Marcelo Gallardo Accepts 18-Month Deal to Coach Saudi Pro League’s Al Ittihad

Marcelo Gallardo is headed to the Middle East…

The 47-year-old Argentine football coach and former professional player, the most successful manager in River Plate history, has accepted an 18-month contract to coach Karim BenzemaFabinho and N’Golo Kanté at Al Ittihad, according to ESPN.

Marcelo Gallardo The Saudi Pro League defending champions reached a deal with the former River Plate manager after they fired Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo last week — just six months after he led them to a title win. 

Al Ittihad currently sit fifth in the Saudi league table with a 7-3-3 record, 11 points behind league-leading Al Hilal.

Gallardo last coached one year ago when he led River Plate to a 4-0 win over Real Betis in a friendly held in Mendoza. His overall career record for 425 matches is 228-111-86.

He won 14 trophies in his eight years at the helm since 2014, including three Copa Libertadores triumphs, before leaving in October of 2022 to take a break from coaching.

As a player, he also won six league titles and one Copa Libertadores title with River Plate.

Al Ittihad will face Auckland City on December 12 in the Club World Cup.

Neymar Scores First  Saudi Pro League Goal in Al-Hilal Match vs. Nassaji Mazandaran

It’s a Saudi Pro League first for Neymar. 

The 31-year-old Brazilian superstar scored his first goal since his high profile move to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as Al-Hilal defeated Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran 3-0 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in the group phase of the Asian Champions League.

Neymar,Neymar, who moved to the Saudi Pro League side from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer for €90 million ($94.23 million), was on target in an incident-filled clash that saw both teams reduced to 10 men with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

Aleksandar Mitrovic had headed the Saudi outfit in front in the 18th minute before referee Ma Ning sent off Al-Hilal’s Salman Al Faraj and Nassaji’s Amir Houshmand after consulting the pitchside monitor following an on-field melee.

Neymar doubled Al-Hilal’s lead with a perfectly timed left-foot strike in the 58th minute and substitute Saleh Al Shehri put the seal on a comfortable win in injury time.

The victory was Al-Hilal’s first in the group phase of the continental competition this season after the four-times champions started their campaign with a draw against Navbahor last month.

The Uzbek side backed up that result with a 3-0 win over Mumbai City on Tuesday to join Al-Hilal on top of Group D with four points after goals from Jamshid Iskanderov, Jasurbek Yakhshiboev and Doniyor Abdumannopov secured victory.

Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates moved into sole possession of top spot in Group A with a 4-2 win over Turkmenistan’s Ahal as Uzbek outfit Pakhtakor slipped to a 2-0 loss against Al Fayha from Saudi Arabia.

Al Ain backed up their opening round win over Pakhtakor with an impressive attacking performance in front of their own fans as Brazilian midfielder Erik put the former champions ahead in the fourth minute with a clinical finish.

Soufiane Rahimi and Kodjo Laba ensured Al Ain had a three-goal lead at the break and, while Elman Tagayew pulled one back in the 58th minute, Kouame Kouadio netted a fourth for the hosts that meant Dayanch Meredow‘s late strike was only a consolation.

Al Ain now have a three-point cushion over Ahal and Al Fayha, who had a goal in each half from Abdelhamid Sabiri to thank for their 2-0 win at home over Pakhtakor.

The winners in each of the 10 four-team groups are guaranteed to progress to the last 16, with the remaining places filled by the three teams from the east and west of the continent with the best runners-up records.

Neymar Overtakes Pele as Brazil’s All-Tme Men’s Top Scorer

Neymar has overtaken a legendary compatriot…

The 31-year-old Brazilian soccer star netted twice in national team’s 5-1 win in their World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia to overtake Pele as Brazil’s all-time men’s top scorer.

NeymarThe Al Hilal forward was tied with Pele, who scored 77 goals for Brazil between 1957 and 1971. Neymar now has 79 goals in 125 international appearances.

“I never imagined reaching this record. I want to say that I am not better player than Pele,” said Neymar after the game. “I always wanted to make my own story, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today I did that.”

Brazil women’s forward Marta holds the country’s all-time record with 115 goals in 171 games.

Neymar’s record-breaking goal came after a low cross into the penalty box, which the striker finished with accuracy from close range. He celebrated with a punch in the air, as Pele usually did.

Earlier in the match, Neymar missed a penalty in the 17th minute, which goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra saved.

Pelé’s Foundation acknowledged Neymar’s achievement.

