Ahmed Abdelhamid

A documentary produced by stc tv in cooperation with Footballco explores how passion for Italy’s Serie A developed among generations of fans in Saudi Arabia. It traces the journey from late-night television viewing and early online forums to organized fan associations, digital streaming and live Italian Super Cup matches hosted in Saudi Arabia. Featuring figures including Hisham Al-Khalsi, Khaled Al-Ghoul and Michele Ciccarese, the film presents Italian football as a lasting cultural connection passed from parents to children, with stc tv positioned as a bridge between older and newer viewing habits.

Lionel Messi scored Inter Miami's second goal in a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union, ending his scoring drought since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8. Messi also helped create Inter Miami's opening goal through a pass to Luis Suarez. The result ended Inter Miami's three-match losing streak, while Messi moved to 13 goals for the season and within one goal of leading scorer Petar Musa in the Major League Soccer Golden Boot race.

Darwin Nunez is set to leave Al-Hilal for Al-Diriyah on loan until June 2027 after the Saudi clubs reached a verbal agreement. His salary will be covered during the loan, and the deal contains no permanent-transfer option. The move ends Trabzonspor’s pursuit of the Uruguayan striker and prevents a reunion with former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah. Contracts and a medical remain before the transfer becomes official.

José Mourinho discusses his return to Real Madrid, saying he has become more mature and controlled while retaining his core personality. He praises the squad's desire to win and sets expectations around discipline, nutrition and injury prevention. Mourinho describes Kylian Mbappé as an extraordinary player, rejects criticism of his previous season, and says Mbappé's early arrival for preseason demonstrated commitment. He says Real Madrid did not need Rodri and that the midfielder's hesitation over a proposed move made Mourinho doubt the transfer. Mourinho also denies influencing Vinícius Júnior's contract renewal, while defending the forward against what he views as inconsistent treatment by referees. Reflecting on his previous Real Madrid spell, he says he sensed something suspicious around Spanish refereeing during the period linked to the Negreira case.

Barcelona are expected to face Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy without Hamza Abdel Karim in the starting line-up. The Egyptian striker, who moved from Al Ahly to Barcelona and scored three goals in pre-season, is expected to begin on the bench as Hansi Flick continues to assess options for the number-nine role. Al Ahly are projected to start Moroccan attackers Achraf Bencharki and Sofiane Bendebka alongside Algerian Mohamed Abdelmonaem Bakkar, while Emam Ashour is also expected to be among the substitutes.

AS Monaco and Paul Pogba have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder's contract, which was due to run until summer 2027. The club thanked Pogba for his professionalism, return from a lengthy absence and influence on younger players. Pogba expressed gratitude to Monaco, while chief executive Thiago Scuro said the outcome was disappointing but praised the player's contribution and wished him well.

Al-Anwar issued an official statement after losing 2–1 to Al-Ahli in the round of 32 of Saudi Arabia's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. The club objected to Al-Ahli's winning goal, alleging that a handball by Roger Ibanez occurred during the buildup, and criticized referee Abdullah Al-Owaidan for upholding the decision despite a VAR review. Refereeing expert Fahd Al-Mirdasi agreed that the goal should have been disallowed. Al-Anwar congratulated Al-Ahli, thanked its supporters, and asked the referees' committee not to appoint Al-Owaidan to future matches involving the club.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola appears to be approaching a conclusion after PSG reportedly lowered its asking price. The transfer could be completed for around £120 million, giving Liverpool a boost as it seeks attacking reinforcements following Mohamed Salah’s departure and Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury. Final approval remains with PSG management during the closing stages of the transfer window.

Real Madrid are monitoring 19-year-old Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez after he scored a spectacular long-range volley on his La Liga debut against Villarreal. Barcelona also tracked him last season and considered a loan move, but Martinez progressed into Racing's first team. Real Madrid could initially sign him for the Castilla team; his contract runs until 2029 but includes a €3 million release clause.

