The Saudi Arabian Kingdom celebrated its 93rd National Day. Prominent footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema dressed in traditional Saudi attire.
Al-Yaom-ul-Watany, the unique day’s other name, commemorates the Kingdom’s unification.
Neymar and other Al-Hilal players performed the traditional dance known as Ardha while dressed in the Saudi attire of a “thobe” (traditional robe), “shemagh” (headscarf), and “aqal” (headband).
It was a busy day in Saudi Arabia, particularly for the Saudi Pro League players who were participating in their inaugural national day celebration.
The Brazilian footballer wasn’t the only SPL celebrity that attended the event. Strikers Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr, along with his teammates Sadio Mane, also wore traditional garb.
On Instagram, Benzema shared a selfie of himself wearing the full look, garnering 2.3 million likes. Ronaldo’s photo posted by Al-Nassr while wearing the thobe received 1.7 million likes. 4.2 million users liked Neymar’s post.
Numerous players from Europe’s top clubs have rushed to the Middle Eastern nation, winning rich contracts, ever since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr earlier this year.
The popularity of the league among football fans has increased thanks to players like Neymar, Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Mane.
Benzema’s Al-Ittihad now lead the SPL with 18 points after winning six of their first seven games of the 2023–24 season. Ronaldo’s Al-Nasr are in fifth place with 15 points, while Neymar’s Al-Hilal are in second place with 17 points.
According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldo has nine goals after seven games, Mane has six, and Benzema has three.