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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia news

Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona, we

Top 15 best goals in FIFA World Cup finals history

The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.

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Saudi Arabia sack Renard just two months before World Cup

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation have sent shockwaves through the football community by officially sacking head coach Herve Renard only two months before the 2026 World Cup. Following poor friendly results in March, a former Premier League player is now widely expected to replace the iconic Frenchman and steady the ship before the upcoming tournament.

Al Hilal v Al Taawoun: Saudi Pro League

Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari has claimed that he anticipated Morocco’s Yassine Bono’s “miraculous” save by 23 years. The veteran shot-stopper, renowned for his experience an

Al-Hadari heaped praise on the performance of the Black Atlas star, singling out his command on the ball, his incisive runs and his ability to unlock defences with a single pass. The veteran goalkeeper underlined the forward’s maturity, noting that he has grown into a complete player capable of influencing games in multiple ways. Al-Hadari stressed that the 23-year-old’s work-rate and off-the-ball movement create headaches for opposition back lines, and he highlighted the player’s willingness to track back and press as a key factor in the team’s recent defensive solidity. He also pointed out that the star’s confidence is contagious, lifting the entire squad and inspiring younger teammates to aim higher. According to Al-Hadari, the forward’s blend of technical ability and physicality makes him a rare talent, and he expressed confidence that bigger stages await the player in the near future.

Iran

Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

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Al-Hamdan and Al-Hilal… A ‘blazing’ crisis rocks Al-Nasr following the Professionalism Committee’s decision Al-Nasr has been hit by a fiery internal crisis after the Saudi Arabian

The manager continues to pursue his former star player, stepping up his efforts to bring the fan favourite back to the club. According to sources close to the negotiations, the pair have held several positive meetings in recent weeks as the manager looks to reunite the club with a player who remains a symbol of its recent success. Supporters are watching the developments with keen interest, hopeful that the deal will be finalised before the transfer window closes. The manager’s determination to secure the player’s return is seen as a clear signal of his ambition to challenge for silverware this season, and the move would send a powerful message to rivals.

Al Ahli v Al Khaleej: Saudi Pro League

The long-running debate appears to be reaching a conclusion: will Donis finally take the reins of the Saudi national team? Reports suggest that the Saudi Arabian Football Associati

Gulf leader settles the controversy In a decisive statement that has brought an immediate end to weeks of heated debate, the Gulf leader—whose word carries considerable weight across the region’s football landscape—has effectively closed the book on the controversy. The brief yet authoritative announcement, made in the leader’s trademark direct style, leaves little room for interpretation: the dispute is over, and all parties are expected to accept the ruling without further delay. While the specific details of the controversy have not been disclosed, sources close to the league confirm that the decision is final and will be enforced without exception. This swift resolution underscores the leader’s long-standing reputation for restoring order quickly and unequivocally, ensuring that the focus returns to on-field action rather than off-field wrangling. Clubs, fans, and media outlets alike are now urged to move forward in unity, confident that the matter has been laid to rest.

Frequently asked questions

Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.

Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.

Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.

Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.

Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.

Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.

Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.

One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.

Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.

Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.