MENA Sports Wrap: Saudi-based Cristiano Ronaldo makes history with one billion social media followers

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break records after reaching one billion followers across social media platforms while also having scored his 900th career goal recently.

Meanwhile, Iraqi football fans returned to Kuwait for a historic World Cup qualifier for the first time in 34 years, symbolising a step towards regional reconciliation.

And finally, in a heartfelt moment, Mohamed Salah paid tribute to his former Egypt coach, Ehab Galal, who recently passed away.

Ronaldo hits one billion followers online

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break records on and off the field, with the Al-Nassr forward hitting one billion followers across his social media platforms just one month after launching his YouTube channel, which set a record by gaining 10 million subscribers in a single day.

The 39-year-old football icon took to his social media platforms to express his excitement over making history with his loyal fanbase - which has continued to grow since moving to the Middle East - thanking them for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

"We’ve made history — 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number - it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond," the football star posted on X.

"From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I’ve always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together," he said.

"Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life. The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together."

Ronaldo recently netted his record-breaking 900th career goal during Portugal's 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Croatia, becoming the first player in football history to reach this milestone.

Iraqi football fans return to Kuwait for World Cup qualifier

Busloads of excited Iraqi football fans rolled over the border into Kuwait for a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday for the first time in 34 years.

Kuwaitis haven't been allowed at the neighbouring country's events since former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded the Gulf state in 1990.

"I can't describe how I feel. I haven't seen Kuwait in more than 30 years. Kuwait is close to us. There were wars and problems, but God willing, the situation will get better and better," one fan told AP.

The match took place at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, with Iraq leading Group B of the region's qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Iraq has been leveraging sports diplomacy to mend ties with Arab Gulf states, after decades of conflict. The country ended its most recent war, against the Islamic State group, at the end of 2017.

It hosted the Gulf Cup in its oil port city of Basra last year for the first time since 1979, a milestone in regional reintegration.

Yousif Faal, spokesperson for the Iraq Football Federation, said he hopes the rivalry, once considered the Arab world's greatest, stays on the pitch.

"It's a sporting competition, we should not insert politics into this," Faal said, adding that it's unfair to involve the young players, whether Iraqi or Kuwaiti, in old conflicts they were not a part of.

"This generation cannot pay the price of previous generations."

Mo Salah offers heartfelt tribute on the passing of former Egypt coach

Mohamed Salah has paid a heartfelt tribute following the passing of former Egypt coach Ehab Galal.

The Liverpool winger, who recently scored in Egypt's 4-0 victory over Botswana in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday, received news about the loss of one of his most cherished national team managers.

Salah took to X to offer his condolences, writing alongside a picture of his former manager: "May God have mercy on the soul of the respected coach, Ehab Galal."

Galal had been in charge of Egyptian Premier League outfit Ismaily SC since August 2023 - the 12th club of his career - and guided them to a 14th-place finish last season.

The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, though several reports suggested he had suffered a stroke on 1 September.

Galal, 57, managed other clubs such as Zamalek, El-Masry, El-Makkasa and Al-Ahly Tripoli, as well as Egypt's national team for three games in 2022.

The club's official X account posted: "Ismaily Club mourns, with great sadness and sorrow, one of its dear sons, and one of the most loyal supporters of the club, Captain Ihab Galal, the technical director of the club's first football team, who passed away in the past hours. To God we belong and to Him we shall return."

البقاء لله في وفاة المدرب المحترم إيهاب جلال pic.twitter.com/z7kH2K1DjD

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) September 11, 2024