NEOM FC rises as a new football force
In the shadow of Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking
NEOM project, a new football force is rising. NEOM FC, formerly known as
Al-Suqoor, is setting its sights on the global stage with ambitions that
stretch far beyond domestic competition — including participation in the FIFA
Club World Cup 2029 and a role in the Kingdom’s hosting of the 2034 FIFA World
Cup.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s powerful Public
Investment Fund (PIF) — the same entity behind Premier League side Newcastle
United — NEOM FC has become a symbol of the Kingdom’s sporting and
developmental transformation. The club's rebranding, unveiled in August 2024,
drew a surprising 10,000 spectators to Tabuk’s King Khalid Sports City, marking
a new era of excitement and engagement in a region previously overlooked by
mainstream football.
Strategic
Vision Meets Star Power
Under the leadership of club president Mishari
Al-Mutairi, NEOM FC has undergone a full-scale transformation. With the
appointment of CEO Moath Al-Owhali (formerly of Al Ettifaq) and sporting
director Kyriakos Dourekas (ex-Nottingham Forest), the club is being shaped by
international expertise and a clear development vision.
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Arabia's Vision 2030: transforming football into a global powerhouse
“This project is about more than football,”
said Al-Mutairi. “It’s about building a professional, community-oriented institution
that mirrors the broader aspirations of NEOM.”
Key player acquisitions include Saudi national
team captain Salman Al-Faraj from Al Hilal and Egyptian international Ahmed
Hegazi from Al Ittihad. Despite injury challenges, these high-profile signings
signal the club’s intent. Pericles Chamusca, a seasoned coach in Saudi
football, has taken the reins as head coach.
Building
Toward 2029 and Beyond
While NEOM FC’s short-term objective is
promotion to the Saudi Pro League, its long-term plans are even more ambitious.
Club leadership envisions NEOM FC representing Saudi Arabia in the FIFA Club
World Cup 2029, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader sports diplomacy agenda
ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
A new, state-of-the-art stadium is already in
the pipeline, set to be located within "The Line" — NEOM’s signature
170-kilometer futuristic city development. This infrastructure investment will
position NEOM FC as a unique global club with a one-of-a-kind home.
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launches initiative to boost football heroes across Asia and the Middle East
A
Football Movement Takes Root in Tabuk
NEOM FC’s emergence has ignited a footballing
movement in the northwest. The organized fan group "Wahdat NEOM" has
brought fresh energy to matchdays with fan zones, digital engagement, and
vibrant in-stadium experiences. The club’s 4-0 opening win of the season was
more than just a result — it was a declaration of intent.
With
deep financial backing, strategic leadership, and grassroots momentum, NEOM FC
is rapidly establishing itself as a model for the future of football in Saudi
Arabia. As the club builds toward its lofty international goals, it is also
redefining what a modern, community-connected football team can look like —
both on and off the pitch.
Source: 777 Score
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