Aged 39 and about to play in a record-extending sixth European Championship, Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity at football’s highest levels almost defies belief.
Luka Modric is 38, still performing for Real Madrid and will be expected to provide the X Factor for Croatia at the Euros in Germany, which start June 14,
The best players are extending their careers for longer, despite the increased pace and intensity of the modern game.
Higher levels of fitness and stamina are being demanded of athletes, but that is being matched by ever-improving expertise in how to maximize performance.
“Sports science has had an impact on how we prepare the modern-day player in terms of diet, nutrition, lifestyle, training programs. We’ve moved out of the 80s and 90s with the increased level of professionalism,” Tony Strudwick, a sports scientist with more than three decades of experience in football, told The Associated Press.
Strudwick has held prominent roles at Manchester United, Arsenal and England and is currently director of medical at West Bromwich Albion.
He worked with Ronaldo at United when the Portugal forward first established himself as one of the best players in the world.
“He just set himself up for success,” Strudwick said. “I said four or five years ago, knowing how professional Ronaldo was, he could play up to the age of 40. That was no problem.”
With his 40th birthday in sight, Ronaldo shows no sign of being ready to quit. And with the advancement of sports science, the longevity that the likes of Ronaldo and Modric are achieving could become the norm.
ATTITUDE
It’s not so much that athletes have changed physically over the years — rather it has been a shift in mentality.
“We have seen a kind of evolution in professionalism as opposed to an evolution in genetics,” Strudwick said. “It wasn’t that players were unprofessional (in the past), they just didn’t know what they didn’t know.
“There’s a lot more scrutiny on players in terms of accountability.”
Improvements in player lifestyle is lengthening careers, with many using the services of fitness and conditioning experts to ensure they remain in prime condition even during the offseason.
Ryan Giggs took on yoga in his later years to help extend his career and allow him to play for United until he was 40.
DIET
Many top players also rely on the services of private chefs who deliver daily meals that are nutritionally balanced, while also being of restaurant quality.
That’s in addition to what’s provided by elite clubs, which have nutrition departments to help players keep food diaries and provide them with diet coaching.
In the past, some players would have pre-match meals of steak. Much has changed, with some managers banning sauces at the table.
Rod Thornley, a masseur who worked with Manchester United and England, can remember when Italian coach Fabio Capello took charge of the Three Lions.
“The first ever pre-match meal was just a massive bowl of pasta. No sauce, just pasta,” Thornley told the AP. “The lads were looking round going ‘What is this? We can’t eat this.’ And that’s all he offered. That was it.”
INJURY PREVENTION
Massage plays a role in avoiding soft tissue injury. Contemporary players will have several massages throughout the week at the training ground or at home.
“With the more exercise you do, the more tight your muscles become,” Thornley said. “You are affecting muscles, you’re affecting muscle mass, you’re affecting your buildup of tightness, your lack of elasticity in the muscle.
“It’s a huge part of keeping a player fit, keeping a player healthy, keeping them on the pitch.”
Ice baths are also used to help recovery.
MONEY
For all the ambition of players to continue as long as they can, there is also a clear financial incentive at a time when the rewards have never been higher.
It only makes sense for a player to want to extend their earning potential. Ronaldo, for instance, is reportedly paid $200 million a year playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi League. He is the CEO of the money-making machine that is his playing career. It is something Strudwick calls the “rise of the entrepreneur” football player.
And it can apply to players much lower down the food chain than Ronaldo.
“There is a big incentive to keep your career going,” Strudwick said. “An extra five years at the back end of your career sets up the modern footballer for a very, very comfortable future.”
DRIVE
In the case of Ronaldo, a remarkable career that has seen him win five Ballon d’Or awards for the best player in the world is no accident, according to Thornley.
They worked together at United, where Ronaldo won the first of his five Champions League titles.
“Ronaldo just had that mentality where he was just wanting to be the best at everything,” Thornley said. “He wanted to be the best player in the world from the second he turned up there. He was just one of those lads that you knew he would do whatever it took to be that person, and he did and he proved it.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Modric go to Euro 2024 showing age is no boundary for football’s modern stars
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Modric go to Euro 2024 showing age is no boundary for football’s modern stars
- The best players are extending their careers for longer, despite the increased pace and intensity of the modern game
Ex-Man United striker Anthony Martial joins AEK Athens
“AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said
ATHENS: Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has penned a three-year deal with AEK Athens, the Greek first division club announced on Thursday.
Out of contract after nine years with the Premier League club, Martial will receive 3.5 million euros ($3.9m) per year, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the 13-time Greek champions, who are celebrating their centenary this year.
“I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said.
The 28-year-old former Lyon and Monaco player signed for Man United in 2015, scoring 90 goals in 317 games and winning the Europa League in 2017 and two FA Cup trophies.
But he has never fulfilled his early promise after bursting onto the scene at Monaco as a teenager.
Martial was capped 30 times capped by France with two goals scored but his last selection was in the final of the Nations League in October 2021, though he did not appear from the bench in that match as France beat Spain 2-1.
