RIYADH: Desert rally driver Dania Akeel has become the first Saudi woman to join Red Bull’s elite group of International Champions following her resounding achievements in the sport.
Akeel, who self-describes as a “motorsports athlete,” made history last year when she won the T3 2022 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas in Italy.
She was chosen to join the Red Bull International Champions on the back of her “remarkable achievements in desert rallying by becoming the first Saudi athlete to attain a first-of-its-kind feat,” said a media statement issued on Friday.
The statement added that Akeel is currently preparing to compete in this year’s T3 World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, which begins next month.
Following the announcement, Akeel expressed her happiness at joining the group of elite champions “under the auspices of Red Bull, because it increases my enthusiasm, encourages me to present the best in my career and (to) continue to accomplish further achievements and victories.
“Red Bull will be an additional incentive for me to intensify my efforts to (achieving) more victories … future,” she added.
This season Akeel is set to participate in at least 13 local, regional and international rallies, her largest annual participation schedule so far after joining the world of desert rallies two years ago.
Dania Akeel named first female Saudi Red Bull International Champion
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Dania Akeel named first female Saudi Red Bull International Champion
- Akeel receives accolade for her achievements in desert rallying after 2022 T3 World Cup win
- Driver expressed her happiness at joining the group of elite world champions
Mbappé equals ‘idol’ Ronaldo with his record 59th goal in a year for Real Madrid
- “It’s incredible, in my first (full) year to do what Cristiano did. (He’s) my idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid,” Mbappé said
BARCELONA, Spain: Kylian Mbappé scored his 59th goal for Real Madrid in 2025 on Saturday to equal the club record for the most in a year held by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The milestone was about to escape the France striker until he converted a penalty kick with four minutes left to complete a 2-0 win over 10-man Sevilla in Madrid’s final game of the year.
Mbappé matched Ronaldo’s tally from 2013 on his 27th birthday. After embracing his teammates, he marked the feat with a subdued version of Ronaldo’s trademark goal celebration — whereby the Portugal forward leaps up and thrusts his arms downwards upon landing — before blowing a kiss at the television cameras.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star, who joined Madrid in the summer of 2024, has scored 29 times for Madrid this season, including a league-leading 18.
“It’s incredible, in my first (full) year to do what Cristiano did. (He’s) my idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid,” Mbappé said.
“My celebration is for him. I wanted to do that because he helped me adapt here and now I can help Madrid win games with my goals. I wanted to share it with him. I have a really good relationship with him, he is my friend, and I wish him and all Madrid fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Jude Bellingham scored with a header in the 38th minute and Sevilla lost defender Marcao to a second booking for rash tackles with 20 minutes left.
Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda also was expelled by the referee during the halftime break apparently for protesting.
Alonso has been under pressure for several weeks due to a run of bad results and the overall lackluster play of his star-studded side. Spanish sports media is rife with speculation the first-year coach could be replaced.
Now Madrid club president Florentino Pérez will have two weeks to ponder the team’s future before its next game against Real Betis on Jan. 4.
Alonso could have ill afforded another slip at the Santiago Bernabeu after his side lost its previous two games. But Madrid’s fans still had reason to grumble after Sevilla repeatedly created scoring chances — even after being reduced to 10 men.
Alexis Sánchez, still spry at age 37, and right back Juanlu Sánchez stood out the most for a Sevilla side that poked holes in Madrid’s defense.
Madrid needed Thibaut Courtois to deny Alexis, Isaac Romero and Alfonso González on four strikes in the second half. But Sevilla could have gone ahead if it had just showed more finishing touch early on.
The result was still in doubt until Mbappé converted his spot kick after Juanlu fouled Rodrygo in the area.
Madrid is in second place at one point behind Barcelona before the leader visits third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.