Real Madrid are monitoring 19-year-old Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez after he scored a spectacular goal on his La Liga debut against Villarreal. Barcelona also tracked Martinez last season and considered a loan deal with an option to buy. Real Madrid may initially target him for their Castilla reserve team, with his €3 million release clause making a transfer attractive despite his contract running until 2029.

Trabzonspor’s coaching staff reportedly plan to start Mohamed Salah against Ferencvaros in the first leg of the Europa League play-off qualifier after he impressed during his debut against Kasimpasa. Salah’s physical condition, forward movement and efforts to connect with teammates exceeded expectations, although his understanding with striker Paul Onuachu remains a work in progress. Coaches are expected to manage his minutes according to his fitness, with improved squad chemistry anticipated as the team gains more training time.

Barcelona will face Egypt's Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Spotify Camp Nou, with the match serving as Barcelona's final test before the La Liga season. The fixture is especially significant for young forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who will reunite with his former club after moving to Barcelona. New signings are also expected to be presented to the home fans, while Hansi Flick will use the game to assess the squad's tactical and physical readiness. Al Ahly's status as one of Africa's most decorated clubs makes the friendly a meaningful competitive test.

Al-Nassr and Al-Riyadh have agreed to move their Saudi Roshn League fixture from Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium to Al-Awwal Park, pending approval from the Saudi Pro League. Al-Riyadh will remain the home team and receive match revenues after operating and maintenance costs. Al-Nassr currently leads the league on goal difference and will face Al-Diriyah in the King's Cup before the fixture.

Real Madrid confirmed the transfer of young defender Jacobo Ortega to French club Strasbourg. Ortega joined Madrid's academy in 2018 at age 12 and spent eight years progressing through the club's youth ranks, winning the 2025–2026 UEFA Youth League with the Juvenil A team. Real Madrid thanked him for his dedication and wished him and his family well as he begins the next stage of his career in France.

Aston Villa have reportedly reached a final agreement with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and matched Paris Saint-Germain's earlier offer. PSG had agreed a deal worth about €35 million but withdrew after Suzuki's representatives allegedly demanded an additional commission of nearly €3 million, which the club characterized as blackmail. Villa then secured Suzuki's approval, with the transfer expected to be officially announced shortly.

Aston Villa have reached a final agreement with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and matched Paris Saint-Germain’s approximately €35 million offer. PSG had previously agreed terms with Parma and Suzuki’s representatives, but withdrew after the representatives reportedly requested an additional commission of nearly €3 million, which club officials characterized as blackmail. Fabrizio Romano reported that Aston Villa and Parma had begun exchanging documents, with the official announcement expected shortly.

Real Madrid and Barcelona may be pursuing elite players who do not address their most urgent squad weaknesses. Real Madrid are prioritizing winger Yan Diomande despite uncertainty in the holding-midfield role following Toni Kroos’s retirement, while Barcelona are pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri despite needing a replacement for departing forwards Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The analysis argues that transfer success depends not only on a player’s quality but also on how well the signing fits the team’s actual needs.

Konyaspor has reportedly increased its offer for Al-Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour to $4.25 million, although Al-Ahly says it has not received an official bid and suspects attempts to unsettle the team. A Konyaspor board member, quoted by Ahmed Shobier, called the proposal final and promised Ashour a reception even larger than Mohamed Salah’s welcome at Trabzonspor. Al-Ahly intends to retain its key players unless a major offer arrives, while Ashour reportedly has no interest in moving to the Gulf.

Vinicius Junior scored a spectacular outside-of-the-boot goal during Real Madrid training. The clip highlights his technical quality as he prepares for the new season under Jose Mourinho, following Real Madrid's announcement that his contract has been extended until June 2032.

