Barcelona Extends Contract of Women's Ballon d'Or Winner Bonmatí to 2028

FILE - FC Barcelona's and Spain's national team's midfielder Aitana Bonmati holds the trophy as she receives the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or award during the 67th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)
FILE - FC Barcelona's and Spain's national team's midfielder Aitana Bonmati holds the trophy as she receives the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or award during the 67th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)
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Barcelona Extends Contract of Women's Ballon d'Or Winner Bonmatí to 2028

FILE - FC Barcelona's and Spain's national team's midfielder Aitana Bonmati holds the trophy as she receives the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or award during the 67th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)
FILE - FC Barcelona's and Spain's national team's midfielder Aitana Bonmati holds the trophy as she receives the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or award during the 67th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Barcelona extended the contract of women's Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí on Monday until 2028.
The 26-year-old playmaker signed a new contract to June 30, 2028, The Associated Press quoted the club as saying.
Bonmatí has played 275 games for Barcelona, scoring 96 competitive goals. She is the club’s all-time top goalscorer and is tied with Alexia Putellas for the Champions League record of 22.
One of her Champions League goals came in last season's final, where Barcelona defeated Lyon for its third European title.
Bonmati, also a Spain international, has won 23 trophies with Barcelona, the eighth most in the club's history.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.