Saudi clubs and their international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, engaged in the celebrations of Founding Day by donning special attire for the occasion, showcasing the traditional Saudi dress that includes the "Alqal Al-Muqassab" (folded headgear) and "Thobe Al-Muradn" (a type of traditional robe).
Brazilian superstar Neymar, a player for Al-Hilal, was among the global stars in the Saudi Professional League who participated in these celebrations during Al-Hilal's Founding Day event. Neymar was seen wearing the traditional "Alqal Al-Muqassab" and "Thobe Al-Muradn," alongside his Al-Hilal teammates, as part of the club's festivities.
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French star Karim Benzema, a striker for Al-Ittihad, participated in a video shared by Al-Ittihad, showcasing celebrations by the players during the Founding Day event. In the video, Benzema and his teammates were featured performing the Saudi "Ardah" dance, dressed in traditional Saudi attire.
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Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen with his Al-Nassr teammates enjoying the festivities.
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Englishman Steven Gerrard, coach of Al-Ettifaq, was also seen wearing the "Alqal Al-Muqassab" as part of the club's Founding Day celebrations, with the team's stars joining in the event.
February 22 has been earmarked as Saudi Arabia's Founding Day, a new annual holiday to commemorate the founding of the first Saudi state.
It celebrates the history of Saudi rule which goes back hundreds of years. However, it is different to the Saudi National Day, which falls on September 23.
Last year, Neymar and Karim Benzema wore traditional Saudi clothing to mark the kingdom's 93rd National Day. Cristiano Ronaldo also celebrated Saudi National Day in cultural attire and was seen performing the traditional sword dance with Al-Nassr FC teammates in a video released by the club.
It must be noted Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, has named the upcoming round of the Saudi Professional League as the Founding Round.