The LPGA's Tour Championship in Naples, Florida boasts an $11 million purse, second only to the US Women’s Open in 2024.
sports1 day ago
Al Ittihad captain and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has been having a great season in Saudi Po League and enjoying his time in the kingdom. The star player, who is also a devout Muslim, shared a video early Monday while performing Umrah in Makkah.
While sharing the video on his Instagram and X platforms, the former Real Madrid footballer was heard saying: “Mashallah, the best of the best. Alhamdulillah [praise be to God].”
Draping himself in an ihram (white clothing), Benzema recorded the video while circumambulating or performing Tawaf (to perform seven anti-clockwise circuits of the Kaaba). He captioned the post in French, which translates to “very happy.” The video generated millions of views.
This is not the first time Benzema performed Umrah. In 2016 he visited Saudi Arabia and completed the pilgrimage.
Newly-signed Al Nassr footballer, Sadio Mane also performed Umrah pilgrimage just hours after his debut for the club on Thursday, August 3. Mane was captured in a viral video, alongside some of his Muslim teammates, including former RC Lens captain Seko Fofana, embarking on this journey.
Football clubs in the Saudi Arabia have signed a host of major stars beginning with Cristiano Ronaldo last year and continuing with Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane this year, though overtures to Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been unsuccessful.
The Saudi Pro League is "determined to be a success" and will keep attracting some of the biggest names in football, according to one of its top executives.
Aside from Ronaldo, Al Nassr have also signed this summer Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, Brazil full-back Alex Telles and Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana.
Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d'Or, and French 2018 World Cup winner N'Golo Kante joined Al-Ittihad in June, while Riyad Mahrez left Manchester City for Al-Ahli last week.
England international Jordan Henderson also recently moved from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq, where he will be coached by Reds legend and former teammate Steven Gerrard.
ALSO READ:
The LPGA's Tour Championship in Naples, Florida boasts an $11 million purse, second only to the US Women’s Open in 2024.
sports1 day ago
The Northern Irishman reflected on his deep connection to Dubai after winning his sixth Race to Dubai, saying, "I've always loved this part of the world."
sports1 day ago
The four-time Major champion also took part in a full-court 'Putt for Purpose' challenge
sports2 days ago
The Dubai-born golfer pleased with the strong start he has made to his professional career and eyes continued success at the challenging Deer Creek Course
sports2 days ago
Dubai boy Keith Pinto, who made his Ranji Trophy debut last week, hopes to play for India
sports2 days ago
The eighth edition of Abu Dhabi T10 starts on November 21 and will feature 10 teams
sports2 days ago
From humble beginnings to global appeal, the Faldo Series has evolved into the world’s premier junior golf championship
sports2 days ago
Velupillay scored on his international debut against China last month
sports3 days ago