Not even Saudi Arabia or FIFA could get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup
MIAMI GARDENS: In the end, not even Saudi Arabia or Gianni Infantino could engineer a way to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup.
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss
RIYADH: One of Saudi Arabia's biggest mixed martial arts stars, Hattan Alsaif, will make her highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport And while all eyes will be on the hometown hero, who is aiming for her third straight amateur MMA win, a rising star from Lebanon is preparing to step into enemy territory and hoping to steal the spotlight. Standing across from Alsaif will be Nour Al-Fliti, a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Asian Championship silver medalist who currently holds a 1-1 amateur record. Before MMA, however, Al-Fliti lived a completely different life. 'Before MMA, I worked in the hospitality field as an operations manager,' she revealed. 'I studied that field and I worked in it since 2019. I enjoyed it, but I felt that something was missing. If I hadn't found MMA, I think I'd still be searching for that something to ignite the fire in me.' With MMA, Al-Fliti discovered the outlet she had been searching for. Judging by her growing list of accomplishments, it has been a successful transition. 'I got into MMA because I felt a powerful energy inside me — it was something I needed to express,' Al-Fliti said. 'I've always had a fighter's spirit, but I didn't know where it belonged until I stepped into the cage.' MMA provided more than just competition, she added: 'From my very first fight, I felt a deep connection. It wasn't just about competition … it was about purpose. That moment made me realize this is where I'm meant to be.' Al-Fliti believes her greatest achievement in MMA goes beyond medals and accolades — it is the personal transformation she has undergone. 'My biggest achievement so far is finding myself through this sport,' she explained. 'Every fight, every camp, every challenge has shaped me, not just as a fighter, but as a person. Of course, winning and improving technically are important, but the real win is the growth I've experienced mentally and spiritually.' While she acknowledges the support of her team and loved ones, Al-Fliti is clear about where her ultimate source of strength lies. 'My biggest supporter is Allah first,' she exclaimed. 'I truly believe that my path is written, and I draw strength from that. 'And I'm also deeply grateful to my family and my team — the people who believe in me, push me, and never let me forget who I am, even during the toughest moments.' On paper, it may seem like Al-Fliti has the odds stacked against her. Alsaif has more experience and will be fighting in front of a home crowd. Al-Fliti, however, doesn't see it that way. 'Hattan is a determined fighter with her own style, and I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but I never see myself as the underdog,' she said. 'I trust in my preparation, in my skills and, most importantly, in my belief in myself and in Allah. I've prepared with focus, discipline and a clear mindset.' On July 4, Al-Fliti does not plan to simply walk into the SmartCage — she will make her presence felt: 'I'm not just showing up — I'm coming to make a statement, inshallah.' Tickets for PFL MENA 2 can be purchased at
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Mastantuono's Move to Real Madrid Was Premature, Says River Boss Gallardo
Franco Mastantuono's transfer to Real Madrid came too soon, while the 17-year-old was still developing and pivotal to River Plate's future, said coach Marcelo Gallardo ahead of the Argentine team's Club World Cup match against Monterrey. Gallardo acknowledged Mastantuono's departure will leave a void in his squad after the Spanish giants completed a deal worth around $45 million with River for the teenager earlier this month. For the Argentine manager, the midfielder still needed more time to grow at the club, but he acknowledged the early transfer as an understandable part of modern football. "It's natural, we train players for the world. Everything is happening earlier, young players are leaving faster, and I understand that those are the rules of the game," Gallardo told ESPN on Friday. "Our sporting project for the year was with him. We have to readjust, because there are players who, by their nature, are difficult to replace. "We knew that Mastantuono was going to leave at some point, but fans don't enjoy it that way. The market dictates the timing." Gallardo said he's urging Mastantuono to stay focused on the tournament despite the noise around his move. "All I want is for him to play naturally, to try to forget about everything that's going on, which is very difficult," he said. "I don't talk to him about where he's going to live or anything like that. I want him to play, which is what he knows how to do." River began their Club World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, a result Gallardo described as key to easing early nerves. "We are happy to be able to be in a competition like this, a new one," he said. "I'm excited about how it's going, it was essential to start with a win and get over the nerves. "Now we're preparing for the match in Monterrey, which is a different level of difficulty." Following Saturday's game against the Mexican team in Pasadena, River will face Champions League runners-up Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
ES Tunis Claim 1-0 Win, Eliminating LAFC from Club World Cup
Youcef Belaili scored in the 70th minute, goalkeeper Ben Said saved a penalty deep in second-half stoppage time and ES Tunis defeated LAFC 1-0 to keep their FIFA Club World Cup hopes alive in a dramatic contest Friday in Nashville, Tenn. The victory takes ES Tunis (1-1-0, 3 points) level with Chelsea in Group D, after the English side lost 3-1 to Brazil's Flamengo earlier on Friday. Referee Espen Eskas awarded a very late spot kick following a video review, ruling Khalil Guenichi had felled Marlon in the area. But Denis Bouanga drove his ensuing penalty kick into the dive of Said, the final salvo in a result that eliminated LAFC (0-2-0, 0 points) from tournament contention. The winner of ES Tunis' meeting with Chelsea Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase, with Chelsea advancing on a draw based on superior goal differential.
