Saudi Pro League news

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Joao Cancelo on loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Cancelo's move back to Catalunya, where he spent the 2023-24 season, was initially announced earlier on Tuesday, but the club had to delete all traces of this unveiling as the transfer had not actually been completed yet.

Barcelona fans were left confused on Tuesday after the club announced the return of Joao Cancelo only to immediately wipe all evidence from their social media channels. The Portuguese full-back had been pictured signing a contract to seal his loan move from Al-Hilal, but a delay in paperwork led to a hasty retreat by the club's media team as they wait for the final green light.

Barcelona still consider Robert Lewandowski’s future to be “open”, with the door to an extended stay at Camp Nou not being “completely closed” as yet. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, has entered the final few months of his contract. With free agency beckoning in the summer, it has been suggested that the veteran frontman could head to MLS or the Saudi Pro League.

World Cup winner N'Golo Kante has emerged as the subject of a bold transfer approach from Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce as he enters the final six months of his contract in Saudi Arabia. The former Chelsea midfielder has reportedly stalled on signing a new deal with Al-Ittihad, opening the door for a sensational European return, though his current club remain desperate to retain his services beyond the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly disappointed at being substituted during Al-Nassr’s crucial Saudi Pro League clash with fellow title hopefuls Al-Hilal. The Portuguese superstar did not take kindly to seeing his iconic No.7 held up during the closing stages of that contest. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner aired his frustration while trudging towards the touchline.

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing another trophy-less season at Al-Nassr after his team threw away a one-goal lead in their 3-1 loss to title rivals Al-Hilal. The Portugal international put his side ahead shortly before half time but a second half to forget may have again ended their hopes of winning the league title. The former Real Madrid man is yet to win any major silverware since moving to the Middle East three years ago and now they are seven points behind Al-Hilal after 14 games.

Joao Cancelo has been spotted arriving in Barcelona ahead of a loan move from Al Hilal. The Portugal international spent the 2023-24 season with the Catalan outfit after falling out of favour at Manchester City. More than two years later, the experienced full-back is temporarily pausing his time in the Middle East to head back to the defending La Liga champions.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

How to watch the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Al Nassr FC, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ready to abandon his “dream” retirement villa, despite spending around £30 million ($40m) on the stunning property. The mansion features eight bedrooms and an infinity pool, but could soon be on the market. It may form part of Ronaldo’s lavish wedding to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez, but they will not be making it their permanent base.

Al-Ittihad director Ramon Planes believes the club's captain and star striker Karim Benzema will extend his stay in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old's contract is set to expire in June 2026. Speculation over the five-time Champions League winners future intensified towards the end of last year, when he gave a cryptic answer to questions over his intentions to extend his stay in the Middle East.

Experience the Saudi football masterclass live from the stands

Al-Nassr have slipped four points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal after slumping to a 2-1 defeat to Al Qadsiah. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of 2026 from the penalty spot in the game to halve the deficit but it was not enough as Jorge Jesus's team lost for the second match in a row.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Pro League title hopes took a blow after Al-Nassr's disappointing 2-1 loss to Al-Qadsiah at Al-Awwal Park on Thursday. Ronaldo's side were on top for large periods but second-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Nahitan Nández put the visitors in control. A late Ronaldo penalty set up a grandstand finish but Al-Nassr missed the chance to close the gap to table-topping Al-Hilal.

Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to complete a remarkable transformation from Ballon d’Or-winning footballer into Hollywood blockbuster superstar. The Portuguese GOAT is already being lined up for cameo appearances, while launching his own movie project, and is considered to be a “no-brainer” when it comes to future collaborations in Tinseltown.

Jesse Lingard is being tipped for a “last rodeo” in British football alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac at Wrexham, with the former Manchester United star dropping into the free agent pool after reaching the end of his contract in South Korea with FC Seoul. The ex-England international could be added to an ambitious Premier League promotion-chasing project in North Wales.

Joao Felix considers fellow Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo to be a “unique” talent and credits the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with helping to make him a better player. Former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea forward Felix joined CR7 at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the summer of 2025. They are now in the process of chasing down major honours together.