Saudi Crown Prince : 2034 World Cup Bid Reflects Kingdom’s Progress

Part of the exhibition accompanying the press conference held in Riyadh for the presentation of the Saudi bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup (Photo: Saleh Al-Ghannam)
Part of the exhibition accompanying the press conference held in Riyadh for the presentation of the Saudi bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup (Photo: Saleh Al-Ghannam)
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Saudi Crown Prince : 2034 World Cup Bid Reflects Kingdom’s Progress

Part of the exhibition accompanying the press conference held in Riyadh for the presentation of the Saudi bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup (Photo: Saleh Al-Ghannam)
Part of the exhibition accompanying the press conference held in Riyadh for the presentation of the Saudi bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup (Photo: Saleh Al-Ghannam)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister, announced the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He said this bid reflects Saudi Arabia’s transformation and progress as part of the national transformation plan, Vision 2030.
The Crown Prince stated that the bid focuses on developing human skills, advancing football, and building global connections.
He pointed out that hosting the World Cup would be a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, which has seen significant growth and success recently. This event would highlight the Kingdom’s role as a global center for major sports events.
The Crown Prince also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a tourist destination, noting that it topped the United Nations’ list for the highest growth in international tourist numbers in 2023.
Riyadh, the capital, has been chosen to host the World Expo 2030. Moreover, the country welcomed over 100 million tourists last year.
The Crown Prince added that the bid’s slogan, titled “Growing. Together,” reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development in football.



Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
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Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights

Brazilian Rodrygo said his versatility may have cost him a Ballon d'Or nomination after the Real Madrid forward was not among the 30 names short-listed for the prestigious award.

The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and registered nine assists in 51 appearances for the club last season.

His Madrid team mates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, as well as the now-retired Toni Kroos, were all nominated.

Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Madrid from Paris St Germain in the close season, was also on the shortlist.

"I was upset, I think I deserved it," Rodrygo told ESPN. "I don't want to belittle the players who are there, I think they deserved it also.

"But I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise but there is not much I can do as I'm not the one who decides these things."

Rodrygo primarily plays on the right but can also play on the left or as a centre forward, and is often utilized as a second striker by coach Carlo Ancelotti, Reuters reported.

"Often, I'm just filling spaces," Rodrygo added. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That's it.

"It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Oct. 28.