Mohamed Salah’s reported move to Trabzonspor has drawn international attention and highlighted his vast social-media following. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the ranking of the world’s most-followed footballers with 964 million followers, ahead of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland. Salah ranks seventh with 106 million followers, while James Rodríguez, Paul Pogba and Vinícius Júnior complete the top ten. His arrival is expected to substantially increase Trabzonspor’s global visibility, marketing reach and fan value.

Former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is training at the Spanish Football Federation’s facilities in Las Rozas alongside ex-teammate Joselu while both players await decisions on their next clubs. Carvajal, a highly decorated Real Madrid and Spain full-back, remains without a club, while Joselu has experience across Spain, Germany, England and Qatar, most recently with Al-Gharafa after a successful loan spell at Real Madrid in 2023–24.

Trabzonspor have opened talks with Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes and hope to sign him alongside Mohamed Salah, with Darwin Núñez also reportedly a target. Paredes is said to be increasingly interested in moving to Türkiye but wants €6–7 million annually, while Boca Juniors are seeking about €10 million for a player contracted through December 2028. His reputation in Egypt stems from intercepting Omar Marmoush’s pass during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup round-of-16 win over Egypt, a moment that preceded Enzo Fernández’s decisive goal.

Zamalek are reportedly determined to keep left-back Ahmed Fattouh despite Saudi press reports linking him with Al-Fateh. Pundit Ahmed Shobier dismissed the rumors as journalistic speculation, emphasizing Fattouh's strong World Cup performance, versatility and value to head coach Moatamed Gamal. Zamalek are expected to retain him during the current transfer window as they prepare for the new season.

The New Cairo Court of First Instance has ordered Mohamed Salah to appear in person on 6 September 2026 to take a decisive oath in a civil case brought by lawyer Amr Farag Allah Morsi Abdel Tawab. The lawyer claims Salah owes fees and expenses for legal, administrative and advisory work performed under a power of attorney issued in 2012. Salah denies that the work was carried out and disputes owing any fees. Failure to attend or take the oath could have legal consequences, while the hearing coincides with Trabzonspor's opening Turkish Süper Lig commitments.

Diego Simeone says Atlético Madrid must cope with much greater expectations after reaching the Champions League semi-finals, losing the Copa del Rey final and finishing fourth in La Liga. He identifies restoring defensive solidity and increasing midfield goals as priorities, while targeting a Champions League final, the Copa del Rey title and a top-two league finish. Simeone remains committed to Atlético without setting a departure date, is open to eventually coaching Argentina, praises Lionel Scaloni, and gives an ambiguous but pointed response when asked about managing Real Madrid or Barcelona: one is impossible and the other is unlikely.

Real Madrid have renewed Vinicius Junior’s contract through 30 June 2032. The Brazilian forward joined from Flamengo in 2018 and has made 375 appearances, scored 128 goals and won 14 trophies with the club, including two Champions League titles. The announcement also highlights his FIFA and UEFA-related individual awards and describes him as one of Real Madrid’s most important players.

Real Madrid have reportedly reached a full agreement with Vinicius Junior on a new six-year contract, with the renewal expected to become official after the documents are signed. The Brazilian forward is set to earn about €24 million per year. Fabrizio Romano says Vinicius wanted to stay, while club president Florentino Perez and head coach Jose Mourinho played important roles in securing the deal. The agreement follows complex negotiations and speculation that Arsenal could pursue the player before he entered the final year of his existing contract.

Lucas Digne, the former Barcelona and Aston Villa left-back, drew attention after appearing in a Real Madrid shirt in a clip shared by Marca. The image sparked reactions because of his Barcelona history, although it is unrelated to a transfer. Digne is reportedly close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, which has reached a verbal agreement with him and plans to trigger his Aston Villa release clause for less than €10 million after the 2026 World Cup. He is expected to serve as backup to Nuno Mendes.

