Sports
Al-Rajhi fulfilled his 10-year dream
After 10 years of continuous attempts, persistence, and determination, Yazeed Al-Rajhi was able to achieve an unprecedented Saudi sporting accomplishment
After 10 years of continuous attempts, persistence and determination, Yazeed Al-Rajhi was able to record an unprecedented Saudi sporting achievement and an exceptional accomplishment that is considered the greatest in the history of Saudi sports in 25 years, after being crowned champion of the Dakar Rally 2025, the first round of the World Rally Championship W2RC, thus becoming the first Saudi to achieve this title, and the first driver to win the rally on the Kingdom’s soil. Yazeed also became the first competitor from a private non-factory team to win in 25 years. The historic achievement came with his German navigator Timo Gottschalk, to record Al-Rajhi’s name in letters of gold in the records of the most prestigious rally races in the world.
Since joining the Dakar Rally in 2015, Yazeed Al-Rajhi has dreamt of reaching the podium and winning the title. From his very first participation, he proved he was capable of achieving his dream, and he quickly became a prominent name in the prestigious Dakar Rally. The West dubbed him the "dark horse" thanks to his unique skills and unwavering determination. In 2022, Al-Rajhi made history by becoming the first Saudi to reach the podium in the top car category, cementing his status as a leading competitor on the global stage. Before the rally began, Yazeed confirmed his readiness for the challenge, stating, "The experience of past years will guide us towards winning the 2025 Dakar title. I am very excited to return to this epic rally and work towards achieving my dream of winning." This achievement not only reflects Yazeed's personal excellence but also represents a significant sporting accomplishment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which hosted the Dakar Rally for the fifth consecutive time, reaffirming its position as a global sporting destination. This victory inspires future generations of Saudi drivers and fuels their ambitions to achieve even greater success on the international stage. With his courage and determination, Yazeed Al-Rajhi has proven himself not just a racer, but a symbol of achievement and boundless ambition.
Al-Rajhi drove his Toyota Hilux, prepared by the Overdrive team, across more than 7,500 kilometers of challenging terrain and arduous stages in the 74th edition of the Dakar Rally. The competition spanned 15 days, divided into 13 stages, starting in the city of Bisha and passing through various regions of the Kingdom, including Hail, which hosted the rest day, before concluding in the Rub' al Khali desert.
The first week of the rally witnessed fierce competition and significant challenges, particularly in stages like the Chrono 48 and the Marathon, where drivers faced rigorous tests of endurance and stamina. Despite the difficult terrain, Al-Rajhi shone, achieving a remarkable victory in the fourth stage, bringing his tally to four Dakar Rally stage wins and cementing his place among the world's elite drivers. In the second part of the rally, the competition intensified as Al-Rajhi took the provisional lead in the ninth stage, overtaking his South African rival, Henk Latigan of the Toyota Gazoo team. Although Latigan regained the lead in the tenth stage, Al-Rajhi displayed remarkable fighting spirit and a well-thought-out attacking strategy, enabling him to reclaim the lead in the eleventh stage and maintain his outstanding performance until the very end.
Saudi champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi dedicated this historic achievement to the wise leadership, praising the tremendous support that sports receive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their tremendous efforts in organizing this global sporting event for the fifth consecutive time in the Kingdom, and for their constant commitment to providing all means of comfort for the participants in this world's largest and most challenging rally. He also expressed his appreciation to his team and his German co-driver, Timo Gottschalk, saying: "I thank my friend and co-driver, Timo, for the outstanding work he has done, as always. I am happy to have such a complete and ambitious team, in addition to a car that is a true fighter in every sense of the word. I also extend my thanks to my Yazeed Racing team, and especially my media team, which provides exceptional media coverage. Media coverage is the secret to the success of any organization or team, and it has greatly contributed to strengthening our presence in the rally arena and showcasing our achievements in an exceptional way." Al-Rajhi also expressed his gratitude to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, for their continued support and keen interest in motorsports in the Kingdom across all categories. He specifically thanked Jameel Motorsports, a key partner in his success, for its ongoing support of the Yazeed Racing team, particularly in the Dakar Rally, which is considered the longest and most challenging event in the world of motorsports.
