Arianna Criscione’s Post

🌍 Saudi Arabia's Historic FIFA Score: A Game-Changer for Global Perception ⚽ Saudi Arabia has just made history, receiving the highest FIFA score ever—a remarkable achievement that echoes far beyond the pitch. This milestone isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to the Kingdom's strategic vision of globalization through sport. From hosting major events to investing in world-class facilities and partnerships, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and inclusion in sports. This score reflects not only the strength of their infrastructure and talent but also their commitment to fostering a culture that bridges nations through the universal language of sports. For professionals like me, who specialize in cross-cultural strategy, this achievement reinforces the power of sports as a tool for diplomacy, unity, and economic growth. Witnessing Saudi Arabia’s transformation and the global ripple effect it's creating is inspiring. Congratulations to Saudi Arabia—this is just the beginning! 🚀 Be sure to visit KSA Playbook to learn more. 🤔 #GlobalizationThroughSport #SaudiVision2030 #CrossCulturalStrategy #FIFA

The Heartbeat of Saudi Football: Uniting a Nation in Passion and Glory In the heart of Saudi Arabia beats a passion for football that transcends borders, unites communities, and ignites the spirit of a nation. From the bustling streets to the roaring stadiums, football in Saudi Arabia is not just a game; it's a symphony of emotions, dreams, and national pride that resonates across the kingdom. Let's dive into the vibrant world of Saudi football and explore its impact: 1. Cultural Phenomenon: Football in Saudi Arabia is more than a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon that binds generations together. The cheers, chants, and colors of football jerseys create a tapestry of unity and fervor that embodies the Saudi spirit. 2. Heroes on the Field: The football stars of Saudi Arabia are not just players; they are heroes who inspire and captivate the nation with their skill and dedication. Their victories on the field echo throughout the kingdom, instilling hope and pride in the hearts of fans. 3. Community Celebrations: Football matches are not just games; they are grand celebrations that bring communities together in a shared experience of joy and camaraderie. The streets buzz with excitement, families gather around screens, and friendships are forged amidst the thrill of the game. 4. Legacy of Legends: The legacy of Saudi football legends lives on in the hearts of fans, shaping the dreams and aspirations of future generations. Their feats on the field and moments of glory are etched in the annals of Saudi sporting history, inspiring a new era of talent and ambition. 5. Beyond the Pitch: Saudi football is a force for social change, promoting values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship that extend far beyond the pitch. It serves as a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and diversity, paving the way for a brighter and more united future. As the heartbeat of Saudi Arabia, football continues to weave its magic, uniting a nation in passion, pride, and glory. From the grassroots to the grand stadiums, the love for the game runs deep in the veins of every Saudi, connecting them in a shared journey of sportsmanship and excellence. #SaudiArabia #football #passionategame #nationalpride

We are thrilled to share insights from our latest research report, The Saudi Football Market: Growth, Opportunities, and Vision 2030. As Saudi Arabia strategically focuses on football, we are witnessing unparalleled growth in the sports market: ⚽ Market Valuation: The Saudi sports market reached $7.2 billion in 2023, driven by football’s expanding popularity, international player influx, and infrastructure investments. 📈 Vision 2030 Goals: By 2030, the sports market is projected to hit $22.4 billion, with the Saudi Pro League aiming to quadruple its revenue to $480 million. 🏟️ Economic Impact: Football is set to create 20,000-35,000 new jobs, making a significant economic contribution while also boosting tourism and global recognition. 🌍 Global Reach: With international broadcast deals and 1.5 million annual football tourists expected by 2030, Saudi football is on the global stage like never before. 💼 A Huge Opportunity for Fan Engagement Companies: As football continues to grow, the demand for innovative fan engagement solutions will skyrocket. This is an incredible opportunity for companies specializing in fan interaction to tap into one of the fastest-growing football markets in the world! Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into the football revolution in Saudi Arabia! Alexander Janssen Peter Warman Sam Li Samir Beg Ceric Mathias Ruch Olaf Hannemann Mark Goddard Yao Marian Tong Faisal Hassounah Faisal Al Sayegh Abdullah Alghamdi Abdulelah Alqoud Hamzah Al-Ghamdi Abdullah bin Zaid Al meleihi James Bisgrove Ali M. Alrayeh Al Qahtani Mohamad Almunajem Khalid M BinSultan Mona Youssef Hailey Lulu Yang Hicham El Amrani Khalid Mohammed Al Amoudi Ahmed Abas Amer Al-Ghofili Abdullah A. AlOthaim Peter Hugg Basim K. Ibrahim Saudi Pro League (SPL) نادي الهلال السعودي - Al-Hilal Saudi Club Al-Ahli Saudi FC نادي النصر السعودي - ALNASSR Saudi Club Al-Ittihad Club Company نادي الخلود السعودي - Alkholood Saudi Club AlShabab Saudi Club Al Taawoun FC نادي الوحدة السعودي AlWehda SFC نادي العروبة السعودي - Al-Orobah Saudi club #SportsBusiness #Football #Vision2030 #SaudiFootball #FanEngagement #SportsGrowth #FootballIndustry #BlocksportResearch

