RIYADH — Kuwait will host the 13th edition of the Saudi Super Cup from Dec. 19-23, marking the first time the competition will be staged in the Gulf country.The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), represented by its exclusive commercial partner SMC Vibes, announced Monday that it had signed an agreement with Al Rai Media Group, which will become an official partner in hosting the 2026-27 tournament.The agreement was signed in Riyadh in the presence of Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and SAFF President Bader Al-Reziza, alongside representatives of the partner organizations.The tournament will be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and feature four clubs: Al Nassr, Al Kholood, Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah.The draw will take place on Oct. 14 to determine the two semifinal fixtures.Sheikh Ahmad welcomed Kuwait's hosting of the competition, describing the Saudi Super Cup as an important addition to the Gulf sporting calendar and expressing confidence that the country would deliver an edition befitting the tournament and its participating clubs.He said the hosting reflected the deep ties between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, noting the significant following Saudi football enjoys among Kuwaiti fans.Al-Reziza highlighted the Saudi Super Cup's importance within SAFF's competitions and said efforts were continuing to develop the tournament and strengthen its commercial and fan appeal.He described taking the competition to Kuwait as a historic opportunity to expand its presence across the Gulf, reach a broader audience and establish partnerships that can enhance its value and contribute to the sustainable development of Saudi football.Kuwait becomes the eighth destination to stage the Saudi Super Cup since the competition's launch.The tournament has previously been held in Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah and Abha in Saudi Arabia, as well as internationally in London, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.The December tournament will add another Gulf destination to that list as four of Saudi football's leading clubs compete for the first domestic trophy of the 2026-27 season.

BURAIDAH — Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick as Al Hilal delivered a devastating attacking display to thrash Al Taawoun 6-0 on Saturday and move top of the Roshn Saudi League.The Brazil international opened his Al Hilal account in emphatic fashion, scoring three times in his third appearance since completing his high-profile move from Arsenal.Fellow summer signing Ollie Watkins struck twice, while substitute Sultan Mandash completed the rout as Simone Inzaghi's side climbed to the summit heading into the season's first international break.Watkins, who scored on his RSL debut against Al Ahli following his move from Aston Villa, opened the scoring before Martinelli took center stage.The former Arsenal forward grabbed his first Al Hilal goal in the 18th minute, creating space with a clever feint before finishing to double the visitors' advantage.Martinelli added another before halftime and completed his hat-trick after the break, providing the platform for Watkins to score his second before Mandash rounded off a commanding night in Buraidah.The Brazilian was named Man of the Match following a performance that showcased why Al Hilal moved to bring the 25-year-old to Riyadh."I'm really happy with the performance today," Martinelli said. "The team did really well since the start of the game. I mean, 6-0, it's a good result."We deserved the result and it was a great performance from the team. We are going to think about the next game now, but really happy with the performance and with the three goals as well."Martinelli said his priority was contributing to the team regardless of whether that came through goals or his work without the ball."This is why I'm here," he said. "I've said it from the beginning, I'm here to help the team. Sometimes I'm not going to score, but I'll help the team in the defensive part and anything I can."I'll be there giving my best and trying my best for this badge."Inzaghi was equally impressed by the rapid impact of his new No. 7, particularly given Martinelli's limited preparation time following his arrival."He is delivering high levels and great performances, and he arrived only one day before the NEOM SC match, yet he showed well," Inzaghi said. "Today he was more ready and succeeded in scoring the hat-trick."The emphatic victory moved Al Hilal to 18 points at the top of the RSL standings, one point clear of Al Ittihad.Defending champions Al Nassr are two points behind Al Hilal after being held to a 1-1 draw by Al Khaleej on Saturday, while Al Qadsiah also have 16 points in fourth.With Martinelli finding his scoring touch and Watkins continuing his impressive start, Al Hilal head into the international break at the top of the table with their revamped attack already making its mark.

AL KHOBAR — Julian Quinones has added a Ballon d’Or nomination to a remarkable year that saw him win the Roshn Saudi League Golden Boot and emerge as one of Mexico’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Al Qadsiah striker is among 30 players shortlisted for football’s most prestigious individual award, recognition that follows a 33-goal league campaign and four goals for Mexico at the World Cup.“I’m very proud to have achieved this,” Quinones said after scoring in Al Qadsiah’s 3-2 victory over Al Ahli on Tuesday. “I’ve worked hard for this moment and now it has happened.”“God’s timing is always perfect. I just try to keep working hard, improving and being the best I can be.”The nomination marks another milestone in the 29-year-old’s rise from prolific RSL forward to international star.Quinones secured last season’s Golden Boot with a final-day hat-trick that took his tally to 33 goals, finishing ahead of Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney.He carried that form into the World Cup, scoring the tournament’s opening goal for co-hosts Mexico before finishing with four goals as his country reached the last 16.His performances have now earned him a place alongside some of the biggest names in world football on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers said the nomination reflected both Quinones’ individual achievements and the growing recognition of the Saudi league.“Firstly, it’s absolutely amazing for Julian,” Rodgers said. “It recognises the impact he has had in the Saudi Pro League and the confidence that he takes from playing here into his international team.”“It’s a huge credit for everyone: for him, for his teammates here and for the club as a whole. And, of course, it’s great recognition for the Pro League. So, it’s good for everyone.”Quinones is joined on the shortlist by fellow RSL star Sadio Mane, who helped Al Nassr win the 2025-26 league title.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham are also among the nominees.The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced in London on Oct. 26.For Quinones, the nomination is another sign of how far his career has progressed from Saudi league Golden Boot winner to World Cup goalscorer and now a contender for football’s highest individual honour.

