Houssem Aouar says winning the Saudi Pro League in his debut campaign with Al Ittihad has been “a huge source of pride”, as the Algerian midfielder sets his sights on a domestic double when his side contest the King’s Cup final on Friday.
Aouar, 25, joined the Jeddah club last summer from Italian giants Roma and made an instant impact, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner against Al Kholood on the opening weekend of the 2024/25 campaign.
Later that month, he converted a 98th-minute penalty to seal a tense victory over Al Taawoun – setting the tone for what would become a standout season.
The former Lyon playmaker finished the league campaign with 12 goals and four assists in 30 appearances, emerging as a key figure in a side that clinched the Saudi Pro League crown with a game to spare.
“Winning a league title – this is the first time for me,” Aouar told the Saudi Pro League’s official media channel. “It’s something powerful and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.
“It’s been a long journey, and winning a league rewards the strongest and most consistent team over the season. This year, we were the best team in Saudi Arabia.”
The title marked Al Ittihad’s 10th league triumph and their second in three seasons, restoring the club to the summit of Saudi Arabian football following a disappointing fifth-place finish in 2023/24. The turnaround, Aouar said, came down to hard work, belief, and leadership – notably from club captain Karim Benzema.
The former Real Madrid striker, who lifted four La Liga titles and five Uefa Champions League crowns in Spain, has been “hugely important” to the squad’s mentality, according to Aouar.
“His influence has been essential,” he said. “He’s always won wherever he’s gone – it’s not luck, it’s not a coincidence. He’s a true competitor.
“He’s very demanding with himself and with his teammates, which kept us all focused. That’s crucial when it comes to winning a league. You need that focus, that drive, and Karim brings that every day.”
While Aouar and Al Ittihad have already secured the league, their attention has now turned to completing the double. They face Al Qadsiah in Friday’s King’s Cup final in Riyadh – a fixture the team is approaching with full focus.
“There’s still one last step,” Aouar said. “When I signed here, it was to win everything. We’ve celebrated the league, but now we’re preparing for the final because, as competitors, we want to finish the job.
“We’ll give it everything – we want that victory. The players, the staff, the fans – everyone deserves it.”
Aouar, who represents Algeria at international level, has revitalised his career in Saudi Arabia after a frustrating spell in Serie A.
Now, with a title in hand and a cup final on the horizon, he is fully focused on closing out a memorable debut season in style. “For me, this season has been special,” Aouar added. “But the best memories come when you win. That’s what we’re here to do.”
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The view from The National
Boulder shooting victims
• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65
SPECS
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BLACKBERRY
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
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