German Footballer, Robert Bauer has converted to Islam

Robert Bauer, born 9 April 1995, is a German professional footballer who plays as a full-back or as a wing-back for Saudi Professional League club Al-Tai. Eligible to represent Germany or Kazakhstan, Bauer revealed that he had rejected an offer from the latter in February 2015 in hopes of representing Germany. The next month, he received his first call-up to the Germany U20 side and represented them at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand that summer. He was part of the squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, where Germany won the silver medal. On 14 September 2023, Robert Bauer has announced…

Messi scores from a free kick to give Argentina 1-0 win in South American World Cup qualifying

It was Messi’s 104th goal in 176 international appearances, including his 29th in World Cup qualifying Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 with a header by Rafael Santos Borre in the 46th minute; Paraguay and Peru drew 0-0 BUENOS AIRES: Once again, and now as a World Cup champion, Lionel Messi came to Argentina’s rescue when the team most needed him. The 36-year-old captain scored from a free kick in the 78th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 win against Ecuador in the first round of South American World Cup qualifying on…

Ronaldo’s traditional Ardah dance praised by Saudi fans

  Portuguese star shows love, respect and appreciation for Saudi Arabia, say fans online Ardah was in 2015 added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo endeared himself further to his fans in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as he celebrated scoring by performing the Ardah, one of the Kingdom’s most recognizable traditional dances. The Al-Nassr captain had a good night in front of goal, scoring two, and despite having a goal disallowed. When he slotted home the team’s second, the Portuguese international turned to the home supporters…

Kevin de Bruyne: Wife predicted Man City Champions League triumph

Belgian midfielder substituted in 1-0 win over Inter Milan in Istanbul   Rodri’s 68th-minute goal helps secure famous treble for Citizens While reluctant to accept his wife Michele was right, Kevin de Bruyne said she told him Manchester City would win the Champions League back in August. A 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul sealed a famous treble for the club after they earlier lifted the Premier League and FA Cup. City’s pursuit of a first European title has been riddled with heartbreak since De Bruyne joined them in…

Karim Benzema presented in front of thousands of Al-Ittihad fans

  35-year-old striker was introduced amid enthusiastic chants from Al-Ittihad supporters JEDDAH: Over 50,000 Al-Ittihad fans turned out to catch the first glimpse of Karim Benzema wearing his new black and yellow, number 9 jersey at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday, as part of the Saudi League champions’ official team presentation. The former Real Madrid forward and Ballon d’Or holder signed for three seasons to play for Al-Ittihad, in a contract worth an estimated €200m a year. The 35-year-old striker was introduced amid enthusiastic chants from Al-Ittihad supporters. With fireworks exploding…

How Saudi’s elite clubs can avoid mistakes of Chinese Super League

  Fleeting success of Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Quanjian, Jiangsu Suning and others because spending was unsustainable Source of investment in Kingdom’s league more secure than China’s individual-based backing As rumors swirl linking a host of footballing superstars with a move to the Saudi professional league, including arguably the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi, fans of Asian football would be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu. While the names are different, the sudden splurge from a nation looking to develop both its football, and standing within it,…

Al-Ittihad sign former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema

      The current Ballon d’Or holder will join on an initial three-year contract JEDDAH: Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad have agreed terms to sign Karim Benzema, it was announced on Tuesday. The Ballon d’Or holder, regarded as one of the finest strikers of the modern era, will join on an initial three-year contract, the club said. The French superstar underwent a medical in Madrid and is set to be unveiled by the Jeddah giants later this week. Benzema won 24 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga titles,…

Lionel Messi to leave PSG this summer as Barcelona prioritise fairytale return

    Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, the French giants have officially announced. The Argentine superstar will see his lucrative two-year contract at the Parc des Princes expire at the end of June and it had been clear for quite some time that no extension would be agreed, with manager Christophe Galtier having already confirmed his departure earlier this week.   Barcelona are hoping to seal a fairytale return to the Camp Nou for Messi two years after his emotional exit enforced by new LaLiga spending rules which left them unable…

‘Reality not the internet’: Benzema coy on Real Madrid future amid talk of Saudi move

Striker has enjoyed 14 trophy-laden years in Spain but reports suggest he will follow former Los Blancos teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the kingdom next season. Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema says his focus is on the final match of the season, against Athletic Bilbao. AP     Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema refused to be drawn on his future, telling reporters “reality is not the internet” in response to rumours of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Benzema, 35, has enjoyed 14 trophy laden years in Spain but reports this week suggest he…