The iconic ‘Siuuu’ goal celebration, famously performed by Portuguese football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo, has achieved legendary status among fans. Its significance was elevated when joined by his new Al-Nassr teammate, Sadio Mane, adding an extra layer of excitement. Mane, the former star of Liverpool and Bayern Munich, has recently embarked on his journey in the Saudi Pro League, and it appears he’s seamlessly fitting into the rhythm. In a quarterfinal match of the Arab Club Champions Cup against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, Ronaldo netted the opening goal for his team. A video capturing this moment went viral on social media, showcasing Mane replicating the same celebration alongside his teammate.
In a significant announcement on Sunday, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund introduced SRJ Sports Investments, a new sports investment company with a strategic mission. The company’s focus is on attracting “major global events” to the kingdom, which has already made headlines in recent months for its successful endeavors in attracting top football talents.
Known for its substantial resources, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) detailed the objectives of SRJ Sports Investments in a statement. The new venture will engage in investments related to acquiring and creating intellectual property for sports events, commercial rights for renowned sports competitions, and hosting significant international events within Saudi Arabia. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing Saudi Arabia’s stature as a premier global hub for sports and entertainment.
With assets under management totaling 2.23 trillion Saudi riyals ($595 billion) in 2022, the PIF stands as one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, further emphasizing the significance of this sports-oriented undertaking.
Sports play a pivotal role in the kingdom’s comprehensive Vision 2030 reform agenda, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as the PIF chairman. This strategic shift underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reshaping its image as a dynamic global destination for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