Kylian Mbappé attracted attention during a Barcelona holiday with Spanish model Ester Expósito after sharing a humorous Instagram photo of himself carrying her dresses. Spanish media, including Marca, joked that the Real Madrid forward had become a clothes rack. The couple were also photographed visiting Barcelona’s Sagrada Família before Mbappé returned to Madrid ahead of the new season.

Mohamed Salah chose Trabzonspor after negotiations with Beşiktaş stalled and lucrative Saudi offers from Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah failed to produce a final agreement. Atlético Madrid also showed interest but did not make an official offer. Trabzonspor allows Salah to remain in Europe, play in the Europa League and become the team’s central star, although the Turkish league is weaker than La Liga and the club lacks Champions League football. The article concludes that the decision cannot be judged definitively until Salah’s performances on the pitch reveal whether Trabzonspor can deliver domestic and European success.

Mohamed Salah chose Trabzonspor after negotiations with Beşiktaş stalled and Saudi clubs, particularly Al-Ittihad, offered a much larger salary. Atlético Madrid was considered the strongest sporting alternative, but its interest never developed into a formal agreement. Trabzonspor offers Salah continued European football through the Europa League, a central role as the team’s leading star and a project built around him. The drawbacks are a weaker domestic league than Spain or England, Europa League football instead of the Champions League and potentially lower earnings than in Saudi Arabia. The transfer’s success will ultimately be judged by Salah’s performances and whether he leads Trabzonspor to major domestic or European achievements.

Trabzonspor have completed the free-transfer signing of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah after negotiations, a medical and contract formalities. Salah welcomed the club’s supporters in a video, including a Turkish chant, and will use his experience to lead the team in domestic and international competition. The move ends his nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he won major trophies including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, after reported interest from clubs in Türkiye, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer.

Ferran Torres said his “Make Spain Great Again” cap, worn during Spain’s 2026 World Cup celebrations in Madrid, was a joke for friends and family and had no political meaning or connection to Donald Trump. The slogan drew attention after the White House reposted an image of him wearing it. The clarification comes amid separate uncertainty over Torres’s Barcelona future: he has said the club must show it wants to retain him, while Hansi Flick values him and Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly interested without having made an official offer.

Trabzonspor, already pursuing Mohamed Salah, has reportedly entered the race for Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic after his departure from Juventus. The Turkish club contacted Vlahovic’s agent and made an opening offer, while the player continues to wait for a potential move to Barcelona. Vlahovic has also been considering a lucrative offer from Beşiktaş, but Barcelona has indicated that he is not a priority and has rejected his initial financial demands.

Lamine Yamal reportedly believes Barcelona should prioritize signing Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro rather than pursuing Rodri or Julián Álvarez. Yamal values Porro’s understanding of his movements and his ability to overlap, run in behind or provide a safe passing option, which could create more space and reduce defensive pressure on the winger. Barcelona and Hansi Flick are said to appreciate Porro’s potential, but Tottenham’s reluctance to sell and expected high asking price could make the deal difficult.

La Liga will introduce extensive refereeing changes for the 2026–27 season aimed at reducing time-wasting, standardizing decisions and resolving controversial situations. Players will face time limits when leaving during substitutions, while suspicious goalkeeper injuries may require an outfield player or the captain to remain off the pitch temporarily. Referees may apply advantage after incorrectly taken restarts, and deliberate delays on throw-ins or goal kicks can lead to possession or corner-kick sanctions. New clarifications cover accidental double touches on penalties and goal-kick handling incidents. VAR’s remit will expand to include certain second-yellow red cards, player-identification errors, incorrectly awarded corner kicks and serious attacking offences before set pieces.

Bilal El Khannouss is attracting interest from two Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Stuttgart midfielder is reportedly open to a move, although Stuttgart would prefer to keep him and could demand up to €60 million plus incentives and bonuses before approving a transfer.

