The NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2023 stands as a remarkable milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a premier host of world-class sporting events. This annual extravaganza, held from 25 – 28 October, showcased the thrilling sport of beach soccer alongside other exciting competitions.
The NEOM Beach Games brought together over 800 athletes and staff from across the globe to compete in an array of sports. However, it was beach soccer that took centre stage as teams from different nations battled for supremacy.
NEOM, the $500 billion mega-development in northwestern Saudi Arabia, provided a stunning backdrop to the event. NEOM’s ambitious goal is to become an innovative hub for sports and a catalyst for economic growth in the region. The NEOM Beach Soccer Cup embodies this vision by creating an exceptional platform for showcasing beach soccer’s exhilarating nature.
Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport, noted the unique opportunity NEOM presents. With a blank canvas, NEOM has set out to create an ecosystem that celebrates the power of sport, fostering development, promoting active lifestyles, and inspiring the next generation of athletes in Saudi Arabia.
One of the key highlights was the strong partnership forged with Beach Soccer Worldwide, bringing beach soccer to the forefront of the NEOM Beach Games. The event’s legacy and success are vital in making NEOM a hub for international sporting events, with the breathtaking landscape serving as an ideal backdrop for beach soccer’s high-speed, skilful adventures.
In the men’s competition, Brazil demonstrated their skill and tenacity, claiming the coveted NEOM Beach Soccer Cup title. Spain, on the other hand, emerged victorious in the women’s category, cementing their status as the team to beat.
The finals were indeed a spectacle to behold, with Japan securing second place in the men’s competition, closely followed by the UAE in third. The matches were nothing short of exceptional, echoing the intensity and excitement of a world-class final.
Before the finals, a press conference was held, where Jan Paterson again expressed her delight at the competition’s progression, describing it as a “milestone in NEOM Sports history” and conveying her gratitude to Beach Soccer Worldwide.
In response, Joan Cuscó; President of Beach Soccer Worldwide commended NEOM Sport for their impeccable hospitality and top-notch facilities provided to both participants and staff. He went on to declare the Neom Beach Soccer Cup as “the best event of the season,” with emphasis on the calibre of the nations involved in the finals, as seen in the World Cup finals.
The Neom Beach Soccer Cup 2023 undoubtedly lived up to its reputation, delivering remarkable beach soccer action and creating lasting memories for both fans and participants. The event was a testament to the passion and dedication of the teams involved, reaffirming the global appeal of this thrilling sport.
Credits: BSWW
