The allure of Saudi football, heightened by global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, has transcended borders, capturing the imagination of young football enthusiasts in Namangan City, Uzbekistan.
In a recent interview with “Al Riyadh,” students from a local school in Namangan City expressed their admiration for the vibrancy of football in Saudi Arabia and the magnetism it exerts in attracting top talents from around the world. Ronaldo, the Portuguese maestro and captain of Al-Nassr, and Benzema, the French phenom representing Al-Ittihad, were particularly singled out for praise.
The students shared their excitement about the upcoming clash between Al-Ittihad and their hometown team, Navbahor, in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League. Their enthusiasm stemmed from Navbahor’s spirited performance against Al-Hilal in the group stage, where they secured a commendable 1-1 draw in Riyadh.
Despite facing a 0-2 defeat in the return leg at their home ground, the “Central” stadium, these young fans remain hopeful that Navbahor can defy the odds and produce a different outcome against the formidable Saudi Tigers.
The prospect of witnessing Ronaldo and Benzema in action has galvanized these students, fueling their determination to experience the excitement of live football at the “Central” stadium. Their enthusiasm serves as a testament to the global appeal of Saudi football and the transformative impact of footballing superstars on inspiring the next generation of players and fans, even in distant corners of the world like Uzbekistan.
