NEOM’s new head coach: ‘I am excited to be part of the big Saudi project’

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Updated 06 July 2025
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NEOM’s new head coach: ‘I am excited to be part of the big Saudi project’

  • Christophe Galtier left Qatari club Al-Duhail SC in May
  • The team have been busy preparing for the 2025-2026 campaign

TABUK: Newly promoted to the Saudi football League, NEOM Sports Club announced on Saturday the appointment of French head coach Christophe Galtier as their new manager.

Galtier left Qatari club Al-Duhail SC in May after two years as head coach where he guided them to the 2024-2025 Qatari Stars Cup.

The Frenchman won two Ligue 1 titles as a manager, coaching Lille OSC to the trophy in 2020-2021 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2022-2023, his only season in charge of Les Parisiens.

In a message on NEOM SC’s social media on Saturday, Galtier said: “I am really excited to be part of this big Saudi project. Happy to join one of the best leagues in the world. I cannot wait to write the story of NEOM Football Club.”

The team have been busy preparing for the 2025-2-26 campaign: this week they announced the signings of former Arsenal and Olympique Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazatte, Ivorian midfielder Amadou Kone and former Al Fayha defender Faris Abdi.

The club, based in Tabuk, was promoted to the Saudi Pro League at the end of last season, after finishing top of the Saudi First Division.


Historic FIFAe Finals 25 conclude with France crowned world’s best nation in Rocket League

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Historic FIFAe Finals 25 conclude with France crowned world’s best nation in Rocket League

  • FIFAe Finals 25 took place from Dec. 10-19 in Riyadh
  • France crowned champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League

RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 25 concluded on Friday as France were crowned champions at the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League, closing out eight days of football esports competition and entertainment in Riyadh.
The French team, consisting of Zen, Vatira and Juicy, delivered a standout performance from the group stage to the final, combining exceptional skills, perfect team chemistry and nerves of steel in high-pressure moments.
The competition marked the grand conclusion of the FIFAe Finals 25, the pinnacle event in football esports, bringing teams from around the world to challenge for multiple titles together under one roof.
With 250 matches across eight competition days, a $450,000 prize pool, millions tuning in online and record-breaking social media numbers, the event set new benchmarks in its 2025 edition.
“This year’s FIFAe Finals truly united the world by connecting the next generation of fans with the sport we all love. By creating the biggest global stage for national team–based football esports, we are shaping a new era of entertainment — one that combines national pride, competitive excellence and the universal passion for football and gaming,” said Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA secretary general.

“Congratulations to all world champions for their outstanding achievements in an unforgettable, spectacular atmosphere. As we continue to unite the entire football family, we encourage all our member associations, players, fans and stakeholders to join us in 2026 for an exciting new chapter.”
With 94 nations and millions of players on the Road to Riyadh, the FIFAe ecosystem demonstrated a new level of national team–based esports throughout the year. The season reached its climax at the SEF Arena in Riyadh.
The FIFAe Finals 25 concluded with three historic champions:

  • Thailand: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Mobile
  • Poland: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Console
  • France: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League