Lead:
The UAE Professional League held its annual awards ceremony for the 2025-2026 season, celebrating standout performers across the domestic competition. Simultaneously, football clubs across the Middle East and North Africa accelerated transfer activity ahead of the new campaign, with moves involving players from Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, and beyond reshaping squad compositions.
Top Stories:
Al Ain dominates Professional League awards — The defending champion club swept major honours at the 2025-2026 season awards ceremony, with multiple players recognized among the league's elite performers. Legend Andres Iniesta was appointed as an ambassador for the league during the celebration.Ronald Araujo moves to Liverpool on loan — Barcelona agreed to send Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo to Liverpool on a one-year loan arrangement, bolstering the English club's defensive options for the upcoming season.Ayoub Bou Aidee approaches Manchester City agreement — The young Moroccan midfielder from Lille reached a personal terms agreement with Manchester City, advancing the club's pursuit of the midfielder following earlier negotiations over contractual details.Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father, passes away — Jorge Messi, father and longtime advisor to Argentine star Lionel Messi, died at age 68 following a prolonged illness. Messi was seen attending funeral proceedings alongside family and teammates.Saudi Arabia readies eight stadiums for AFC Asian Cup 2027 — The Saudi Ministry of Sports announced completion status for eight venues to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, including King Fahd International Stadium, as preparation accelerates for the regional tournament.Don Nelson, NBA legend and coach, dies — Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time championship winner as a player with the Boston Celtics, passed away.What to Watch:
Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in the 2026 European Super Cup at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on an unconfirmed date. Al Jazeera hosts Saudi Al-Ittihad in the opening match of the 2026-2027 UAE Professional League season on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.