Fahad Aft leaves the X platform before the Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal derby: Reasons and details
Prominent Saudi journalist and poet Fahd Aft widespread controversy and discussion in sports and cultural circles on Twitter (formerly known as "X") after his sudden decision to deactivate his personal account moments before the fiery Riyadh derby between his favorite team, Al-Nassr arch-rivals, Al-Hilal . The match ended with Al-Nassr suffering a 3-1 defeat in a highly charged and dramatic encounter.
A farewell message... Health first
Before leaving the digital world, Afat left a poignant tweet that revealed the hidden suffering of die-hard fans and the impact of the stress of major matches on public health. He wrote:
"God willing, Al-Nassr will win, but I apologize to you all... I am a man suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, and I can no longer continue on platform X... Goodbye."
These words were not merely a declaration of withdrawal, but a warning about the health risks that can be posed by following intense sporting events in real time, especially for those with chronic illnesses.
Reactions: Between Shock and Literary Analysis
The passing of a prominent media and poetic figure like Fahd Aft did not go unnoticed. His admirers focused on the word "farewell," a word Aft had always fought against in his poems, which celebrated permanence and reunion. Poet and media personality Nayef Al-Rashidi on this painful contradiction, saying:
"A calm reaction means that the sadness is greater! He said goodbye... he who hates farewells, and years of farewells... he who once wrote: 'As long as sadness, like contentment, keeps you in my thoughts... I am neither sad nor content with you... I am sad for you and content with you!' "
For his part, critic and poet Meshaal Al-Fawazi that the “X” platform had lost one of its most important poetic and critical pillars, noting that the void that Afat would leave would be palpable given his cultural weight and extensive journalistic experience.
Riyadh Derby: A history of conflict and psychological pressure
To understand Fahad Aft's motives, one must consider the broader context of the event. Matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are not merely ordinary football games; they constitute the "Riyadh Derby," considered the most intense derby in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Historically, these matches are characterized by immense public enthusiasm and extensive media coverage, placing fans and club members under tremendous psychological pressure before, during, and after the game.
Specialized medical studies in sports medicine indicate a close relationship between watching crucial matches and increased stress levels, blood pressure, and sugar levels, making Afat's decision to stay away a medically justified precautionary step to avoid emotions that could harm his health, especially with the heavy result of the match.
Fahad Aft... More than just a fan
It's worth noting that Fahd Aft is not just a casual Al-Nassr fan; he's a pioneer of popular journalism in the Gulf and the founder of "Al-Mukhtalif" magazine, which shaped the sensibilities of an entire generation of poetry lovers. Therefore, his engagement with sporting events always carries a literary and philosophical dimension, making his departure a loss to the cultural scene parallel to sports in Saudi Arabia. The question remains: Is this farewell final, or is it merely a "warrior's rest," after which Aft will return with calmer and wiser words once the dust of the derby settles?
