Saudi football is entering a pivotal and crucial phase of challenge and hard work, as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, led by Yasser Al-Misehal and his colleagues, faces historic obligations that allow no room for half-measures. We have reached a stage that demands reaping the rewards of planning and returning to the podium, especially after a long absence of 31 years from Asian titles and 23 years since the last Gulf Cup victory. These lean years present those in charge of Saudi football with a significant challenge to restore the prestige of the national team and bring joy to the fans who are thirsting for gold.

Memories of 1994 and the challenge of the 2026 World Cup

There is no doubt that 2026 will be an exceptional and challenging year for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, as the focus will be on preparing the Saudi national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. This participation holds special significance, as it evokes the unforgettable memories of the 1994 World Cup in the USA, when the Saudi team delivered its strongest performance in history, reaching the Round of 16 as the first Arab team to achieve this feat in that era, making headlines worldwide.

Hervé Renard are under positive pressure to repeat or surpass that achievement, and avoid an early exit, in order to present an image befitting the great development that Saudi sports are witnessing.

Regional and continental commitments: Gulf Cup 27 and Asian Cup

The wheels of progress won't turn with the World Cup. Just three months after the finals, all eyes will be on Jeddah, which will host the Gulf Cup (Gulf 27) . This event represents a golden opportunity to break the drought of major tournaments and reclaim Gulf dominance. The tournament will serve as a true "dress rehearsal" and ideal preparation for the biggest and most historic event: Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in its history.

Hosting the Asian Cup is considered the real test for the players and the coaching staff, as the home ground and the fans will be contributing factors to achieving the continental dream that has been absent for decades.

Wise leadership and unlimited government support

Professor Yasser Al-Mishal has demonstrated exceptional administrative skill in handling the pressures from the sports community, prioritizing calm and methodical work over impulsive decisions. Over the past few months, the federation has developed a comprehensive plan that includes overseas training camps in America and high-quality friendly matches, with a focus on selecting players possessing the fighting spirit to represent the nation.

This ambitious project is supported by the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may God protect him – and the unlimited support of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect him – for the sports sector, and football in particular. This support is evident in the project to attract international stars, which has brought about a qualitative leap in the Saudi League, positively impacting the experience of Saudi players and raising their technical level.

In conclusion, the next stage requires everyone to join forces – media, fans, and technical staff – to support the Saudi Federation and the national team, and to forget about club colors for the sake of the nation’s emblem, so that the Saudi Green returns as the master of the Asian continent and the gold podiums.

London – In statements reflecting potential leadership changes within the corridors of Anfield, Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool FC and its veteran center-back, praised his Hungarian international teammate Dominik Szoboszlai, considering him the most prominent candidate to carry the captain's armband in the near future, in light of the great development shown by the player during a difficult season faced by the English Premier League title holder.

Remarkable development and multiple roles

Szoboszlai, 25, has proven his worth as a key player in Dutch coach Arne Slot's squad. He hasn't limited himself to attacking midfield duties, but has also demonstrated great tactical flexibility by filling in at right-back when needed to cover defensive gaps. His efforts were rewarded with his tenth goal of the season in the resounding 3-0 victory over Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Hungarian star is steadily approaching equaling or surpassing his best goal tally in his career (12 goals), which he previously achieved with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in the 2019-2020 season, reflecting his footballing maturity and complete adaptation to the difficult atmosphere of English football.

Praise from the "Egyptian King" and the future of leadership

The praise wasn't limited to captain Virgil van Dijk; Egyptian international Mohamed Salah joined in, describing Szoboszlai as "one of the best players in the world right now," emphasizing the significant technical value he brings to the team. These comments come at a sensitive time regarding Liverpool's leadership hierarchy, as Scottish left-back Andy Robertson (who turns 32 next month) is the team's second captain. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future, with his contract nearing its end at the conclusion of the current season, has fueled speculation about who will be the next captain.

When asked about the possibility of Szoboszlai taking over the captaincy, Van Dijk's response was clear and encouraging: “That decision rests with the manager, Arne Slott, but yes, I think he is capable of taking the next step and becoming captain of this team. Leadership starts with setting an example on the pitch, which Dominic has done exceptionally well this season.” The Dutch defender added: “Everything surrounding leadership requires further development and experience, and that’s perfectly normal and a good thing. We hope he will be a key player for Liverpool for many years to come.”.

League challenges and Endo's injury

These discussions about the future come at a time when Liverpool are suffering from inconsistent results in the league, with the team in sixth place, a significant 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, making the focus on domestic cups and building a team for the future.

Meanwhile, the team is still awaiting a final diagnosis of the foot injury suffered by Japanese international Wataru Endo, the tenacious midfielder who has also been forced to play at right-back due to the team's injury woes. Despite only making 12 appearances, mostly as a substitute, Van Dijk emphasized his importance, saying: “It’s a huge shame. Endo is a very respected and important player, and one of the leaders who guides by example and hard work. It’s a big blow for us, but we hope his absence won’t be long, although the indications suggest he will need some time to recover.”.

Saudi football fans, and Al-Ittihad fans in particular, are anxiously awaiting the next few hours, as private sources have revealed to "Al-Midan Al-Riyadi" crucial developments regarding the participation of French star Moussa Diaby, the winger of Al-Ittihad's first football team, in the upcoming top match against their traditional rival, Al-Hilal.

According to informed sources, Al-Ittihad's medical staff is working against the clock to get the player fit. Moussa Diaby is scheduled to undergo a final and decisive medical examination within the next few hours. The results of this examination will definitively determine his availability for the upcoming derby match, given the injury that recently sidelined him and kept him out of Al-Ittihad's recent domestic and continental competitions.

Moussa Diaby is currently undergoing intensive treatment and rehabilitation sessions under the supervision of the club's medical staff, in an effort to be fit for the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, which will be held at the Kingdom Arena as part of the Roshan Professional League. These intensive efforts stem from the significant technical value the player brings to Al-Ittihad's attack, especially in high-stakes matches that demand individual brilliance and rapid attacking transitions.

The importance of El Clásico and the impact of absences

The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match holds exceptional importance, transcending the mere three-pointer; it is the "Saudi Arabian football classic," attracting widespread regional and international attention. The match comes at a crucial juncture in the Roshan League, with each team striving to assert its dominance and solidify its position in the standings. The absence of a player of Moussa Diaby's caliber may necessitate significant tactical changes for the coach, given the player's playmaking abilities and his threat to the opposing goal.

Asian morale boost for Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad enters the Clasico with high morale, drawing confidence from their resounding victory in their last appearance. The team achieved a crushing 4-1 win against Qatari side Al-Sadd at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in the AFC Champions League. This impressive continental victory has given the team a tremendous morale boost, which they aim to capitalize on against Al-Hilal, awaiting the return of Diaby to full fitness.