As the NEOM Beach Games reach their halfway point, the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup delivered four days of intense action over 24 thrilling matches. The finals of the football tournament saw Brazil defended the men’s title with a victory over UAE, while Spain retained the women’s title after a fierce battle with Brazil, marking their second consecutive year of triumph in NEOM.

Following its recognition as the ‘Best Event’ at the Beach Soccer Stars 2023 awards, the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup returned to the NEOM Beach Games as a World Championship, bringing together eight men’s and four women’s teams from around the world. Among the standout figures participating were Thanger Do Nascimento and Andrea Mirón, awarded respectively as the best male and female beach soccer players of 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s Men’s Beach Soccer team, ranked 24th globally under the leadership of Brazilian Coach Gustavo Zloccowick, delivered a remarkable performance on home soil at the NEOM Beach Games, securing 7th place after a strong victory against China, building on their group stage win over Germany amidst elite international competition.

Aside from the competition, NEOM and Beach Soccer Worldwide organized three community soccer activations during the Games to further enable the development of local talent in the Kingdom. With children participating in coaching clinics spanning NEOM communities to Al Jubail, the NEOM Beach Games aim to enhance accessibility to sports and nurture young athletes.

NEOM Sport’s Managing Director, Jan Paterson, commented: “We are pleased to host the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup for the third consecutive year as part of the NEOM Beach Games. This event brings world-class athletes from both men’s and women’s teams to our shores and offers young enthusiasts ongoing access to knowledge and expertise from elite athletes.”

Paterson added: “Through our partnerships with leading International Rights Holders, NEOM continues to enhance its position as a global hub for sports and major sporting events. These events not only spotlight emerging athletic talent but also contribute to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 by promoting human health and building a vibrant society. NEOM Beach Games further reflect our commitment to providing a unique environment that enables sports talent across various disciplines, including beach and adventure sports, to thrive and excel.”

President of Beach Soccer Worldwide, Joan Cuscó, also said: “Another exceptional edition of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup. When we left NEOM last year, we thought it would be hard to surpass that experience, but we were proven wrong. The high standards at NEOM continue to impress us year after year. Players and coaches alike have called this the standout tournament on the calendar, setting a prestigious benchmark for our sport.”

The NEOM Beach Games continue with the NEOM TITAN Desert cycling event, which takes place from November 18 to 22. The contest will see 230 athletes taking on new routes in an exciting test of endurance and skill with four days of 100km racing each day.