In a scene that blended the glamour of art with the passion of football, Al-Nassr and Saudi national team goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi the show at the Joy Awards ceremony held Saturday evening in Riyadh. Despite the lively atmosphere and the presence of a host of international and Arab stars, the young goalkeeper's heart and mind were clearly focused on the match between his team, Al-Nassr, and Al-Shabab in the Saudi Professional League.
Cameras captured Al-Aqeedi intently following the Riyadh derby on his mobile phone, a moment widely shared on social media. Users praised his strong loyalty to his club and his dedication to following his teammates' progress despite being present at a major international event. Al-Aqeedi's absence from guarding Al-Nassr's goal in this crucial match stems from a two-match suspension imposed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee. This suspension was a consequence of his expulsion during the previous Al-Hilal derby.
Nawaf Al-Aqidi's presence at the Joy Awards particularly significant, as he was not merely attending in an honorary capacity, but was also a nominee for the "Favorite Athlete" award. This highly competitive category reflects the remarkable development of Saudi sports and the growing public interest in its stars. The ceremony is one of the highlights of Riyadh Season, honoring outstanding individuals in the fields of art, cinema, drama, music, sports, and influencers, thus showcasing the positive synergy between the sports and entertainment sectors as a key component of the Kingdom's soft power.
On the pitch, Al-Aqidi's teammates lived up to expectations, as Al-Nassr secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Al-Shabab in the derby, during the sixteenth round of the Roshan Professional League. This win is of paramount importance to Al-Nassr in their pursuit of the league title, strengthening their position in the standings and providing a significant morale boost, especially given the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper.
This scene clearly reflects the unique situation that Saudi sports are currently experiencing, where football stars have become societal icons whose fame extends beyond the stadiums, becoming an integral part of the general cultural and entertainment scene in the Kingdom, which is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision objectives to enhance the quality of life and the entertainment industry.