AEK have also signed former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla midfielder Erik Lamela.
They are top of Super League Greece after four matches, but are not playing in European competition this season.
Topgolf to open three driving range entertainment venues in Kingdom
- Move part of partnership deal with Golf Saudi
- Company will also sponsor Kingdom’s professional golfers
RIYADH: Topgolf Callaway Brands is set to open three driving range entertainment venues in the Kingdom under a partnership deal with Golf Saudi.
The facilities will open in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, with the possibility of more to follow in the future, according to a press statement.
Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza said: “Our partnership marks a pivotal moment for golf in Saudi Arabia. Our golf infrastructure has been rapidly evolving and this multi-brand deal with Topgolf Callaway Brands will accelerate the game we love across the whole ecosystem.
“We are confident that we’ve found the right long-term partner to leverage the fast developing sports and golf canvas in Saudi Arabia and to co-innovate to help shape the future of golf in Saudi and beyond.
“This partnership ladders back to Golf Saudi’s role in achieving the goals of Vision 2030,” Alireza said.
“We are driven by improving the lives and opportunities of all Saudis and expats living in the country. Opening Topgolf will not only get thousands of people into playing golf and enjoying the health and wellness benefits that come with that, but it will also bring hundreds of new jobs to young Saudis, which is another part of our ambitions of building a far-reaching and sustainable golf ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
As well as the entertainment venues, under the deal Golf Saudi will become the official distributor of Topgolf Callaway Brands equipment and clothing in the Kingdom.
Callaway Golf will also sponsor the country’s professional golfers and provide clothing for the men’s, women’s and junior national teams.
Ton-up Ashwin lifts India to 339-6 against Bangladesh
- Pacer Hasan Mahmud rips through Indian batting order by taking four wickets
- India slipped to 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, Jadeja’s rescue
CHENNAI, India: A counter-attacking century from Ravichandran Ashwin pulled India to a “good position” at 339-6 on day one of the first Test after Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud rattled the hosts with four wickets on Thursday.
India slipped to 34-3 inside the first hour of play in Chennai, then 144-6 in the second session before Ashwin, on 102, and Ravindra Jadeja, on 86, put on an unbeaten stand of 195 runs.
Hasan had vindicated skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision to field first in overcast conditions, striking early with three wickets and taking one more after lunch.
The tourists, fresh from their 2-0 sweep in Pakistan, are looking for their first Test win against India.
Chennai-born Ashwin and the left-handed Jadeja — India’s go-to spinners — blunted the Bangladesh bowling, to the delight of the home fans.
“We always have a plan. We were relaxed in the dressing room when watching,” India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal told reporters.
“I think initially the ball was moving and seaming a bit and the wicket was damp. We took our time. In the last session we scored quite well and are in a good position at the moment,” he added.
Ashwin, 38, reached his sixth Test ton in 108 balls with 12 boundaries, removing his helmet and raising his hands to soak in the crowd’s cheers.
Hasan ripped through the Indian top-order including skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — both scoring just six runs — to leave the hosts at 34-3 inside the first hour of play.
Jaiswal put on a 62-run partnership with fellow left-hander Rishabh Pant to get some momentum into the Indian innings.
Hasan broke the stand in the third over after lunch when wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who is playing his first Test after a serious 2022 car crash, was caught behind off a loose shot. He made 39 with six boundaries.
Jaiswal fell to Bangladesh’s new pace sensation Nahid Rana for 56. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then took down KL Rahul for 16.
Hasan’s opening spell of 3-14 put the hosts immediately on the back foot, starting with Rohit caught at second slip.
“The plan was simple, to bowl at my strength — bowl seam-up and shape the ball in and out — and I succeeded,” said Hasan. “I was in my zone.”
He added: “Later in the day the wicket settled, but still I got some movement.”
Shubman Gill survived just eight deliveries before being caught behind for a duck when he attempted a flick down the leg side.
Kohli walked in to loud cheers but the noise soon stopped when the former captain edged a length delivery outside the off-stump from Hasan to wicketkeeper Litton Das.
It was a disappointing outing for Kohli after missing his team’s 4-1 home win over England in March due to the birth of his second child.
India is looking to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings as they begin a fresh Test season of 10 matches.
The second and final Test starts on September 27 at Kanpur.
PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent
- Gustavo Firmino talks to Arab News about the playoffs in Riyadh, growth of MMA in Middle East, and the PFL World Championships
RIYADH: PFL MENA may still be in its inaugural season, but it has already given mixed martial arts fighters from the Middle East a platform to showcase their talents on to global audiences.
One of the key driving forces behind the success of the Professional Fighters League’s newest international league is its Vice President of Fighter Operations Gustavo Firmino. Having previously worked with Bahrain-based BRAVE CF, Firmino knows a thing or two about putting on the best fights for Middle Eastern fans, and he is continued to do that with PFL MENA.
