All eyes in Saudi football will be on King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk this Saturday, as it hosts a highly anticipated match between the ambitious Neom FC and their guests, the renowned Al-Ahli FC, in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League. The match presents different objectives for both teams; Neom is striving to regain its footing and break its losing streak, while Al-Ahli aims to continue its climb towards the top of the standings and secure its seventh consecutive victory.

Background of the confrontation and the general context of the Saudi League

This match comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League (SPL), which has become a destination for some of the world's top football stars. Since the arrival of numerous prominent international players, the league has witnessed a qualitative leap in both its technical level and media appeal, resulting in high-caliber matches in every round. NEOM FC, with its promising sports project, is one of the contenders seeking to establish itself among the elite, while Al-Ahli, with its rich history and massive fan base, is a traditional powerhouse in the title race.

NEOM: A Mission of Self-Discovery

NEOM enters the match desperately needing a positive result to restore confidence among the players and fans. The team currently sits ninth in the standings with 21 points, accumulated from six wins, three draws, and seven losses. Their performance in the last four rounds has shown a marked decline, suffering three consecutive defeats before managing to secure a point with a draw against Al-Ettifaq in the previous round. The team is counting on home advantage and the support of their fans, in addition to a host of talented players such as Algerian Saïd Benrahma, Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette, Egyptian Ahmed Hegazi, and Uruguayan Luciano Rodríguez, to secure the three points and improve their position in the league table.

Al Ahly... the winning streak never stops

In stark contrast, Al-Ahli is enjoying a brilliant run, maintaining a perfect record in their last six league matches. This flawless performance has propelled them to third place with 37 points, making them serious title contenders this season. The "Royal" club is aiming for their seventh consecutive victory to maintain their momentum and remain firmly in the title race. Al-Ahli boasts a formidable squad capable of deciding any match, led by Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian Franck Kessié, Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and English striker Ivan Tony, who scored the winning goal in the first leg, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Al-Ahli.

The importance and expected impact of the match

The importance of this match extends beyond the three points at stake; it also carries significant psychological weight for both teams. A win for Neom would represent a huge boost and a turning point in their season, confirming their ability to compete with the top teams. A victory for Al-Ahli, on the other hand, would solidify their position as strong title contenders and send a clear message to their rivals. A large crowd is expected, and the match will garner extensive regional and international attention, given the star-studded lineups of both teams and the growing reputation of the Saudi Professional League as one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

On Saturday evening, the eyes of Saudi football fans will be on Al-Hazm Club Stadium in Al-Rass, which will be the stage for a strong match between Al-Kholoud Club, which was recently promoted and is aspiring to establish itself, and its guest, Al-Ettifaq Club, one of the oldest clubs in the Kingdom, which seeks to return to competing for the top positions, as part of the competitions of the eighteenth round of the Saudi Professional League.

The two teams enter the match with vastly different objectives. Al-Kholoud, currently in twelfth place with 15 points, views this game as a golden opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation zone and move closer to a more comfortable position in the standings. The team comes into the match with high morale after breaking a three-match losing streak with a resounding and well-deserved victory over Al-Fateh, giving their players a strong incentive to try and secure a second consecutive win that would significantly improve their standing. The team relies on a group of talented players capable of making a difference, such as their Argentinian goalkeeper Juan Cosani, the solidity of their defense led by Slovakian Norbert Djimber, and the attacking prowess provided by Comorian Meziani Maoulida and Hattan Bahebri.

Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq, currently seventh in the standings with 26 points, enters the match with their sights set on the three points that could propel them forward in the race for a spot in Asian competitions. Under the guidance of English coach Steven Gerrard, the team has been performing well this season, but has suffered some unexpected setbacks, most recently a draw against Neom after a notable victory over Al-Ittihad. The "Knights of Ad-Dahna" are keen to avoid dropping more points against mid-table teams to maintain their chances of achieving their objectives. Al-Ettifaq boasts a constellation of international and local stars, led by Dutch captain Georginio Wijnaldum, Spanish midfield maestro Álvaro Medrán, and the potent attacking force of Frenchman Moussa Dembélé.

Historically, despite the differences in the two clubs' histories, their head-to-head encounters in the Professional League have been largely even. They have met three times, with Al-Kholoud winning two matches (3-2 and 1-0) and Al-Ettifaq winning one (2-1). This record adds another dimension of excitement and competitiveness to the match, and confirms that the task will not be easy for the visitors despite their superiority on paper.

The match carries an importance that goes beyond just three points; a victory for Al-Kholoud will boost its confidence in its ability to stay and compete in the top league, while any stumble for Al-Ettifaq may complicate its task of catching up with the leading pack in light of the fierce competition witnessed in the Roshan League this season, which has become the focus of the world’s attention thanks to attracting the most prominent stars of the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo's potential retirement date revealed

In a move eagerly awaited by football fans worldwide, press reports have revealed the date Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, the icon of Saudi club Al-Nassr, plans to hang up his boots and end his legendary career. According to a report published by the British newspaper "The Sun," Ronaldo, 39, has set the summer of 2027 as the final chapter in his incredible journey with the beautiful game, a date that coincides with the end of his current contract with Al-Nassr.

Background to the historic move to the Saudi League

Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in the Saudi Professional League represents a historic turning point. After a glittering career with major European clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, "CR7" surprised the world by joining Al-Nassr during the 2022/23 winter transfer window. This move wasn't just a sporting transaction; it sparked a massive project to attract the world's brightest stars to the Kingdom, placing the Saudi League in unprecedented global spotlight and significantly enhancing its competitiveness and marketing value.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

The retirement of a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's stature will be anything but ordinary; it will have a profound impact on various levels. Locally and regionally , his departure will leave a significant void at Al-Nassr and the Saudi Professional League as a whole, given his prominent role in the competition and his leadership of its star-studded lineup. Ronaldo directly contributed to increasing the league's global viewership and attracting substantial investments and sponsorships. Internationally , his retirement will mark the end of a golden era in football history—the era of intense rivalry between him and the Argentine legend Lionel Messi, which lasted for over 15 years. Furthermore, his potential absence from the Portuguese national team after the 2026 World Cup will pose a significant challenge for the next generation of players.

Record-breaking numbers and an unforgettable career

Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has continued to break records, finishing 2023 as the world's top scorer with 54 goals for club and country. His consistent statistics demonstrate his exceptional ability to perform at a high level despite his age, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Talk of retiring in 2027, at the age of 42, reflects his immense passion and desire to compete at the highest level until the very end, perhaps with the 2026 World Cup in mind as the perfect finale to his international career.