Omar Al-Somah hopes to revisit old glories with Saudi Pro League return

Omar Al-Somah hopes to revisit old glories with Saudi Pro League return
Omar Al-Somah has joined Saudi Pro Legaue club Al-Orobah after three years in Qatar with Al-Arabi. (X/@ALOROBAH_FC)
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Updated 16 January 2025
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Omar Al-Somah hopes to revisit old glories with Saudi Pro League return

Omar Al-Somah hopes to revisit old glories with Saudi Pro League return
  • The Syrian forward, who had a hugely successful spell with Al-Ahli from 2014 to 2022, has joined Al-Orobah at the age of 35

DUBAI: It was something like old times this week when renowned Syrian footballer Omar Al-Somar accepted an offer from Al-Orobah to play in the Saudi Pro League.

The player’s highlights at Al-Ahli, from May 2014 to August 2022, when he left for Qatar’s Al-Arabi initially on loan, included a record-breaking 144 goals in 180 Roshn Saudi League runouts and four major trophies.

In Jeddah, he was the fearsome center forward, standing 6 feet 4 inches and boasting the footwork of a ballerina. He had the grace to chest down and bicycle kick in March 2019’s unforgettable derby strike against Al-Ittihad, and the raw power to smash home countless free-kicks.

This richly talented figure has towered over the competition for almost a decade — literally and figuratively. An eye for the extravagant allied with ruthless finishing made him a poster boy for professional football in the Kingdom.

This, however, was before December 2022’s seismic announcement of Portugal megastar Cristiano Ronaldo’s recruitment and the rapid expansion of horizons that followed. It was also after an uncharacteristically meek contribution to the previous season’s unprecedented relegation for his team.

As the professional era’s unparalleled top scorer, Al-Somah’s exalted position in Saudi football is secure. The focus now is on what his return as a 35-year old on a free transfer can deliver for a club precariously positioned around the relegation zone, and which has netted only nine times in 14 outings during their top-flight return to date.

Ahead of Friday’s potential debut at Al-Khaleej, the celebrated attacker had an unequivocal retort to those who say you should never return to the scene of past glories.

“I’m delighted to be back in Saudi Arabia and back in the RSL,” said Al-Somah, according to Saudi Pro League’s official website. “It’s an honor to put on the shirt of Al-Orobah Football Club. I promise to do my best to live up to the expectations of everyone and add real value to the team.”

He added: “I’m really grateful for the fans who welcomed me in Al-Jouf and I’m honored to be among them. I look forward to my first match in Al-Jouf in two weeks’ time [the Jan. 22 encounter against Al-Qadsiah]. We need the fans to stand by us and push us forward in the next few months.”

Al-Somah held a tight grip on the RSL Golden Boot in three-consecutive seasons from 2014-17, plus played an oversized role in Al-Ahli that in the 2015-16 season ended a 32-year wait for another top-flight crown.

He bestrode a generation defined by spiky Saudi Arabia hitman Nasser Al-Shamrani, Al-Hilal’s beloved Bafetimbi Gomis and a prolific Abderrazak Hamdallah.

A much-changed league awaits him. 

Previously, it was unheard of for promoted sides to stack prominent players. But his teammates now include the likes of ex-France defender Kurt Zouma, Iceland’s experienced Premier League campaigner Johann Berg Gudmundsson, former Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello and Ivory Coast’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner Jean Michael Seri.

This is before you look at the world-class signings made by the likes of champions Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadsiah, Al-Ettifaq and the rest.

Elite center-backs such as Aymeric Laporte, Merih Demiral, Kalidou Koulibaly and Nacho must be conquered by Al-Somah if Al-Orobah are to get the goals they need. It is a sporting challenge many levels above what came before.

A further note of caution is that he barely cracked double figures during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 RSL campaigns as Al-Ahli’s travails and personal injury problems gripped.

Success did, however, follow in Qatar.

