TLDR:
• Neymar endorses Saudi World Cup bid
• Exhibition reveals Saudi football vision
• Strong support for player well-being
RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Brazilian footballer Neymar has voiced his strong support for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Touring an exhibit showcasing Saudi Arabia’s vision, Neymar praised the Kingdom’s comprehensive plans and emphasis on the comfort and needs of players and fans.
The exhibit, which Neymar toured with Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia’s bid unit, presents the Kingdom’s pitch to host the FIFA World Cup as a landmark sporting event, complete with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on player well-being. Proposed host cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of NEOM—are featured with interactive displays of 15 stadiums that Saudi Arabia aims to build or upgrade for the tournament.
Neymar’s confidence in Saudi football vision
Neymar, who has been based in Riyadh since joining Al-Hilal in 2023, expressed his confidence in Saudi Arabia’s preparations. The Brazilian forward highlighted the Kingdom’s keen attention to player welfare, which aims to streamline travel times between venues, improve recovery facilities, and create seamless transitions from the pitch to accommodations. He commended the bid’s attention to the physical demands on athletes, which reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a premier sporting environment.
Major growth in Saudi youth football
Saudi Arabia’s plans extend beyond the 2034 tournament, as the country has made strides in youth football development, establishing 23 youth-training centres and supporting school leagues for over 300,000 young players. The number of certified football coaches has grown substantially, with the country aiming to further enhance training standards and competition levels in anticipation of 2034. Neymar acknowledged the role of players like himself, Ronaldo, and Benzema in inspiring Saudi youth, recognising their influence on young footballers and their contributions to building a competitive Saudi football scene.
Geographic advantage for global fans
Saudi Arabia’s strategic location provides a geographic advantage, with 60% of the world’s population residing within an eight-hour flight. The Kingdom’s slogan, “Growing. Together,” reflects a drive to unite football fans worldwide, with a direct invitation for countries and cultures to share in the passion of a truly global sport. The bid envisions Saudi Arabia as a natural bridge between East and West, and aims to deliver a world-class tournament experience accessible to a vast audience.
The decision on the 2034 World Cup host will be made in December by FIFA, marking a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey to position itself as a global sports hub.