Roc Nation Sports International issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it called false and damaging media reports about one of its players, but did not identify the player. The ambiguity has fueled speculation that the statement concerned either Vinicius Junior, whose Real Madrid renewal talks have reportedly stalled amid links to Arsenal, or Yan Diomande, whose potential move to Real Madrid is complicated by a legal dispute between player agencies that has reached FIFA.

A phone call from Vinicius Junior reportedly encouraged Yan Diomande to sign with Roc Nation, contributing to a legal dispute with his former agency, Maxidel Management. Competing claims from Maxidel, Roc Nation, Blue Crow and Rainbow concern representation, transfer commissions and image rights, and the matter has reached FIFA. Real Madrid’s proposed move for the RB Leipzig winger is therefore delayed while the club negotiates a fee reportedly exceeding €100 million and seeks to resolve the surrounding rights issues. Diomande remains out of Leipzig’s pre-season activities pending a decision.

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu praised Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim as a talented player with the mentality to become an important part of the club's future. Abdelkarim recently scored twice in a friendly against Birmingham City. Bartomeu also called Mohamed Salah a legendary, high-calibre player but explained that Barcelona did not pursue him during his presidency because Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez occupied the club's attacking positions.

Vinícius Júnior has reached a crossroads after winning nearly every major honor with Real Madrid. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has created tactical, financial and status-related tensions, while stalled contract talks have raised doubts about Vinícius’s place in the club’s future. Arsenal is presented as an attractive alternative because it could offer him top billing, a stronger financial position and the chance to lead an established project toward its first Champions League title. Although remaining in Madrid is the safer option, the article concludes that moving to Arsenal could provide greater motivation and a more distinct personal legacy if Real Madrid cannot treat him as an equal pillar of the team.

UEFA and its 55 national associations have declared that European national teams will boycott all FIFA-organized competitions if FIFA proceeds with a proposal to transfer ownership stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private-sector investors. UEFA argues that outside investors would prioritize financial returns over the interests of football’s governing bodies, leagues, clubs, players and fans, and condemns FIFA for advancing the proposal without genuine consultation. The boycott would remain in place unless the proposal is fully abandoned and FIFA provides binding guarantees against future private ownership or governance of its competitions.

UEFA and its 55 national associations reportedly reject FIFA's proposal to sell ownership stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments to private-sector investors. They say European national teams will boycott all FIFA competitions unless the plan is abandoned and FIFA provides binding guarantees against future privatization of tournament ownership or governance. UEFA argues that investor profit expectations could distort competition formats, calendars and decisions affecting associations, leagues, clubs, players and fans.

UEFA and its 55 national associations say they will boycott all FIFA-organized competitions, including the World Cup, unless FIFA abandons its proposal to transfer ownership stakes in its tournaments to private-sector investors and provides binding guarantees against opening tournament ownership or governance to outside investors. UEFA argues that the plan was developed without meaningful consultation and would make competition formats, calendars and other football decisions subordinate to shareholder returns.

Barcelona's pursuit of Julián Álvarez has stalled as Atlético Madrid refuses to negotiate his departure, prompting the Catalan club to explore alternatives. Hansi Flick wants his squad finalized quickly following Robert Lewandowski's departure, while Joan Laporta has warned that Barcelona's offer will not remain open indefinitely. Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth and Chelsea's João Pedro are among the alternatives, although both deals would also be difficult. Álvarez remains Barcelona's priority, with the club hoping his desire to move will pressure Atlético into reconsidering.

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García says he is focused on his own team rather than Real Madrid's signings, arguing that Barcelona have the quality to beat any opponent. After winning LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, he has set the Champions League as his main target for the 2026–27 season while cautioning against letting ambition become harmful obsession. García also voiced support for Ferran Torres staying at Barcelona, declined to comment on a possible Julián Álvarez transfer, and is expected to compete for the starting role ahead of the LaLiga opener against Elche.

