Saudi Arabia Poised for Dakar Rally 2025 Launching on January 3

 The rally will run from January 3 to 17th  (File Photo via Dakar Rally)
The rally will run from January 3 to 17th (File Photo via Dakar Rally)
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Saudi Arabia Poised for Dakar Rally 2025 Launching on January 3

 The rally will run from January 3 to 17th  (File Photo via Dakar Rally)
The rally will run from January 3 to 17th (File Photo via Dakar Rally)

In just nine days, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will kick off the 2025 edition of the world-famous Dakar Rally, marking the sixth consecutive year the Kingdom hosts this prestigious event.
The rally, which runs from January 3 to 17th, is organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company, with oversight from the Ministry of Sport, SPA reported.
This year, the adrenaline-fueled rally will start in Bisha, in the south of the Kingdom, and travel from south to north before heading east to the final destination in Shubaytah, located in the Empty Quarter—the largest continuous sand desert in the world.

Over 14 thrilling days, competitors will navigate various terrains, giving them the opportunity to explore stunning natural landscapes and ancient archaeological sites along the way.



Ronaldo Slams 'Unfair' Ballon D'Or Result After Vinicius Snub

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)
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Ronaldo Slams 'Unfair' Ballon D'Or Result After Vinicius Snub

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday it was "unfair" that Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior missed out on this year's award.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri took the prestigious prize in October with favourite Vinicius in second place

Rodri helped City to a fourth straight Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024 while attacker Vinicius guided Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League, AFP reported.

This year's ceremony in Paris was clouded by controversy after Vinicius' Madrid boycotted the event.

"In my opinion he deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody," former Madrid attacker Ronaldo said at the ceremony of the Global Soccer Awards.

"They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League," the Portugal captain added.

Only Argentina superstar Lionel Messi with his six successes has won the Ballon d'Or more than Ronaldo.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or is chosen from the shortlist by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists.