Latest news with #RoshnSaudiLeague
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Benzema: "Finals aren't played — they're won" ahead of King's Cup clash
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ittihad captain Karim Benzema underlined the importance of mental sharpness and high concentration ahead of the club's highly anticipated King's Cup final against Al Qadsiah, set to take place in Jeddah on Friday. Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Thursday, the French striker emphasized the unique nature of cup finals, stating: 'Finals aren't played — they're won. These matches are different from league games; they don't allow for second chances.' Benzema acknowledged the quality of the opposition and the pressure that comes with title-deciding fixtures: 'We're facing a tough team. We've done good things this season, and now we'll do everything we can to secure a strong result. We've outperformed everyone this season and have great confidence in ourselves and in our fans. Playing at home matters.' The veteran forward, who lifted the league trophy last week, added: 'It's a final, and there are no half-measures. It's a difficult match, and we need to prepare well. Tomorrow night in Jeddah will be magical.' Addressing fan support, Benzema said: 'I know the crowd will be split 50/50, but the 50% backing Ittihad will be worth more than you can imagine. We are motivated and determined to win.'Al Ittihad will be aiming to complete the domestic double with a King's Cup victory after securing the Roshn Saudi League title earlier this month.
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Laurent Blanc calls for sharp focus ahead of King's Cup final against Al Qadsiah
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ittihad head coach Laurent Blanc emphasized the need for both mental and physical readiness ahead of the team's King's Cup final clash with Al Qadsiah on Friday, highlighting the difficulty of the match and the quality of the opposition. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Jeddah on Thursday, Blanc acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed full confidence in his squad's ability to claim their second trophy of the season following their Roshn Saudi League triumph. 'It's not an easy match. Al Qadsiah are a strong side — well-organized, with talented players and a good coach. We're playing in Jeddah, and it will be a serious test,' said the former France and PSG boss. Blanc also underlined the impact of fan support: 'Al Ittihad fans in Jeddah are a vital part of this club's identity. Their presence tomorrow will be crucial. This is a special kind of match — we have 90 minutes to bring home another trophy.' Reflecting on the title race, Blanc noted, 'Earlier in the season, Al Hilal were the better side. But now, we're on top. My players have delivered a remarkable season, and we're one win away from making it unforgettable.' Addressing injuries — including a question about goalkeeper Rajković — Blanc clarified, 'My English might not be perfect, but I can say this: I have 22 players ready for tomorrow. Everyone is fit and available.' The Frenchman closed by praising the opponents: 'Al Qadsiah have quick and skilled players, but football is a team game. We respect them, but we don't fear them.'
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Salem Al Dawsari wins Best Saudi Player award for 2024–25 season
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Salem Al Dawsari has been named Best Saudi Player of the 2024–25 Roshn Saudi League season, capping off a stellar campaign that reaffirmed his status as one of the most influential players in Saudi football. The Roshn League announced the award on Wednesday, highlighting that the Al Hilal winger delivered arguably the best season of his career. Al Dawsari was directly involved in 30 goals between scoring and assisting, despite his team falling short of silverware this year. Known for his technical skill, vision, and leadership, Al Dawsari remained a constant threat in attack and a stabilizing force in the dressing room. His performances helped steady Al Hilal during a season of mixed results, keeping the club competitive through pivotal matches. The 32-year-old has long been a cornerstone of both club and country. He was a standout for Saudi Arabia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is expected to play a key role in the national team's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, as well as Hilal's upcoming AFC Champions League Elite participation. This latest individual accolade adds to Al Dawsari's already decorated résumé and reinforces his reputation as one of the top talents of the past decade in Saudi football.
Arab News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Al-Ittihad fans attain record-breaking attendance for Roshn Saudi League season
RIYADH: Al-Ittihad supporters have emerged as the most dedicated fans throughout the Roshn Saudi League 2024/2025 season with a total number of 594,326 attendees. Al-Ahli fans came in second with 354,019 attendees, according to official data released on Wednesday via Saudi Pro League's Arabic handle on X. This year's champions, Al-Ittihad, were the only club where fans passed the half-a-million attendance mark, out of a total number of 2.5 million supporters who attended the whole RSL. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal secured third place with 302,028 attendees while Al-Nassr ranked fourth with a total of 277,821attendees. In a notable rise, newly promoted Al-Qadsiah, returning from the Yelo League (First Division), claimed fifth spot with 168,331 fans. Rounding out the list were Al-Fateh in sixth, followed by Al-Ettifaq, Al-Shabab, Al-Taawoun, Damac, Al-Khaleej, Al-Raed, Al-Wehda, Al-Kholood, Al-Orobah, Al-Riyadh, Al-Okhdood and Al-Fayha.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Ronaldo 90 minutes away from historic back-to-back Golden Boots in Saudi League
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — With just one match remaining in the 2024–25 Roshn Saudi League season, Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of achieving a personal milestone that eluded him in both the English Premier League and Italy's Serie A — winning the Golden Boot two years in a row. The 39-year-old Portuguese star leads the scoring charts with 24 goals, narrowly ahead of Al Ahli's Ivan Toney (22), and the duo of Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema and Al Shabab's Abderrazak Hamdallah, both tied at 21. Ronaldo, who claimed last season's Golden Boot with a record-breaking 35 goals, now stands just 90 minutes away from repeating the feat — something he never accomplished during his prolific spells in England or Italy, where he won the top scorer title only once in each league. Despite Al Nassr's underwhelming season — finishing without a domestic or continental trophy — Ronaldo's consistent scoring has kept him firmly in the spotlight. If he finishes top of the goal charts again, it will mark a new chapter of personal brilliance in his Saudi career. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United legend previously won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2007–08 with 31 goals, and in Serie A in 2020–21 with 29 goals for Juventus. In Spain, he topped La Liga's scoring charts three times (2011, 2014, and 2015), most famously netting 48 goals in 2014–15. As Al Nassr prepare to face Al Fateh in their final match of the campaign, Ronaldo will need to find the net once more to ensure his grip on the scoring crown.