The CAF Super Cup will be played…..outside of Africa?? Net positive or net negative?? #playbookafrica #playbookmiddleeast The match, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 27, 2024, will feature two Egyptian squads: Al Ahly, the current African Champion League holders, and Zamalek, the reigning African Confederation champions. The announcement of Riyadh as the host city highlights the growing partnership between the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and Saudi Arabia, as this is not the first collaboration: Last year, Visit Saudi, the Saudi Arabian tourism authority, confirmed league sponsorship of the African Football League (AFL), and both CAF and Visit Saudi have expressed openness to extending their collaboration for future editions. And it certainly won’t be the last collaboration. ↓ So this begs the question, what does it mean to have one of the most prominent African football matches being played outside of Africa?? Well, this isn't the first time... The first time the CAF Super Cup was played outside Africa was on March 29, 2019, in Doha, Qatar. This match featured Raja Casablanca of Morocco against Tunisia's Esperance. As the 2022 World Cup host nation, Qatar used this event to train its staff and test its facilities in preparation for the World Cup. In addition, this upcoming Super Cup match is a bit of a “deja vu” case as these two teams already faced each other in Riyadh during the Egypt Cup in March 2024, where Al Ahly emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, another uniquely African game. I see the potential of these matches to engage a broader and more international audience, but I also see lost economic value for an African host city and its local businesses. Is this new trend a net positive or a net negative for African football?? For more news and analysis on the emerging sports economies of Africa and the Middle East, check out Playbook - Sports Business for Emerging Markets. __________ #linkedinsports  #sportsbusiness

Always proud of what timeout athletes are achieving in all sports.

This country will become a premier sports destination in the next 10 years. Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in sports. SURJ Sports Investment, which the $925B Saudi Arabia PIF owns, has been a driver for some of the biggest moves throughout the industry. Some of these developments include: ➊ Bringing some of the biggest soccer stars in the world to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Anderson Talisca and Kalidou Koulibaly ➋ Buying stakes in top leagues and teams including Newcastle United Football Club, McLaren Group, LIV Golf, Reliance Industries Limited (eSports), Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr ➌ Signing major deals and partnerships with global brands including WWE, ATP Tour, CONCACAF, IMG, and Formula 1 ➍ Investing in the nation's infrastructure which includes new stadiums, sports academies, and entertainment complexes such as NEOM which will become a global sports destination for major events and athletes. ➎ Placing bids for global sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup in 2034 and becoming a possible Olympic destination. Not to mention the numerous boxing and combat sporting events that have already taken place in Riyadh. The MENA region has seen a lot of growth in recent years and I'm confident we haven't seen anything yet. Subscribe to the Vetted Sports weekly newsletter to get the latest industry news, trends, and updates 📩 👇 https://lnkd.in/dUYVHG5y #sportstechnology #sportsinvesting #sportsbusiness

In a bid to elevate its standing on the global soccer stage, Saudi Arabia is setting its sights on expanding the international presence of its soccer clubs, with a particular emphasis on participation in prestigious competitions like Super Leagues. This strategic move not only underscores the kingdom's unwavering commitment to advancing its sporting landscape but also highlights its ambition to compete at the highest levels of the game. By venturing into these international arenas, Saudi Arabian clubs are poised to contribute significantly to the ever-growing tapestry of world football, fostering cross-cultural exchanges, enhancing talent development, and showcasing the nation's footballing prowess on a broader scale. Such initiatives not only serve as a stepping stone towards achieving sporting excellence but also position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global football community. As the kingdom embarks on this exciting journey towards sporting prominence, let's rally behind these endeavors, celebrating the spirit of competition, diversity, and camaraderie that soccer embodies. #SaudiArabianSoccer #InternationalAmbitions #SuperLeagues #GlobalSports #SoccerExcellence #FootballCommunity #SportsDiplomacy #UnityThroughSport #SaudiArabia

When Sarah Attar took to the track at London 2012, she wasn’t just running to compete. She was running for the women and girls who dreamed of playing, training or competing in Saudi Arabia. Today, Saudi Arabia has 25 women’s national teams and there are over 6,000 professional female athletes competing at local and international levels. As the Worldwide Management Consulting Partner of the International Olympic Committee – IOC, we’re using our global scale, deep insights, and understanding of innovation to track the impact of firsts that have happened at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Explore #TheFirstEffect and see the impact that firsts at the Olympic and Paralympic Games have had on the world. https://deloi.tt/3xKNu0O

The Saudi Pro League is rapidly becoming a global destination for top football talent, with major transfers from leading European leagues making headlines. This shift is a key part of Vision 2030's broader mission to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy by boosting non-oil sectors, including sports and tourism. As the league continues to attract star players, we’re seeing the potential for increased competition and growth in the Saudi sports industry. Beyond business, this development is positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for international talent across multiple sectors. Curious about the impact these moves are having on the Saudi Pro League and the wider sports industry? Discover more in our latest article.👇 Read more here👇 https://lnkd.in/ew7cc4Za #SaudiProLeague #Vision2030 #GlobalTalent #SportsIndustry #SaudiArabia #FootballTransfers #SaudiExpansion #BusinessGrowth #SportsAndTourism #MiddleEastBusiness #AEI #TalentAttraction

We should invest more in sports not just Football..