14 h. ago Messi and Ronaldo’s continental exits show the limits of their swan songs

The two best players of their generation suffered same-day disappointments that show the game is starting to move onNot long ago, the results might have been seismic. Or at the very least, worthy of an eyebrows-raised remark. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two leading lights of their generation, the dominant on-field forces for most of this century, both going out of continental competition in the semi-finals? Both in upsets? On the same day?On Wednesday, it actually happened. Messi’s Inter Miami fell to Vancouver 5-1 on aggregate in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr lost 3-2 to Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League Elite at a nominally neutral site in Saudi Arabia. Continue reading...

Culture

15 h. ago People are saying the same thing about Cristiano Ronaldo's bizarre behaviour after footballer appeared to 'talk to GHOSTS' following another disappointing performance in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to come to terms with Al-Nassr crashing out of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night as he exhibited some unique behaviour at full-time.

Politics

19 h. ago US and Ukraine finally sign minerals deal as Donald Trump makes key concession

The deal appears to contain some important concessions by Washington and comes days after Trump and Zelensky held talks at Pope Francis’s funeral

Politics

28 h. ago UK in talks with France and Saudi Arabia over recognising a Palestinian state

European and Arab powers push for resolution to crisis caused by Hamas-Israel war as UN conference nears

Politics

32 h. ago Lammy confirms UK and France in talks over Palestine recognition

Two permanent members of UN security council could make move at conference in June on two-state solutionThe UK is in discussion with France and Saudi Arabia over the recognition of a Palestinian state at a June conference convened by the two countries on keeping alive the political path to a two-state solution in the Middle East, the UK foreign secretary has said.David Lammy’s comments mark the first time the UK has acknowledged that a discussion with France about a recognition process around the conference is under way. Continue reading...

Politics

40 h. ago Billions behind the badge: Neom join Saudi Arabia’s football revolution

Backed by same force as Newcastle, club’s’s promotion signals era of spending in futuristic city that is yet to existEurope’s biggest clubs may not pay much attention to Saudi Arabia’s second division, but a new and curious force in the international transfer market is emerging from that league. Neom Sports Club (SC) have not only never played a top tier game before but also represent a city that does not yet exist.Neom won promotion to the Saudi Pro League last week and will, from next season, take their place alongside the so-called “Big Four”: Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr of Riyadh, and Jeddah giants Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. This group, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez, are to become the “Big Five”. That is because Neom SC belong to the planned futuristic urban area of Neom, backed by the Public Investment Fund behind the aforementioned quartet, as well as Newcastle. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago The US used to be the gold standard for press freedom. Not any more | Kai Falkenberg

The Trump administration is creating a chilling effect on independent reporting and public dissentThis week is World Press Freedom Day. That used to be a time when we pointed fingers at governments that kept journalists from doing their jobs – places like Turkey, where reporters are imprisoned for libel, or Saudi Arabia, where government censorship is a part of daily life. From our privileged perch here in the US, we highlighted the struggle of journalists suffering under authoritarian rule. But this year, the ones suffocating aren’t halfway around the world – they’re right here at home.In my 20 years as a media lawyer, I’ve always seen the United States as the gold standard for press freedom – a model admired by journalists around the world. But in just a few short months, the Trump administration has severely undermined those protections, creating a chilling effect on independent reporting and public dissent. Today, the White House is waging an increasingly hostile campaign agains...

Politics

3 d. ago Leeds chairman flying to UK for talks with Daniel Farke over manager’s future

Paraag Marathe travelling from San Francisco on MondayDoubts among owners over Farke despite promotionThe Leeds chairman, Paraag Marathe, is flying in from San Francisco on Monday for talks with Daniel Farke over the manager’s future.The American will attend Monday’s Championship game against Bristol City at Elland Road, with Leeds needing to win to move back to the top above Burnley on goal difference with one game remaining, before meeting Farke later in the week. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Saudi Arabian airline reveals 'world's best business class' with 'Maybach' luxury

Saudi Arabia's new national airline, Riyadh Air, has unveiled the first look at its luxury business class cabins on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners which will be operational later this year

Transport

5 d. ago Inside the diplomatic blitz at Pope Francis's funeral as Trump and Zelensky hold talks

Pope Francis's funeral was also one of the largest meetings of leaders and heads of state since the Queen's funeral in London in 2022 - providing a chance for some impromptu diplomacy

Politics

5 d. ago Zelensky and Trump hold 'secret' talks before Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky held brief talks with US President Donald Trump on Saturday as the two leaders attended Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, according to reports.

Politics

6 d. ago Brits doing Hajj pilgrimage told to get 'essential' jab after new cases of disease

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to ensure they are vaccinated against meningitis

Politics

7 d. ago Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on 1,000 goals – but may be running out of games

The finishes are still flowing for Al-Nassr but, at 40, his future for club and country is under increasing scrutinyOn Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo can take a big step towards a first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia but the quarter-final of the Asian Champions League against Yokohama F Marinos also offers a chance to take a smaller stride towards an unprecedented personal milestone: 1,000 first-class goals.Pelé scored plenty but claims of 1,279, recognised by the Guinness World Records, included unofficial and exhibition games and perhaps, wondered Diego Maradona, backyard games against his nephews. The stats site RSSSF credits the Brazilian with a total of 778. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago What life is REALLY like for a WAG in Saudi Arabia: Footballers' wives lift the lid on living in the conservative country

Football clubs in the conservative Middle Eastern nation fork out eye-watering sums to attract the sport's biggest names but that doesn't make life simple for their families.

Politics

7 d. ago Simon Jordan tells boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh to buy Championship 'powerhouse'

Turki Alalshikh has led Saudi Arabia's huge investment in boxing in recent years and he has been advised to buy Sheffield Wednesday from Dejphon Chansiri by Simon Jordan

Sport

7 d. ago George Russell ‘pays price’ as Mercedes chief makes key admission about unexpected issue

George Russell struggled badly in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, only managing fifth place after raising concerns over whether he would even be able to finish the race

Economics

8 d. ago Max Verstappen slammed after 'disrespectful' act towards F1 rival spotted at Saudi GP

Max Verstappen was left furious at being handed a penalty during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, but his actions following the race have landed the Red Bull star in more hot water

Events

8 d. ago Ukraine peace talks downgraded in London amid continued Russian strikes

Ukraine peace talks downgraded in London amid continued Russian strikes  France 24

Events

8 d. ago Ukraine peace talks in London downgraded after US, France, Germany cancel attendance: What it means for Kyiv?

Ukraine peace talks in London downgraded after US, France, Germany cancel attendance: What it means for Kyiv?  The Indian Express

Politics

8 d. ago White House ramps up pressure on Ukraine as London peace talks falter

White House ramps up pressure on Ukraine as London peace talks falter  France 24

Events