Real Madrid have reportedly opened preliminary talks with Manchester City over a deal for Rodri and are preparing an offer worth more than €50 million. The midfielder, contracted to City until 2027, has become a priority target after his performances for Spain. Real Madrid hope to complete the transfer before he returns to pre-season training, while Rodri’s desire to return to Spain could influence the negotiations.

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Brighton and Danny Welbeck for the England striker to join on a two-year contract, with a medical expected before the transfer is officially announced. The 35-year-old brings Premier League experience and has scored 23 league goals across the cited seasons. The move, encouraged by new manager Xabi Alonso, may signal a reshuffle of Chelsea's crowded attacking department, with several forwards potentially leaving.

Arda Güler has reportedly returned to Real Madrid's pre-season training in exceptional physical condition after following a special holiday programme. His early arrival and readiness impressed new manager José Mourinho, who values the Turkish playmaker's ability between the lines, vision, final-third impact and training mentality. After steadily increasing his appearances and contributing six goals and 14 assists last season, Güler aims to secure a starting place despite intensified competition following Bernardo Silva's arrival.

Galatasaray officially denied reports that it had agreed to sign Bayern Munich and Germany star Jamal Musiala on loan. The claims, reported by Spanish and Turkish media, suggested that negotiations had reached an advanced stage, but Galatasaray said they were untrue. Musiala is recovering from foot surgery after Germany's 2026 World Cup elimination and remains central to Bayern Munich's plans, despite increased squad competition following Ismael Saibari's arrival.

Arsenal are closely monitoring Vinícius Júnior's stalled contract negotiations with Real Madrid, with Mikel Arteta reportedly making the Brazilian winger a top transfer priority after the club failed to sign Morgan Rogers. Real Madrid have reopened talks and want to avoid losing a player of major sporting and commercial value, especially with his contract expiring in summer 2027 and a free negotiation window approaching. Any transfer would likely require a record-breaking fee and substantial wages, but the final decision rests with Vinícius.

Dani Olmo said Egypt, Cape Verde and Paraguay were among the surprise teams at the 2026 World Cup, while Norway also impressed him. He attributed Spain’s unbeaten championship campaign to collective strength, teamwork and unity across the squad and staff. After winning the World Cup alongside the European Championship and UEFA Nations League, Olmo said his next objective is to win every available trophy with Barcelona and Spain, adding that new signings and internal competition should strengthen Barcelona.

Mohamed Salah paid tribute to former teammate Ahmed Hegazi after the Egyptian defender announced his retirement from playing at age 35. Salah recalled their shared journey from childhood and wished Hegazi success, while Hegazi said he was ending his playing career but would remain involved in football. Hegazi's career included clubs in Egypt, Italy, England and Saudi Arabia, and reports suggest he may join Neom's administrative or technical staff.

Spain will enter the 2030 World Cup seeking to become the first champion since Brazil in 1962 to retain the title. Its challenge is complicated by a growing dispute with co-host Morocco over which stadium will stage the final: Spain is backing Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, while Morocco is promoting Casablanca's planned Hassan II Stadium. Royal Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán has insisted that Spain is leading the organization effort. Hosting the final at home could provide Spain with a sporting, psychological and popular advantage if it reaches the match, while Morocco views the venue as the symbolic culmination of its campaign to host the centenary tournament.

Manchester City has agreed a contract with Moroccan talent Ayoub Bouaddi lasting until 2031 and is intensifying negotiations with Lille to finalize the transfer. The club aims to secure the deal quickly amid interest from other major European teams. Bouaddi’s strong performances for Lille and Morocco, including a standout display against Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, have elevated his profile and accelerated City’s pursuit.

Maghreb de Fès are attempting to bring back Youssef En-Nesyri, but his current salary at Al-Ittihad is preventing progress. Club representative Abdelhak El Marrakchi confirmed that negotiations have begun, noting that a wage reduction would be necessary for a deal. En-Nesyri joined Al-Ittihad in early 2026 but underperformed, prompting the Saudi club to consider his future ahead of the new season.