sky Sports again, she is seemingly recovering well after being spotted at RC Lens' final game of the season to support her partner, Still. After a 4-0 win over Monaco, the 32-year-old manager told fans in an emotional interview that he would be leaving France and Lens to return to the UK to remain close to Saunders while she continues battling back to full health. "I won't be the coach of RC Lens next season," he said. "It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons. The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home. Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That's why. "I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I've been in France for four years, four years that I've experienced intense moments. The logical choice is that I get closer to my [partner] for her well-being too." After Saunders ended up in the hospital in March, Still remained in France to manage his side as they sealed a dramatic late win over Marseille, but he admitted the decision was a very difficult one to make. Speaking to L'Equipe, Still said at the time: "It's tough. We realise that there are more important things in life than a football match or a shot that goes into the top corner. I was honest with the guys. My girlfriend was in a coma. We had to be with her, we had to take care of her. The group reacted admirably well. "My girlfriend is stable, she's fine. That's the most important thing. When I came back last Saturday, I knew she was in the best possible place to get treatment. I asked her the question openly, 'Do I go, do I not go?' She said to me: 'You have to go.'" As Saunders continues her recovery, Still is already making progress in securing a managerial position in England. The Independent reports that he is in talks to become Southampton's new manager, with the aim to take them back to the Premier League after being relegated to the Championship this year. The fresh-faced manager went viral online after becoming the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues when he took over Reims in Ligue 1 at the age of 30, having gained his experience from the playing the popular Football Manager computer game. Meanwhile, Saunders is best known for her work in fronting women's football on Sky Sports and BBC Sport as well.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lens predicted XI v Nice: Przemyslaw Frankowski out
Przemyslaw Frankowski is set to miss RC Lens' fixture against OGC Nice on Saturday. The Polish full-back is being heavily linked with a departure from the Ligue 1 side. Galatasaray are looking to secure his signature before the closure of the transfer window in Turkey on Tuesday. As a result, he has not been included in the matchday squad. Nampalys Mendy and David Pereira Da Costa fall into the same category. Both are also being heavily linked with imminent departures from Lens. Frankowski's absence, coupled with Ruben Aguilar's injury, could see Florian Sotoca fill in at RWB. New signing Mathew Ryan misses this one through injury, meaning that Hervé Koffi will start in goal for Will Still's side against Les Aiglons. Hervé Koffi; Facundo Medina, Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit; Deiver Machado, Andy Diouf, Neil El-Aynaoui, Adrien Thomasson, Florian Sotoca; M'Bala Nzola, Goduine Koyalipou. (L'Éq) GFFN | Luke Entwistle
