Esports Nations Cup Moves To 2027, Ronaldo Set For UAE Trips And Malcom Nears Al Jazira

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From Saudi Arabia’s esports calendar to Ronaldo’s AFC Champions League Elite route and a major UAE transfer link, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. The inaugural Esports Nations Cup has been moved to November 2027 in Riyadh, Al Nassr are set for two UAE trips in the AFC Champions League Elite, and Malcom is reportedly closing in on a move from Al Hilal to Al Jazira.

Esports Nations Cup Moved To November 2027

What Is It About
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup has been postponed to November 2027, with Riyadh remaining the host city. The new global tournament will see players represent their countries rather than esports clubs, bringing together around 2,000 players from more than 100 countries and territories across 16 games.

Why It Matters
The delay comes during Saudi Arabia’s wider push into gaming and esports. Earlier this month, a PIF-led consortium completed its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, the company behind EA Sports FC, Battlefield and Apex Legends.

What’s Next
Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert said the decision was made amid the wider regional situation, adding that postponing the Esports Nations Cup “was not taken lightly.” For now, the tournament remains set for Riyadh, but with its first edition moved to November 2027.

AFC Champions League Elite Draw Sets Up UAE Trips For Ronaldo

What Is It About
The 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite draw has mapped out the West Region league stage, with Al Ahli Saudi, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli among the Gulf clubs involved.

Why It Matters
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are set for two UAE trips during the campaign. They will face Al Ain in September before taking on Shabab Al Ahli in Dubai in February, giving UAE fans two chances to see Al Nassr in continental action.

What’s Next
Al Ahli begin their title defence as the reigning AFC Champions League Elite champions, while Ronaldo enters what he has said will probably be his final season still chasing his first AFC Champions League title.

Malcom Closing In On Al Jazira Move

What Is It About
Malcom is reportedly set to leave Saudi Arabia for the UAE, with the Brazilian winger closing in on a move from Al Hilal to Abu Dhabi’s Al Jazira. Reports citing ESPN say he is expected to terminate his Al Hilal contract and join the ADNOC Pro League club on a free transfer.

Why It Matters
The move would bring a major name to UAE football. Malcom joined Al Hilal from Zenit for €60 million in 2023, but is now set to leave Riyadh one year before his contract expires.

What’s Next
A three-year deal with Al Jazira has reportedly been agreed. The move comes after a proposed switch to Al Diriyah fell through, with Malcom now expected to continue his career in the ADNOC Pro League.

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SMASHI MOMENTS

• Diriyah players refused to give Joao Felix a water bottle during their cup game.

• Al Ahli received a special welcome as the Asian champions before the cup tie in Saudi Arabia.

• Karim Benzema was furious after being substituted at the 70th minute during Al Hilal’s 4-2 win over Al Faisaly

• Al Ittihad’s Jan-Carlo Šimić is already ordering his coffee in Arabic

• Mo Salah arrives with his new team Trabzonspor to Istanbul ahead of their league opener against Kasimpasa

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