“Congratulations, Neymar Jr, for surpassing the King in goals for the Brazilian National Team in official FIFA matches,” it said on social media. “Surely Pelé is applauding you today!”

Pelé died from cancer Dec. 29 in Sao Paulo at the age of 82.

Striker Rodrygo, who also scored two goals against Bolivia, said he’s still very much a Neymar fan.

“Neymar is very much a hero of mine,” Rodrygo said. “This will be in my memory, this was a very special day.”

New Brazil coach Fernando Diniz said Neymar came to play for Brazil “to score goals, break records, show that he is very much willing to live this [with the national team.]”

“He is a great hero,” Diniz said. “People have to recognize it and accept it. He doesn’t do anything to get this adoration he gets from the crowd, it is because of the natural talent he has.”

Neymar’s most recent match for Brazil before the victory over Bolivia was the World Cup quarterfinal loss to Croatia. He left Qatar with doubts about his future in the national team and did not play the Selecao‘s first three games this year.

The former SantosBarcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star scored in his Brazil debut in a 2010 friendly against the United States.

Neymar guided Brazil to the Confederations Cup title in 2013 but has yet to lead them to a World Cup final, reaching quarterfinals twice — 2018 and 2022 — and the semifinal in 2014, when they suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany on home soil.

He missed out on Brazil’s 2019 Copa America triumph through injury and was on the losing side in 2021’s final against Argentina.

Neymar has enjoyed a glittering club career with honors, including two LaLiga titles, a Champions League trophy, five Ligue 1 titles and a Copa Libertadores.

Neymar Officially Joins Saudi Club Al-Hilal from PSG in Two-Year Deal

Neymar’s transfer to the Middle East is complete…

The 31-year-old Brazilian soccer star has officially completed a move from French champions Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, the clubs confirmed Tuesday.

NeymarAs previously reported, Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer was close to accepting personal terms with Al Hilal after the clubs agreed a transfer fee of €90 million ($98.6m).

“I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,” Neymar said.

“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.

“Al Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club. I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al Hilal.”

Neymar will link up with new teammates Kalidou KoulibalyRúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić, who all made the move to Al Hilal earlier this summer.

Al Hilal are one of four clubs — along with Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad who were taken under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in June as part of the country’s “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project.”

Neymar has reportedly been offered a two-year contract expected to pay an annual salary of around $100 million. That would be around half of the reported salary Cristiano Ronaldo is being paid by Al Nassr.

“Neymar Jr is a global icon who has brought joy and pleasure to all fans wherever he plays,” Al Hilal chairman Fahad bin Saad bin Nafel said in a statement. “The spotlight is always on him and he always responds to it. We are delighted to have him join Al-Hilal, the most successful club in all of Asia.”

Neymar joined PSG in 2017 when the club — owned by Qatar Sports Investments — paid a still-world-record transfer fee of €222m to pry him away from Barcelona.

He scored 118 goals in 173 appearances for the Paris club and won numerous trophies, including five Ligue 1 titles, but was increasingly a target of fans’ frustrations as the club failed to win the UEFA Champions League.

“It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world, said PSG president and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.

“I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, and what he has contributed to our Club and our project over the last 6 years. We had a great moment and Neymar will always be a big part of our history. I would like to thank Neymar and his family. We wish Neymar all the very best for the future and his next adventure.”

Al Hilal Agrees to $98.6 Million Deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar

Neymar is one step closed to making a move to the Middle (East)

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has agreed to a €90 million ($98.6m) deal with Paris Saint-Germain for the 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and PSG forward, according to ESPN sources.

NeymarOn Sunday, reports surfaced that Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer was close to agreeing to personal terms with Al Hilal as the two clubs negotiated a deal. He will now join Al Hilal on a two-year contract with the option of a third.

Neymar will link up with new teammates Kalidou KoulibalyRúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić, who all made the move to Al Hilal earlier this summer.

Al Hilal are one of four clubs — along with Al NassrAl Ahli and Al Ittithad who were taken under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in June as part of the country’s so-called “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project.”

Saudi Pro League clubs have pursued an aggressive recruitment strategy in this transfer window, offering lucrative contracts to some of the sport’s biggest stars.

PSG made Neymar the most expensive footballer of all time in 2017 — a record he still holds — when they dramatically signed him from Barcelona in a €222m deal.

Neymar’s move away from PSG brings an end to a tumultuous six years in the French capital, where he often struggled with injuries and off-field issues.

