None of the squads competing in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar received the kind of lavish gifts described by some outlets. After the victory over the Argentina national team, reports claimed that every Saudi Arabian player received a Rolls Royce Phantom, a symbol of national celebration and royal generosity. Citizens reportedly expressed gratitude to the country’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for this extraordinary gesture.
The price tag for a new Rolls Royce Phantom ranges from about 460,000 to 550,000 dollars, translating to roughly 27 to 33 million rubles depending on market fluctuations.
On November 22, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1. The legendary Lionel Messi managed to score for Argentina in the 10th minute via a penalty, but the Saudis answered with strikes in the 48th and 53rd minutes, overturning the lead and sealing the historic win.
Additionally, the Saudis became the first team in World Cup history to score more than one goal against Argentina, marking a notable result as Argentina suffered a defeat in their opening match for the first time since 1990.
Fake or true?
According to Sports.ru, no official confirmation has emerged regarding such expensive gifts for the players. Team manager Herve Renard was reported to have reacted with frustration to these rumors, underscoring the lack of verifiable statements from the organizing bodies or the clubs involved.
Interesting fact
There is a past precedent in Saudi football. In 1994, a Rolls-Royce was offered to a Saudi player after a goal against Belgium in the World Cup held in the United States. The recipient, Said Al-Uwayran, earned the nickname Arab Maradona for that moment, and the goal has been cited among the notable strikes in World Cup history. The anecdote continues to be discussed in retrospective analyses of the tournament.
- Drive details can be found in Telegram channels that discuss football legends.
This summary reflects a mixture of media reports and retrospective coverage from regional outlets, translating into a broader discourse about prizes and symbolism in sports diplomacy. In this context, the debate centers on the visibility of wealth and its impact on team morale, fan perception, and the narratives surrounding international competitions. The discussion remains open, with various outlets offering different perspectives on whether such gifts were ever officially intended or accurately realized across the World Cup events of that year, and how these stories influence the perception of football in the region.
Attribution: Indonesia Posts; Visual aid: YouTube stills