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Paul McNamara

Mike Chan

This week’s Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong could help deepen ties between two “very powerful countries” in Saudi Arabia and China, a leading executive from Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr has said.
The four-team competition is being staged in Hong Kong for the first time, with Al-Nassr set to meet Saudi champions Al-Ittihad in the first semi-final on Tuesday night.
The two nations expanded cooperation during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2022 visit to the kingdom, and Hong Kong has since forged closer Saudi bonds.
And speaking exclusively to the Post, Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo said Saudi Arabia was aiming to become “a very strong country all over the world, like China” in time for its hosting of the 2034 Fifa World Cup.
“Football is one of the best networks in the world,” Semedo said. “I believe having this competition here will help both countries have much stronger relationships from now on.

“They are very powerful countries; Saudi Arabia wants to develop more and more … I believe China is a massive help for Saudi.
“And Saudi Arabian football is more powerful than China’s. We can bring that superstar [Ronaldo] here … however we are connected, by football or politics, the most important thing is to have that good connection and to grow together. China can help Saudi Arabia keep growing.”
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China last year signed a memorandum of understanding with their Saudi counterparts, and Semedo expected knowledge-sharing between the federations and their clubs to become commonplace.
“Everything that involves these two regions and the FAs of the two regions is something to connect them, something to learn from, and for them to improve themselves,” Semedo said. “That’s why we’re here, and I hope that connection goes even further.”
Hong Kong is the third overseas host for the Saudi Super Cup, following previous editions in England and the UAE.
Semedo said the city was an attractive destination because “this part of the world is big on marketing and branding”. “Hong Kong is a big channel to promote Saudi clubs, the Saudi league and Saudi as a country … and to develop business partnerships,” he said. “Football is one of the best industries in the world.”
Hong Kong Stadium will stage all three Saudi Super Cup matches, with Al-Ahli meeting Al-Qadsiah in Wednesday’s second semi-final, and the final scheduled for Saturday night.
Kai Tak Stadium was unavailable because of concerts, but Semedo was certain that future Super Cups would be held at the new 50,000-capacity arena.
“We’re more than happy for them to host again, and I believe we’ll be back here,” he said.
Semedo acknowledged that Ronaldo, his fellow Portuguese, was integral to Saudi football’s quest for global relevance.
“The country gets all the benefits because he’s just a superstar,” Semedo said. “He’s the best footballer and sportsman in the world.
“He’s very important for us, for the country and for world football.”
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, around the time that Saudi clubs began spending extraordinary sums to entice world-renowned players. The spending spree, which has shown little sign of abating, was broadly met with cynicism from observers at the time who suspected that the Saudi Pro League’s appeal would prove short-lived.

“Pearl of the Orient” pic.twitter.com/sCcGn2Qnul
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 15, 2025

Semedo, however, pointed to players, including Ronaldo, who have regained their places in international teams following moves to Saudi sides. He also referenced Al-Hilal reaching the inaugural Club World Cup’s quarter-finals in the United States this summer, after beating English giants Manchester City 4-3 in the last 16.
“Cristiano went back to the Portugal team and delivered the same thing as when he was playing in Europe, and everyone saw the level where Al-Hilal performed … that shows the quality of the Saudi league,” Semedo said.
The 40-year-old added that Al-Nassr were also using their time together in Hong Kong to “build a strong connection through the structure of the club”.
“If we get a title, it’s the best start in the world, but if we don’t, it’s not the end of the world,” he said. “We’re continuing the process I want to implement in our club. We want to build a strong foundation, so we can drive through the season and deliver trophies at the end.”


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Cristiano Ronaldo trains in Hong Kong ahead of this week’s Saudi Super Cup. Photo: Handout

Ronaldo is at the forefront of Saudi football’s expansion. Photo: X/AlNassr FC

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr train in sunny Hong Kong before Saudi Super Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates training in Tseung Kwan O. Photo: Fabio Brunazzi

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Sport

Football

Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo expects further Saudi Super Cups in Hong Kong and views city as ‘big channel to promote Saudi clubs’


Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo expects further Saudi Super Cups in Hong Kong and views city as ‘big channel to promote Saudi clubs’.


Al-Nassr

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Saudi Super Cup

Ronaldo’s Hong Kong visit can boost China-Saudi ties, Al-Nassr executive says

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo expects further Saudi Super Cups in Hong Kong and views city as ‘big channel to promote Saudi clubs’

Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo expects further Saudi Super Cups in Hong Kong and views city as ‘big channel to promote Saudi clubs’