The first Saudi driver to win the rally on Saudi soil and claim the title
Sports
Salman Al-Faraj faces Al-Hilal for the first time in the Roshan League with Neom
Saudi football fans are eagerly anticipating a special match between Neom and Al-Hilal, as the legendary captain Salman Al-Faraj returns to face his former team in the Saudi Roshan League.
Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens this Sunday evening as King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk hosts a highly anticipated clash between NEOM FC and Al-Hilal FC, in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. However, this match carries a special significance beyond the mere competition for three points, as it marks the return of club legend Salman Al-Faraj to face the club where he forged a history of remarkable achievements. It's a match where nostalgia blends with professionalism and a fierce challenge.
Historical background: Al-Faraj's legendary journey with Al-Hilal
Salman Al-Faraj, the current captain of NEOM, is one of the most prominent names in the history of Al-Hilal and Saudi football. His journey with "The Boss" began in December 2008 when Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu gave him his first opportunity to play. From that moment, Al-Faraj embarked on a legendary career spanning more than 15 years, transforming from a promising young player into an inspirational leader and captain of a golden generation that dominated local and continental championships. During his time with Al-Hilal, Al-Faraj etched his name in the annals of history as the most decorated player in the Saudi Professional League with eight titles, in addition to winning the AFC Champions League twice, the Crown Prince Cup three times, and the Saudi Super Cup three times, becoming a symbol of victory in the hearts of Al-Hilal fans, who last witnessed him lifting the King's Cup in May 2024.
New chapter: Neom challenge and return from injury
In a move that surprised many at the start of last season, Salman Al-Faraj took the helm of NEOM FC's ambitious sporting project. However, this new chapter was not without its challenges, as he suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for over a year. But with the determination of a champion, Al-Faraj gradually returned to the team, making his first appearance last December, and his technical and physical readiness has steadily increased, culminating in this highly anticipated match. The match also sees the return of his former Al-Hilal teammates, Mohammed Al-Breik and Khalifa Al-Dossari, all wearing the NEOM jersey, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
The importance of the confrontation and its expected impact
The match holds immense importance for both teams. Al-Hilal aims to continue its title defense and reaffirm its dominance, while Neom, led by its experienced captain, aspires to achieve a historic victory that will establish it as a serious contender in the league. The result of the friendly match between the two teams last December, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Neom, adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the match, as Al-Faraj and his teammates seek to replicate that success in an official encounter. For the fans, it will be a poignant moment to see the captain who lifted Al-Hilal's last league trophy facing them in the jersey of another team – a scene that encapsulates the profound meaning of loyalty and professionalism in the world of football.
At precisely 8:30 PM, the language of emotions will cease, and the action on the pitch will begin. This is a match where there is no room for half-measures, a clash between Al-Hilal's glorious past and present, and NEOM's ambitious aspirations and promising future. The most pressing question remains: Will Al-Faraj succeed in leading his new team to a precious victory against his former club?
Sports
The Saudi Roshan League: The source of European, African, and world champions
It highlights the transformation of the Saudi Roshan League into a global force, with its stars such as Laporte, Bono and Mane shining in the Euro, Copa America and Africa Cup finals.
The Saudi Professional League is no longer just a destination for international football stars in the twilight of their careers; it has transformed into a true platform for producing champions who lift continental trophies with their national teams. The highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, featuring a constellation of league stars, is the latest evidence of this radical shift in the league's standing on the global stage.
Historical background: From attracting heroes to creating them
Historically, Saudi clubs signed players with major titles like the World Cup or the Champions League to their credit, as a way to add quality to the domestic league. However, this equation has begun to change dramatically, especially with the launch of the sports transformation project within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The transfer of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in late 2012 served as the spark that opened the door for the arrival of some of the world's best players at the peak of their careers, raising the level of competition and media attention of the league to unprecedented levels.
