The Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia twice in recent times. Another tournament will be held early next year, with the finals perhaps held at Al-Hilal Stadium, where Neymar plays on a daily basis.

Spanish Super Cup debut in Saudi Arabia

The Spanish Super Cup has been a topic of discussion in recent years, especially with the decision to play it in Saudi Arabia. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has faced criticism over the move. The Super Cup was played for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant change from Spain's traditional venues. The decision was part of a broader trend of Saudi Arabia's growing involvement in the world of football.

The final of the 2020 Spanish Super Cup has determined the winner of the 36th edition of the annual Spanish Super Cup football competition. The match took place on January 12, 2020 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid met in the final. 

Real Madrid won the match 4-1 in penalty kicks, after a 0-0 draw after extra time, winning its 11th Super Cup title. This match was influential in developing and increasing interest in football in Saudi Arabia, with countless fans sitting in front of their TV screens. However, many people are still not convinced by this sport, but instead choose other online entertainment such as poker.

© King Abdullah Sports City Jeddah

Which stadium could host the 2024 Spanish Super Cup?

In 2022 and 2023, the Supercopa de Espana was played at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh. In 2022, Real Madrid beat Athletic Club 2:0, with Luka Modrić and Karim Benzema scoring the goals. In 2023, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid met in the final and the Catalans proved to be the better team. They won very confidently - 3:1. The goals for Barca were scored by Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri, and the honorary goal for Real was scored by Karim Benzema.

Although it is not officially known where specifically the Spanish Super Cup 2024 will take place, we can be sure that the organising country for the event will be Saudi Arabia. In fact, the contract between the country and the Spanish football federation is in force until 2029. There is a possibility that these prestigious matches will be played at the stadium of Neymar and his team, Al-Hilal - King Fahd International Stadium. This is the same venue where Real Madrid and FC Barcelona won in 2022 and 2023.

Who will play in the Supercopa de Espana 2024? The 2022/2023 LaLiga season was won by FC Barcelona and the Copa del Rey was won by Real Madrid. With these achievements, these teams have secured their place in this tournament. In addition to them, Osasuna and Atletico Madrid will be coming to Saudi Arabia.

© Frank-Jasperneite.de

What is the stadium where Neymar currently plays?

The stadium was built in 1987 and at the time was one of the few with a membrane roof. More importantly, it was also the only stadium with such a huge roof. With a surface area of 47,000 m², King Fahd Stadium has maintained its status as the largest roof in the world for decades. The canopy is held up by 24 tall pylons and, thanks to its irregular shape, is designed to resemble Bedouin tents.

Under the roof there are single-level stands based mostly on the embankment. Only on one side along the pitch a second level of auditorium has been created, and on the opposite side there is an extremely luxurious area for the most important guests, with a royal box towering over the stands.

The Confederations Cup has been held in Riyadh on as many as three occasions (1992, 1995, 1997). The stadium has also previously hosted the U20 World Cup (1989). The venue does not sit empty between major events either, with as many as three of the capital's teams and the national team playing their matches there.

© Frank-Jasperneite.de

Other big events at the stadium where Neymar plays

The first major musical event at the stadium was a concert by BTS, which was their first show in the Middle East, as part of their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself World Tour on October 11, 2019. In doing so, the band became the first international band to perform at this stadium. The concert attracted 31,899 people. The stadium hosted the WWE Crown Jewel event on October 31, 2019.

In addition to this, King Fahd International Stadium also hosted the Italian Super Cup on January 18, 2023. It was a Derby della Madonnina encounter between Milan, winners of the 2021-22 Serie A championship, and Inter, winners of the 2021-22 Coppa Italia. Internazionale won the match 3:0, winning their second consecutive and seventh ever Supercoppa Italiana title. Milan and Inter met in the Supercoppa Italiana for the second time - in 2011 Milan won 2:1 in Beijing.

© Frank-Jasperneite.de