A brace against all-conquering Al-Sadd in the 2022-23 Emir Cup final ended Al-Arabi’s 30-year trophy drought. Only Kenya and Al-Duhail’s Michael Olunga (22 goals) bettered Al-Somah’s Qatar Stars League tally (19 goals).

Last season’s superb top-flight record came in at 17 strikes from 22 matches.

But Al-Somah has not been seen in action since August. Just 89 minutes and one goal were recorded in three appearances. This absence was extended to the international arena, with his last caps coming in June.

Understandable ring rust must be brushed off — and fast. It is testament to residual belief in his unique abilities, however, that Al-Orobah were forced to fight for this coveted signature.

Of the options he had available, Al-Somah said: “I had multiple offers, but this was the one I felt most comfortable with, and my heart went for Al-Orobah.”

Experience is the attribute which defines the club’s winter refit. Al-Somah joins a side now led by 63-year-old former Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain tactician Adnan Hamad. More tweaks may follow in the weeks ahead.

Any advantage will be sought in the battle to avoid demotion. Match week 15 began with 11th-placed Al-Ettifaq only three points above Al-Wehda in the final relegation spot.

Al-Somah’s Saudi record can never be questioned. Neither can the output during most of his Qatar spell at an Al-Arabi team that failed to gain silverware in the 21st century before he arrived.

The Syria icon departed the Roshn Saudi League after an unsuccessful scrap against relegation at Al-Ahli and rejoins via Al-Orobah with the same task at hand.

With a palpable determination to succeed, he is striking the right tone to see his standing enhanced rather than diminished during the remainder of this season.

It would be in character to witness a trademark torrent of goals, keep a grateful Al-Orobah up and cement an unmatched reputation that straddles different eras.


Neymar parts ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal

Neymar parts ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal
Updated 28 January 2025
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Neymar parts ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal

Neymar parts ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal
  • The star arrived in Riyadh in August 2023 after signing from PSG, but has only played 7 games due to injuries
  • Recent reports have linked Neymar with Santos, the Brazilian club where his professional career took off

RIYADH: Brazilian forward Neymar has parted ways with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal after an injury-plagued stint with the Riyadh club, the team said early Tuesday, and is set to return to Santos, where he played as a teenager.
“The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career,” Hilal said in an announcement on X.
The star arrived in Riyadh in August 2023 after signing from PSG, but has only played 7 games due to injuries.
A short while after joining the Blues, he underwent surgery in his native Brazil in November 2023 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage suffered during a national team match the month before.
Neymar also suffered a hamstring injury late last year and missed another five weeks.
Recent reports have linked Neymar with Santos, the Brazilian club where his professional career took off.
Fabrizio Romano, an Italian sports journalist, wrote on X “Neymar’s return to Santos now imminent as verbal agreement has been reached,” he added that formal steps are due to happen next week.


Saudi Pro League top 2 Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad stunned

Saudi Pro League top 2 Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad stunned
Updated 27 January 2025
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Saudi Pro League top 2 Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad stunned

Saudi Pro League top 2 Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad stunned
  • Al-Qadsiah defeat table-toppers Al-Hilal 2-1 to remain in the title race
  • Mid-table Damac triumph over second-place Al-Ittihad by the same margin

On a day of upsets in the Saudi Pro League, table toppers Al-Hilal and second-place Al-Ittihad both fell to 2-1 away defeats, at the hands of Al-Qadsiah and Damac respectively.

The losses were only the second in 17 games this season for each of the title rivals. The results keep Al-Qadsiah very much in the title race, in third place on 37 points just six behind the top two.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did the damage for Al-Qadsiah very early and very late in the game. With less than two minutes on the clock, the former Barcelona and Arsenal ace volleyed home from close range after Cameron Puertas swung the ball over from the left corner.

The visitors were shell-shocked and had to wait until early in the second half before they managed to get back on level terms. Just moments after Julian Quinones had a chance to put his side two goals ahead, only to head over from a great position, Al-Qadsiah were punished when in-form Marcos Leonardo pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and drilled a perfect low shot just inside the right-hand post. It was his seventh league goal this month.