Summer 2024: Dori Roshen's imprint on the Euros and Copa America
The summer of 2024 witnessed historic moments that underscored this shift. While Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, formerly of Al-Nassr, was enduring a heartbreaking night on the bench in the 2024 Copa America final against Argentina, two players from the Saudi Professional League were achieving glory in Europe. Aymeric Laporte, Al-Nassr's defender, and Nacho Fernandez, Al-Qadisiyah's captain, won the 2024 European Championship with Spain, with Laporte playing the full 90 minutes in the final. They became the first Saudi Pro League players to achieve this feat while under contract with their respective clubs. This was no ordinary event; it sent a clear message that playing in Saudi Arabia is no longer an obstacle to excelling at the highest international level.
Global impact: Enhancing the league's brand
The presence of Roshan League players in major continental finals directly enhances the league's global brand. It is no longer perceived merely as a local or regional league, but as an integral part of the global football system. This international prominence attracts more talent, increases sponsorship and broadcasting deals, and elevates the league to the ranks of the major leagues. Furthermore, it completely refutes the notion that moving to Saudi Arabia is a step towards "retirement," demonstrating instead that it is a competitive environment capable of keeping players at the peak of their physical and technical abilities.
An African final with a purely Saudi flavor
Today, the world is witnessing a new chapter in this inspiring story, as the Africa Cup of Nations final pits Morocco, led by their reliable goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) and defender Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma), against Senegal, a team brimming with stars from the Saudi Professional League, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), captain Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), and defender Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal). This encounter is not merely a battle for the African title; it is a mini-derby of the Saudi Professional League on African soil, guaranteeing that, regardless of the winner, the trophy will return with a champion playing in Saudi Arabia. Yassine Bounou has confirmed his readiness for the final, while Sadio Mane has expressed his strong desire to bring the cup back to Dakar, promising a fiery encounter that reflects the strength and influence of the Saudi Professional League on the international stage.
Sports
Alcaraz beats Gasquet at the start of the Australian Open
Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz begins his campaign to win the Australian Open tennis title with a strong victory over veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet, confirming his strong return to the courts in Melbourne.
Alcaraz begins his 2024 Australian Open campaign with a convincing victory over Gasquet
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz began his quest for a first Australian Open title with a convincing victory over veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet. In a match played on Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz secured the win in straight sets, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 6-2, to advance to the second round of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
A strong comeback after an absence
This match marked Alcaraz's highly anticipated return to Melbourne Park after missing the 2023 edition due to a leg injury. The 20-year-old Spaniard entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title, especially after his stunning performance the previous season, which culminated in his victory over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
The start wasn't easy for Gasquet, who used his vast experience in the first set to force Alcaraz into a tiebreak. Despite fierce resistance from the Frenchman, Alcaraz displayed great tactical maturity and won the tiebreak, giving him a huge morale boost for the rest of the match.
Spanish dominance and confirmation of readiness
After winning a hard-fought first set, Alcaraz completely dominated the second and third sets. Utilizing his immense physical strength, blistering speed, and powerful forehand, he broke Gasquet's serve early in both sets and quickly closed out the match, demonstrating his physical and mental readiness to compete at the highest level. Alcaraz displayed a versatile style, combining powerful groundstrokes with intelligent net approaches, a technique that has made him one of the toughest players on the ATP Tour.
The importance of the championship in the context of global competition
The Australian Open takes on special significance this year given the fierce battle for the world number one ranking. Alcaraz is considered the main challenger to Novak Djokovic, the record holder for most titles at the tournament (10). Alcaraz's performance in Melbourne will be a true test of his ability to challenge Djokovic's dominance on hard courts, and his first-round victory sends a clear message to the rest of the field that he is a serious contender for the title. The tournament also presents Alcaraz with an opportunity to add a third Grand Slam title to his impressive record, which includes the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon titles.
With this victory, Alcaraz continues his journey in the tournament where he will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the next round, in a new step in his quest to achieve his dream of winning the “Happy Tournament” title for the first time in his professional career.
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