The UEFA Champions League ushers in a new season with an expanded format, welcoming more clubs and players to Europe's grandest stage.
Among the international superstars, several Middle Eastern players bring their own compelling narratives to the competition.
Here are four players to watch this season:
Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
It's impossible to compile such a list without mentioning one of the competition's finest players. Salah stands as the all-time Middle Eastern Champions League top scorer with 44 goals, just five shy of breaking into the tournament's top 10 all-time scorers.
But there's more to the story. Liverpool's talisman embarks on a new era with his team, as Arne Slot takes the managerial reins after Jurgen Klopp's long tenure. While Klopp led Liverpool to the title in 2019 and two more finals, Slot aims to craft another glorious chapter for the club that has claimed this trophy five times.
For Salah, each season brings whispers of a potential swan song in Europe before a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia. Could this be his golden opportunity to secure another European silverware?
Mehdi Taremi (Iran / Inter)
The new Inter Milan signing is no stranger to the Champions League. He enjoyed four impressive campaigns with Porto, including a quarter-final appearance in 2021 and two runs to the round of 16.
With 10 goals in 26 Champions League matches, Taremi faces a fresh challenge at the Italian powerhouse. He aspires to follow in the footsteps of Ali Daei, the only Iranian player to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Daei was part of the Bayern Munich squad that reached the 1999 final, though he didn't feature in the legendary clash against Manchester United.
Taremi now treads a delicate line, having spoken out against the regime during the last international break. Nevertheless, his status as Iran's premier footballer remains undisputed. Will this be his moment to truly shine on the European stage?
Arda Güler (Türkiye / Real Madrid)
A year ago, many doubted the Turkish prodigy signed by Europe's most decorated club. Arda Güler missed significant portions of last season due to injury, but recent months have silenced the skeptics.
Güler closed out last season with an impressive tally of 6 goals in 10 league matches. Carrying that momentum forward, he emerged as a pivotal figure in Turkey's Euro 2024 campaign, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.
With no Turkish clubs in the group stage this season, Güler will be the focal point for fans in his homeland and beyond. His remarkable talent has already been glimpsed; now it's time to showcase it in the Champions League as part of the European champions.
Oscar Gloukh (Israel / Red Bull Salzburg)
Israel is reveling in the success of its young generation, with Oscar Gloukh at the forefront. Over the past three summers, he has featured in the U-19 Euro finals, the U-21 Euro semi-finals, and the 2024 Olympic Games. Concurrently, he has become increasingly influential at Salzburg, one of Europe's premier talent incubators.
Although Salzburg exited in the group stage last season, Gloukh still managed to notch his first two Champions League goals, finding the net against Benfica and Inter. This season has begun spectacularly, with Gloukh scoring or assisting in every league game.
This could be his swan song for Salzburg, as top clubs' scouts have already taken notice. How impressive will his season be before the next chapter of his career unfolds?
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Saudi Pro League delivers as Al-Ittihad's electric fanbase powers Jeddah derby win before Ronaldo's Al-Nassr draws Al-Hilal in a pulsating clash.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly defeated UAE's Al Ain 3-0 in FIFA Club World Cup second round, with a provocative goal celebration.
Palestinian club Hilal Al Quds draws 0-0 in AFC Challenge League return, featuring first-ever British player in Palestinian football
The Persian Gulf Pro League's 8th round proceeds with fans, while international matches remain suspended following overnight military tensions.
Asian World Cup qualifiers unfold amidst regional tensions. Key matches have been relocated, and teams seek redemption in high-stakes football drama.
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Zamalek wins CAF Super Cup in Riyadh penalty shootout vs Al Ahly. Cairo Derby rivals face off in Saudi Arabia for continental glory.
Palestine faces Iraq and Kuwait in crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Home game relocated to Qatar amid regional complexities.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah forces schedule changes in Israeli leagues, while Lebanese football continues with political undertones.
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CAF Super Cup 2024: Al Ahly vs Zamalek in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia flexes soft power, hosting African football's epic clash.
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From Salah's prowess to Güler's potential, Middle Eastern talents are set to make waves in this season's revamped UEFA Champions League.
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Ronaldo's absence deflates AFC opener in Iraq. Fans resell tickets as Al Nassr faces Al Shorta without their star in new league format.
Al Nassr faces Al Ahli in a high-stakes clash, with Ronaldo and Mahrez starring, as coach Luis Castro battles to save his job.
Palestine and Jordan meet in a crucial 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur. Both teams vie for a World Cup spot amid heightened regional tensions after a recent terror attack.
Israel hosts Italy in UEFA Nations League in Budapest due to Middle East conflict. Both teams seek redemption after recent struggles.
Iranian star Mehdi Taremi criticizes regime after World Cup qualifier win, marking a rare public rebuke from a national team player.
Avram Grant faces mounting pressure as Zambia's coach amid fan outrage over player selection and a string of losses. Critical matches loom ahead.
Saudi Pro League closes summer window with strategic focus on young talent and domestic transfers, signaling a shift in long-term vision.
Tensions erupt at Israeli Premier League match amid war backdrop. Hapoel Be'er Sheva vs Bnei Sakhnin game canceled after pitch invasion.
Israeli football’s top flight returned to Friday after years. Amid war, Jerusalem is becoming home to all clubs and fans.