Al-Hilal then hit the woodwork and had a goal disallowed before Aubameyang struck again, in the 94th minute. Allowed too much time inside the area, he slotted the ball home.

Al-Hilal could at least take some comfort from the fact that Al-Ittihad, equal in points but 10 adrift on goal difference, also lost, falling 2-1 to Damac, also deep into added time.

Georges-Kevin N’Koudou put the hosts ahead after 17 minutes with his ninth goal of the season. But the Tigers canceled it out deep into first-half injury time, when French striker Karim Benzema got on the end of a curling cross from Abdulrahman Al-Oboud that had evaded three defenders, and headed high into the net at the far post for his 13th goal of the season.

Al-Ittihad pushed for the winner throughout the second half and thought they had it six minutes from time, but Danilo Pereira’s strike was ruled out for offside.

There was still time for a winner but in the event it went to the home side, once again provided by N’Koudou. Four minutes into added time, his shot from outside the area took a slight deflection that was enough to give goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic no chance. The result leaves Damac in 10th place on 21 points.


Fighting for Morocco: Ilias Ennahachi aims for bantamweight glory

Fighting for Morocco: Ilias Ennahachi aims for bantamweight glory
Updated 27 January 2025
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Fighting for Morocco: Ilias Ennahachi aims for bantamweight glory

Fighting for Morocco: Ilias Ennahachi aims for bantamweight glory

RIYADH: Morocco’s former ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Ilias Ennahachi is preparing to face former bantamweight champ Petchtanong Petchfergus at ONE 171: Qatar, presented by Visit Qatar.

The fight is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha and victory could secure Ennahachi the coveted No. 1 contender spot for the bantamweight title.

“Winning this fight means everything to me: It’s for the fans, my country, and my future,” he said.

Having already made his mark as a flyweight champion, Ennahachi is determined to dominate a second division and establish himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in ONE Championship history. “I’m ranked No. 2 now, so if I win this fight, I believe I’ll get the title shot next,” he said.

Beyond the fight itself, Ennahachi acknowledges the significance of being an Arab competing in Qatar. “Fighting in an Arab country feels special,” he said. “It’s like fighting at home. Events like this inspire young fighters in the region to dream big and show them that they can reach the highest levels of martial arts.”

Despite the competitive nature of the bout, Ennahachi and Petchtanong respect each other.

“We’ve talked a lot on Instagram,” the Moroccan said of his Thai opponent. “He’s a great guy and very respectful, but inside the ring, it’s business. I’ve studied his strengths and weaknesses, and I’m ready to capitalize on them.”

Facing an experienced southpaw has required a focused and tailored approach from Ennahachi.

“I’ve been sparring a lot with southpaw partners to familiarize myself with his angles and movements. His boxing isn’t his strongest asset, and I’ve been working to exploit that. Cardio is everything in a fight like this, and I’ve been pushing myself to the limit to ensure I can maintain pressure for the entire fight.”

Speaking from the Netherlands before his trip to Qatar, Ennahachi is taking added inspiration from Morocco’s historic World Cup run in the country three years ago. “Watching Morocco make history brought so much pride to the country,” he said. “Moments like that push you to perform at your best and show the world what you’re capable of.”

That same determination fuels Ennahachi as he balances his career with his responsibilities as a father and mentor to troubled young people in the Netherlands. “Everything I do is for my family and my community,” he said. “It motivates me to push harder every day.”

With martial arts growing in popularity in the Middle East, Ennahachi sees this as a chance to inspire others. “ONE Championship is one of the biggest martial arts organizations in the world, and having events in Qatar shows the potential for the sport to grow in the region. This is about creating role models and showing aspiring fighters that they can achieve their dreams.”

When he steps into the Lusail Sports Arena, Ilias Ennahachi will be ready to prove why he belongs at the top, driven by a desire to create a legacy that will inspire Arab fighters and fans worldwide.


