James Rodríguez Joins Rayo Vallecano in Return to the Spanish League

Football - International Friendly - South Korea v Colombia - Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea - March 24, 2023 Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their first goal. (Reuters)

09:04-27 August 2024 AD ـ 22 Safar 1446 AH

James Rodríguez is back in the Spanish league.

Madrid club Rayo Vallecano said Monday it signed the Colombia playmaker in a deal that brings him back to Spain four years after he left Real Madrid to join Everton in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old Rodríguez had his contract with Brazilian club Sao Paulo rescinded after he led Colombia to a runner-up finish in the Copa America, where he had six assists and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Rayo is celebrating its centennial season and opened the league with a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad and a 0-0 draw at Getafe.

“I feel great joy to join a historic club like Rayo,” Rodríguez said. “I really want to do things well. I feel that responsibility wherever I go. I like to win. Especially in such an important year for the club.”

Al-Nassr Beats Al-Taawoun 2-1 in Saudi Pro League

Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings - SPA

Asharq Al Awsat

03:50-29 August 2026 AD ـ 16 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1448 AH

Asharq Al Awsat

03:50-29 August 2026 AD ـ 16 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1448 AH

Al-Nassr Beats Al-Taawoun 2-1 in Saudi Pro League

Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings - SPA

Al-Nassr defeated Al-Taawoun 2-1 in a match held at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh as part of Matchweek 4 of the Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League), SPA reported.

Al-Taawoun opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Al-Nassr equalized in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Al-Nassr then scored the winning goal in the 50th minute.

With this victory, Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings, while Al-Taawoun remained on two points in 15th place.

Sports

Al-Hilal Defeats Al-Khaleej 5-1 in Saudi Pro League Matchweek 4

Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points - SPA

Asharq Al Awsat

03:51-29 August 2026 AD ـ 16 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1448 AH

03:49-29 August 2026 AD ـ 16 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1448 AH

Asharq Al Awsat

03:51-29 August 2026 AD ـ 16 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1448 AH

03:49-29 August 2026 AD ـ 16 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1448 AH

Al-Hilal Defeats Al-Khaleej 5-1 in Saudi Pro League Matchweek 4

Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points - SPA

Al-Hilal defeated host Al-Khaleej 5-1 in a match held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam as part of Matchweek 4 of the 2026-2027 Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League).

Al-Hilal opened the scoring in the 15th minute before adding a second in the 29th minute and a third in the 40th minute, SPA reported.

Al Hilal extended its lead with a fourth goal in the 43rd minute and added a fifth in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.
Al Khaleej, meanwhile, scored its only goal in the 38th minute.

With this result, Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points.