In an exclusive interview with Okaz newspaper, Brazilian defender and Napoli player Juan Jesus expressed his immense happiness with the atmosphere the team experienced in Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of the Italian Super Cup, which was hosted by Riyadh. Jesus emphasized that being in the Kingdom and competing for this title held a special significance and great moral value for the team.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Jesus said: “It was a very positive experience for me and my teammates. We made a long journey from Italy to get here, but the fatigue disappeared as soon as we saw the amazing presence of Napoli fans in the stands. It was fantastic to see them here and to support us so enthusiastically throughout the game.”.
Global organization and festive atmosphere
The Napoli star praised the high level of organization of the tournament, adding: “The organization was fantastic by all standards, and the atmosphere was festive, befitting a global event. Winning and being here is an important achievement for our career, and we look forward to building on this experience to continue working hard and achieving more victories in the future.”.
The Italian Super Cup in the Kingdom: A successful strategic partnership
Saudi Arabia's hosting of the Italian Super Cup comes as part of a series of successes in attracting major international sporting events. In recent years, the Kingdom has become a preferred destination for Italian football, with Saudi cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh having previously hosted editions of the tournament, witnessing the triumph of prestigious clubs like Juventus, Lazio, and Inter Milan. This hosting reflects the depth of sporting relations between the two countries and underscores the Kingdom's position as a global sports hub.
The impact of global events on tourism and sports
Organizing such major tournaments falls under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance quality of life and diversify the economy by supporting the sports and tourism sectors. Saudi stadiums have proven their complete readiness and advanced infrastructure to host top-tier football stars, highlighting the tremendous development of the sports sector locally and drawing global attention to Saudi culture and hospitality.
Napoli and future ambitions
Juan Jesus concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the ambition of the southern Italian team does not stop there, noting that the team has a strong desire to continue competing for all available titles during the upcoming local and European competitions, drawing its strength from the support of its wide fan base around the world.