On Sept. 20, PFL MENA enters its postseason, raising the stakes for 16 of the best fighters in the region, as bantamweights, featherweights, lightweights, and welterweights take to the SmartCage at Boulevard Riyadh City to fight for an opportunity to become PFL MENA champion.
Ahead of the PFL MENA playoffs, Firmino spoke about the talent in the Middle East, what it takes to break through into the PFL’s million-dollar global tournament, and some of the must-see matches on this Friday’s card.
“The level of skill and talent we’ve seen from fighters in the Middle East and North Africa has been nothing short of remarkable,” he said. “This only strengthens our commitment to investing in this region, helping to develop and discover more young talents with immense potential to shine on the global stage.”
While a PFL MENA championship will certainly put a fighter on the map, it does not necessarily guarantee a spot in the PFL’s million-dollar global tournament, which features the best fighters from all corners of the globe.
“It is important to note that winning the Professional Fighters League in the Middle East and North Africa region does not automatically guarantee a spot in the global championship. The level of competition on the international stage is incredibly high, and only the fighters who consistently perform at the top level, showing excellence and determination, will be considered for the global competition.”
Still, the doors are open for Middle Eastern fighters to break through and compete on the global stage, as PFL MENA semifinalists like Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Jarrah Al-Selawe have done previously.
“The key factors that will determine a fighter’s participation in international tournaments are high performance and consistency. It’s not just about winning titles; it's about proving yourself as a world-class athlete over time, through dedication and elite-level results,” Firmino added.
As for the fights on this Friday’s PFL MENA 3 card, Firmino highlighted some must-see matchups including the main event and the co-main event.
The night’s marquee matchup will feature Saudi Arabia’s own Al-Qahtani taking on Jordan’s Abdulrahman Alyhassat in a featherweight semifinal contest.
“The upcoming fight between Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Abdulrahman Al-Hayassat is incredibly difficult to predict,” said Firmino. “Both fighters have shown exceptional abilities, and their chances are evenly matched, with a 50/50 split. Each has demonstrated dominance in their previous bouts, making this one of the most closely contested fights of the tournament.”
In the co-headlining bout, Jordan’s Al-Selawe looks to add another title to his already impressive resume as he faces Egypt’s Omar El Dafrawy.
“The excitement surrounding the semi-final clash between Al-Selawe and El Dafrawy is enormous,” Firmino exclaimed. “El Dafrawi brings youthful energy and determination, while Al-Selawe is one of the most seasoned fighters in the region.
“This matchup is a highly anticipated bout, and all eyes will be on these two exceptional athletes,” he added.
Firmino also talked about the other 170-pound semifinal fight featuring Mohammad Alaqraa, a protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and multiple-time champion Amir Fazil.
“Mohammad is Khabib’s protege, he trains at Khabib’s gym in Dagestan, he’s undefeated at 6-0 with 5 wins by knockout, but he’s facing a multiple-time Wushu Sanda Champion and a current UAE Warriors champion in Fazil. It’s the moment of truth for him. Is he ready for the next level?”
Paris Olympics stars set for FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi
- The UAE capital’s Corniche will once again play host to the world’s best 3x3 basketball players
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi will take place Oct. 26-27 at a specially built arena along the UAE capital’s Corniche, with some of the world’s best players — including recent Paris Olympic medalists — competing for vital ranking points and medals.
The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi will feature a prize fund of $160,000, with $40,000 awarded to the champions, $30,000 for the runners-up, and $22,000 for the third-place team.
The Paris Olympics saw the Netherlands clinch gold, and the dynamic Dutch players will be making their way to Abu Dhabi this October. Furthermore, FIBA 3x3 icons Team Ub from Serbia will bring their seasoned skills back to the capital, alongside the likes of team Vienna, Hangzhou and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy.
The final list of teams is still under process due to qualification.
The 3x3 format, known for its simplicity and pace, has grown in popularity since its Olympic debut, but has flourished in the UAE in recent years under the ADSC’s development.
Aref Hamad Al-Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the city’s readiness to host this international event.
“We are excited to bring the FIBA 3x3 World Tour back to Abu Dhabi, particularly after the remarkable display of 3x3 basketball at the Paris Olympics. The sport’s rapid growth has been impressive, and we are confident that this tournament will further enhance its reputation, as we offer a thrilling and secure experience for both players and fans,” he said.
The Abu Dhabi leg of the World Tour season will feature 14 international teams, alongside a local team from the ever-popular QUEST Community Championship. This Community Championship continues throughout the year, culminating with the winning team earning the right to represent Abu Dhabi at the main event on Oct. 26-27.
Ignacio Soriano, 3x3 head of events at FIBA, said: “Our partnership with this city and its sports leadership has flourished for nearly a decade now, solidifying Abu Dhabi as the ideal host for world-class 3x3 basketball. We eagerly anticipate our return to the capital and are confident that the Abu Dhabi event will once again radiate the vibrant energy that perfectly aligns with our organization’s vision.”