JEDDAH — Georginio Wijnaldum has joined Al Ittihad on an initial one-year contract, returning to the Roshn Saudi League after leaving Al Ettifaq earlier this summer.The former Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was announced late Sunday as one of the headline signings on a busy final day of the 2026-27 summer transfer window.Wijnaldum, 35, spent three seasons at Al Ettifaq, where he established himself as a key figure and club captain before departing as a free agent in July.The Netherlands international scored 36 goals and provided 16 assists in 96 RSL appearances for the Dammam club. His most productive campaign came last season, when he recorded 16 goals and seven assists.He now joins Al Ittihad, the 2024-25 Saudi champions, as the Jeddah club strengthens its midfield for the new campaign.Al Ahli add three playersAcross Jeddah, Al Ahli completed the signing of French midfielder Ibrahima Diaby from Belgian side Cercle Brugge and brought in right-back Saeed Baattiah from Al Fateh.The back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite winners also loaned forward Ricardo Mathias to Al Shabab.Al Qadsiah recruit from Manchester CityAl Qadsiah added two midfielders, signing 19-year-old Mahamadou Sangare from Manchester City and taking Saudi youngster Abdulmalik Al Jaber on loan from Al Nassr.Sangare follows Tijjani Reijnders in making the move from Manchester City to Al Qadsiah this summer, giving the Al Khobar club further options in midfield.Al Nassr also allowed midfielder Ali Al Hassan to join Al Fateh.Al Ettifaq reshape squadAl Ettifaq were among the busiest clubs on deadline day, adding centre-backs Pedro Henrique from RB Bragantino and Marzouq Tambakti from Al Riyadh.The Dammam club also secured loan deals for midfielders Abdulelah Hawsawi from Al Ittihad and Riyadh Sharahili from NEOM Sports Club.Fares Al Ghamdi moved to Al Taawoun, while Awad Dahal joined Al Riyadh.Abha and Al Khaleej strengthenNewly promoted Abha brought in two 20-year-old midfielders on loan, signing Mateo Borrell from Al Ittihad and Ammar Al Yuhaibi from Al Qadsiah.Al Khaleej also completed three loan deals, adding Argentine forward Mateo Benegas from Ferro, right-back Fawaz Al Soqour from Al Ittihad and winger Fahad Al Rashidi from Al Taawoun.The late activity capped a summer of significant squad changes across the RSL, with clubs reinforcing their ranks ahead of the remainder of the 2026-27 campaign.

RIYADH — Ollie Watkins marked his Al Hilal debut with a goal as the Riyadh giants delivered an early statement in the Roshn Saudi League title race with a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Ahli at Kingdom Arena on Wednesday.The England international, who completed his move from Aston Villa only two days earlier, came off the bench at halftime and needed just 41 minutes to open his account in Saudi football.Watkins sealed the victory four minutes from time, stooping at the back post to head home Sultan Mandash's cross and cap an impressive first appearance for his new club.The 30-year-old arrived in Riyadh as Aston Villa's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 91 goals and immediately demonstrated the finishing ability Al Hilal recruited him to provide.By the time Watkins entered, however, Simone Inzaghi's side had already established control over one of their expected title rivals.Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring in the ninth minute, beating Al Ahli's defensive line before finishing to give the hosts an early advantage.Summer signing Crysencio Summerville doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with an impressive individual effort from a tight angle, continuing his strong start following his move from West Ham United.Al Ahli's hopes of mounting a comeback suffered another major blow in first-half stoppage time when defender Merih Demiral was sent off, leaving the visitors to play the entire second half with 10 men.Al Hilal controlled proceedings after the break before Watkins supplied the finishing touch in the 86th minute.The result continued Al Hilal's perfect start to the 2026-27 RSL campaign and lifted last season's runners-up to the top of the early standings.Al Hilal and defending champions Al Nassr are the only teams to have maintained a 100% record at the start of the new league season.For Al Hilal, the victory over the back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite winners offered another indication of their title ambitions after finishing runners-up last season.And for Watkins, his first night in Saudi football could hardly have gone better, a debut, a goal and three points against one of Al Hilal's major rivals.