Renard Appointed Coach of Saudi National Football Team

New Saudi national football team coach, Herve Renard. (AFP)
New Saudi national football team coach, Herve Renard. (AFP)
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Renard Appointed Coach of Saudi National Football Team

New Saudi national football team coach, Herve Renard. (AFP)
New Saudi national football team coach, Herve Renard. (AFP)

Herve Renard, who resigned as Morocco coach following the team's surprise elimination at the African Cup of Nations, said on Monday he was taking over Saudi Arabia's national team.

"Happy to start a new adventure in Saudi Arabia on a new continent," the 50-year-old Frenchman tweeted.

He led Zambia to a surprise African Cup of Nations title in 2012 and has also coached the national teams of Angola, Ivory Coast and Morocco in Africa, as well as clubs in France, England, Algeria and Vietnam.

The Saudi Football Federation confirmed the appointment, with its boss Yasser Almisehal saying "the choice was made on a great name, capable of bringing something extra to Saudi football".



Saudi Arabia to Host Spanish Super Cup for 5th Time

Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Spanish Super Cup for 5th Time

Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Sport announced on Friday that the Kingdom will host the Spanish Super Cup football competitions for the fifth time.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Mallorca will play a knockout tournament at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium between January 8 and 12, 2025.

Real Madrid will face Real Mallorca on January 8, while Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao the following day. The winners of each match will advance to the final, scheduled for January 12.

Saudi Arabia hosted four previous editions of the Spanish Super Cup, including in 2020, when Real Madrid won the title after defeating Atlético Madrid.

The second edition, held in 2022, was played in Riyadh, with Real Madrid claiming the title. Barcelona won the third edition by defeating Real Madrid, while Real Madrid lifted the cup in the fourth edition in Riyadh earlier this year.

The Kingdom's hosting of the Spanish Super Cup, part of the Quality of Life Program, reflects Saudi Arabia's success in attracting major regional and international events. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goal to develop and grow the sports sector.