In a thrilling encounter at the King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, NEOM and Jubail played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in the twentieth round of the Saudi First Division. The match,held on February 4,2025,was marked by late-game heroics and the debut of Algerian star Saeed bin Rahma for NEOM.
The game kicked off with NEOM taking an early lead, thanks to striker Mbay Diani, who found the back of the net in the 5th minute.diani doubled his tally in the 49th minute, putting NEOM in a commanding position.Though,Jubail’s Vinicius barbosa had other plans. The Brazilian forward converted a penalty in the 23rd minute and then delivered a stunning free-kick in the 90+5th minute to snatch a point for his team.
The match also marked the first appearance of Saeed bin Rahma, who joined NEOM in the January 2025 transfer window from French club Olympique Lyonnais. Bin Rahma’s inclusion in the starting lineup alongside Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy signaled NEOM’s ambition to strengthen their squad for a push to the professional league.
NEOM, currently leading the Saudi First Division with 38 points, remains two points clear of their closest rival. The club, which has undergone notable transformation since its ownership change in late 2023, has made over 25 strategic signings in the past two transfer windows. This aggressive recruitment strategy has positioned NEOM as a rising force in Saudi football.
The match’s highlights, including Barbosa’s late equalizer, were shared on social media by Saudi sports channels, capturing the intensity and drama of the encounter. Fans can relive the action through the embedded tweet below:
🔚 End of the matchsrc=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Jubail 2️⃣
Watch the goals ..⤵️%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%88?src=hash&refsrc=twsrc%5Etfw”># دوريلو
pic.twitter.com/op8ingA8wj
- Saudi sports channels (@Riyadiyatv) Key Match Statistics
Table of Contents
| Team | Goals | Scorers |
|———-|———–|————-|
| NEOM | 2 | Mbay Diani (5’, 49’) |
| Jubail | 2 | Vinicius Barbosa (23’ pen, 90+5’ free-kick) |NEOM’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable.With their sights set on promotion to the professional league, the club’s strategic investments and strong performances have made them a team to watch.As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if NEOM can maintain their momentum and secure a historic promotion.
NEOM’s Rise in Saudi Football: Insights from Football Expert Dr. Samir Al-Farhan
In a thrilling match at the King Khalid Sports City Stadium, NEOM adn Jubail battled to a 2-2 draw, showcasing the growing competitiveness of Saudi football.To delve deeper into NEOM’s remarkable journey and their prospects for promotion, World Today News Senior Editor Sarah Thompson sat down with Dr. Samir Al-Farhan, a leading football analyst and expert on Middle Eastern football. Here’s their insightful conversation.
NEOM’s Strategic Conversion
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Al-Farhan, NEOM has undergone a significant transformation as its ownership change in 2023. What does this mean for the club’s future?
Dr. Samir al-Farhan: NEOM’s transformation has been nothing short of unusual.The ownership’s commitment to investing in top talent and infrastructure has positioned the club as a rising force in Saudi football. With over 25 strategic signings in the past two transfer windows, including the likes of Algerian star Saeed bin Rahma, NEOM is clearly building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Their focus on youth growth and experienced players like Ahmed Hegazy shows a balanced approach that could lead to long-term success.
The Impact of Key Players
Sarah: Speaking of players, Mbay Diani and Vinicius Barbosa were standout performers in the recent match.How crucial are they to their respective teams?
Dr.Al-farhan: Both players are absolutely pivotal. Mbay Diani’s ability to score consistently has been a game-changer for NEOM. His two goals in the recent match exemplified his clinical finishing and composure under pressure. conversely, Vinicius Barbosa’s late free-kick for Jubail demonstrated his technical brilliance and leadership on the pitch. These players are not just goal-scorers; they inspire their teams and elevate the overall performance.
NEOM’s Path to Promotion
Sarah: NEOM is currently leading the Saudi First Division.Do you see them securing promotion to the professional league this season?
Dr. Al-Farhan: the signs are promising. NEOM’s aggressive recruitment strategy, combined with their consistent performances, has put them in a strong position. Though, the competition is fierce, and maintaining momentum is key. Their ability to handle pressure in critical moments, as seen in the match against Jubail, will be crucial. If they continue to strengthen their squad and avoid complacency,promotion is well within their reach.
The Broader Implications for Saudi Football
Sarah: How does NEOM’s rise reflect the broader landscape of Saudi football?
Dr. Al-Farhan: NEOM’s success is a testament to the rapid growth of Saudi football. The league is becoming more competitive, with clubs investing heavily in talent and infrastructure. This not only raises the standard of football but also attracts international attention. NEOM’s commitment to excellence sets a benchmark for other clubs and contributes to the overall development of the sport in the region.
Conclusion
Sarah: Thank you, Dr. Al-Farhan,for your insights. It’s clear that NEOM’s journey is one to watch, and their impact on Saudi football is significant. We look forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds.
Dr. Al-Farhan: Thank you, Sarah. NEOM’s story is a fascinating one, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the future of Saudi football. Fans should definitely keep an eye on this team as they strive for historic success.