Neymar has won five Ligue 1 titles and 13 domestic honors in total with PSG, as well as finishing as runner-up in the 2020 Champions League final.

Neymar Close to Finalizing Deal with Saudi Pro League’s Al Hilal

Neymar is thisclose to finalizing terms for a move to the Middle East.

The 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and Paris Saint-Germain forward is close to agreeing to personal terms with Al Hilal and completing a move to the Saudi Pro League, according to ESPN.

NeymarPSG want €80 million ($88 million) for Neymar, but negotiations between the clubs are progressing well, sources said.

Sources added that Neymar is set to sign a two-year deal for €100m a year at Al Hilal, where he would potentially link up with Kalidou KoulibalyRúben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Brazil international was left out of PSG‘s squad for their opening Ligue 1 fixture of the season Saturday, a goalless draw against Lorient, amid reports of a move away from the club.

A return to Barcelona has been mooted, with Barca captain Sergi Roberto even saying he had discussed the topic with Neymar.

ESPN reported earlier this week that Neymar is keen to rejoin Barcelona this summer, but there is an internal debate at the club around the forward’s signing, with some arguing in favor of the move and others — including coach Xavi Hernandez — believing he would not fit into this Barca team.

The chances of a move happening are remote because of the club’s financial problems and Xavi’s opposition to his return.

Sources told ESPN that PSG, who signed forward Ousmane Dembélé from Barca on Saturday, would be happy for Neymar to leave.

Since moving to France in 2017, Neymar has won five Ligue 1 titles and 13 domestic honors in total, as well as finishing runner-up in the 2020 Champions League final.

Fulham F.C. Agrees to Deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers to Sign Raul Jimenez

Raul Jimenez is switching sides…

Fulham F.C. has agreed to a £5 million ($6.42m) deal with the Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign the 32-year-old Mexican professional footballer, according to ESPN.

Raul JimenezJimenez is set to finalize personal terms, and a medical is expected to take place early next week.

Fulham’s interest comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is not available for selection after being frustrated at being denied a move away from the club.

The Serbia forward is keen on joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who’ve had a £25m bid rejected with Fulham valuing him in excess of £50m.

Jimenez has been at Wolves since 2018 — initially on loan from Benfica before joining permanently a year later — and was later sidelined for nine months after fracturing his skull during a game against Arsenal in 2020.

Fulham boss Marco Silva had on Saturday expressed his frustration at the club’s lack of signings this summer, but Jimenez is now close to becoming their first arrival.

Inter Miami Completes Signing of Sergio Busquets 

It’s official… Sergio Busquets will be playing Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami has completed the signing of the 35-year-old Spanish professional footballer and former Barcelona midfielder on a deal until 2025, the MLS side has revealed.

Sergio BusquetsThe 2010 World Cup winner will join the squad in the coming days and will occupy a designated player slot, the club added.

“I am excited to welcome Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami,” said managing owner Jorge Mas. “Since day one we have set out to bring the world’s best players. Sergio’s repertoire speaks for itself.”

The former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played more than 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups.

Busquets was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as Al Hilal and Al Nassr made bids for his services, according to media reports.

 

Miami expect Busquets to be available to play next Saturday when they host Mexican side Cruz Azul for their Leagues Cup opener, when Messi is set to make his debut.

 

The MLS designated player rule allows clubs to acquire up to three players whose total compensation and acquisition costs exceed the salary cap.

Paris Saint-Germain Head Coach Confirms Lionel Messi’s Upcoming Exit After Two Seasons 

Lionel Messi is bidding adieu to Paris…

The 35-year-old Argentine soccer superstar will leave Paris Saint-Germain after two years at the club, head coach Christophe Galtier has announced.

Lionel MessiESPN had previously reported that Messi would leave PSG when his contract expires this summer, with the forward considering a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, the city rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr.

Galter told a news conference ahead of PSG’s final Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot: “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.

“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified. He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.”

Messi has contributed with 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season.

Messi joined the French champions in 2021 after his 21-year association with Barca ended because of the club’s financial issues.

Alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, he helped PSG to win Ligue 1 titles in both seasons he spent in the French capital. However, back-to-back round-of-16 exits from the Champions League meant the club’s search for a first European title continues.

He scored 32 goals in 74 games in all competitions for PSG, as well as recording 35 assists.

Messi’s time in Paris came alongside other accomplishments, too. In December, he led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, ending his wait for the only major honor to have eluded him in his career.

He was then named men’s footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in February — his second time winning the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.