Cristiano Ronaldo is convinced the world’s best players will all end up in Saudi Arabia, and for a moment it looked like the entire Real Madrid squad had joined him.
Ronaldo’s old team have rocked up in Riyadh, the rather unusual location for this year’s Spanish Super Cup.
3Jude Bellingham and co turned up in Saudi and instantly raised eyebrowsCredit: Getty
In fact, not only are they in the city of their all-time top scorer and arguably greatest-ever player, but they’re even staging their Supercopa semi-final at his Al Nassr side’s home ground.
Real will take on Atletico Madrid for a place in the final on Wednesday, with the Spanish cup now consisting of four teams, the winners and runners-up in LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.
If it wasn’t obvious enough that the whole thing might be leaning towards making money, holding it in Saudi Arabia has certainly caused some controversy in Spain.
On top of that, Madrid have launched a new training kit just in time for the tournament with items ranging from £38 for children’s shorts, all the way up to £205 for an adult’s parker coat.
The team debuted it at Al Nassr’s stadium, and those watching were rather confused.
The purple and yellow colour scheme was eerily similar to Al Nassr’s yellow and blue, and a number of fans quickly picked up on it, with one X user writing: “Designed an Al Nassr looking training kit then visiting Al Nassr’s stadium? They think we can’t see them?”
Another wrote: “I thought they were Madrid players, why did we copy Al Nassr’s kit design?” while a third added: “adidas fooling us with an Al Nassr jersey as Real Madrid’s training kit.”
It was also pointed out how similar the two teams’ logos are, both circular with a crown on top.
3The kit was almost identical to Al Nassr’s 2022/23 oneCredit: AFP
🔜 #superSupercopa pic.twitter.com/GnSWErarFG
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 9, 2024
Madrid’s players didn’t seem too bothered, though, all seemingly enjoying their time in Riyadh, apart from Rodrygo who had one awkward moment.
The Brazilian forward was celebrating his 23rd birthday on Tuesday, but still had to partake in some club activities, signing merchandise for fans.
3Rodrygo looked rather awkward at an unexpected giftCredit: @f11az
One attendee turned up with a birthday present for the youngster, and as he pulled it out of the bag, he awkwardly revealed a Ronaldo third shirt from Al Nassr’s club shop.
Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga struggled to hide his laughter as he looked at his baffled teammate, while Rodrygo let out an awkward ‘thank you’ while the fan posed for a picture with him.á
