Fouad Anwar: The Saudi project has impressed the world, and this is the prescription for the return of youth
Saudi football legend and former captain of Al-Shabab and the national team, Fouad Anwar, affirmed that the qualitative leaps witnessed by Saudi sports recently have placed the Kingdom at the center of global attention, praising the unprecedented support enjoyed by the sports sector, which he described as having “amazed the world.”.
In exclusive statements to Okaz, Anwar explained that the ambitious sports project, which is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, has resulted in a radical transformation in the status of the Saudi Professional League, which now includes an elite group of the brightest international football stars, raising it to the ranks of the world’s major leagues in terms of competitive strength and fan following.
General context: Vision 2030 is driving the sports transformation
This remarkable development comes within the framework of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at diversifying income sources and building a sustainable economy. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Saudi leadership has given considerable attention to the sports sector, not only as a form of entertainment, but also as an influential economic tool and a contributor to enhancing quality of life and developing generations of athletes capable of competing globally. This support was evident in the Public Investment Fund's acquisition of major clubs and the injection of massive investments to attract top-tier players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, which generated significant media and economic activity.
The project's impact on Saudi football
The impact of this project wasn't limited to the media; it extended to raising the technical level of local tournaments. Anwar pointed out that having players with such international experience directly contributes to the development of local players through daily interaction in training and matches, which will positively affect the performance of national teams in the near future. This momentum has also made the Kingdom a prime destination for hosting major international sporting events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, with the ultimate goal of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Al Shabab Club: A call for collaborative work
In his remarks, Fouad Anwar addressed his former club, Al-Shabab, with an important message, emphasizing the need to rally around the club and support its technical and administrative stability. He explained that Al-Shabab needs a concerted effort from all its members and fans to return strongly to the podium and compete for titles, stressing that stability is the key to success for any team aspiring to win championships.
Anwar concluded his remarks by emphasizing that discipline and attention to grassroots work and age groups are the cornerstones for ensuring the continued excellence of Saudi football, and for guaranteeing the flow of talents capable of representing the "Green" in upcoming international events and fulfilling the aspirations of the fans.