5th Saudi Esports Federation Awards will celebrate milestone this weekend

5th Saudi Esports Federation Awards will celebrate milestone this weekend
Updated 27 January 2025
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5th Saudi Esports Federation Awards will celebrate milestone this weekend

5th Saudi Esports Federation Awards will celebrate milestone this weekend
  • The awards take place on Friday at SEF Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City
  • 19 categories will highlight individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the esports scene

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation will host the organization’s fifth awards this weekend in a celebration of the past year’s exceptional achievements in the Kingdom’s esports sector.

Taking place at SEF Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, the 2024 awards aim to inspire and recognize both amateurs and professionals, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position in the global esports industry.

This year’s event will feature 19 award categories, highlighting the individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the esports scene. 

They include Best Rising Player of the Year; Best Rising Talent of the Year; Best Female Player of the Year, presented by Hilton; Best Club of the Year, presented by Richy; Best Content Creator, presented by SAIB; and Best Roster of the Year, presented by Golden Scent.

The awards reflect the federation’s commitment to celebrating excellence in esports while inspiring the next generation to aim higher and dream bigger, said SEF CEO Turki Al-Fawzan: “As we mark the fifth edition, we are proud to see how far the Kingdom has come in establishing itself as a leader in this dynamic industry.

“This has been a monumental year for esports in Saudi Arabia, with Team Falcons’ historic victory at the Esports World Cup and Team Saudi’s triumph in the FIFAe World Cup™ Rocket League competition particularly worthy of note.!

He added: “These achievements further highlight the exceptional talent we have in the Kingdom and demonstrate our potential to lead the global esports stage. We look forward to building on the ecosystem in Saudi esports that leads to this success and developing even greater achievements in the future.”

The SEF Awards also recognize the efforts of key contributors to the industry, such as content creators, streamers, coaches and esports professionals. Their efforts are critical to building an inclusive and dynamic esports ecosystem.


Pakistan’s Shahzaib Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 

Pakistan’s Shahzaib Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 
Updated 27 January 2025
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Pakistan’s Shahzaib Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 

Pakistan’s Shahzaib Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 
  • Rind, 26, defeats three-time world champion Edgars Skivers 7-0 
  • Rind boasts a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Karate fighter Shahzaib Rind successfully defended his lightweight title against former three-time world champion Edgars Skrivers, defeating him 7-0 at the Karate Combat (KC) 52 event in Miami, the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF) announced on Sunday.

The KC52, a professional full-contact karate league, is part of a global karate MMA series featuring skilled fighters in action-packed competitions. 

Rind, who hails from the impoverished southwestern Balochistan province, won his first martial arts title in 2011 after claiming victory in a provincial-level competition. His first national title came in 2019 when he triumphed at the National Games in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

During the two and half years of an undefeated Karate Combat career, Rind has fought fighters from North America, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, France and India.

“In a stunning display of skill and determination, Rind has claimed his second championship title after a hard-fought victory against Edgars Skrivers,” the PMMAF said. 

“The intense showdown unfolded on Friday in Miami, captivating audiences with its electrifying energy and showcasing the best of competitive spirit.”

The statement said Rind delivered an “extraordinary” performance that kept his fans excited throughout the match, adding that his “dedication, relentless training, and remarkable skill” had solidified his position as one of the top contenders.

“Rind’s triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work,” the sports body said. “As fans celebrate this incredible achievement, they eagerly await what the future holds for this rising star.”

The Pakistan Embassy in New York congratulated Rind on defending his title.

“Heartfelt congratulations to MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind, the brave son of Pakistan who hails from Balochistan, on defending his lightweight title in Miami, Florida, USA and becoming the world champion for the second time,” the embassy said on X. “Shahzaib Rind dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan.”

Rind boasts a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4, the majority of which was attained while training himself by watching YouTube videos. He is currently training under Asim Zaidi at the renowned Goat Shed gym in Miami.

Zaidi is the president of Karate Combat, a brand that promotes the first professional full-contact karate league, hosting worldwide events since April 2018.