After a summer in which LALIGA unveiled a comprehensive transformation and entered a new era in its history, it’s time for football to retake centre stage. The 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season will once again feature the greatest talents in world football and a host of talented new additions that provide the perfect showcase for what Is Europe’s most-competitive major league, not only in stadiums but also on screens across the planet.
Mr. Martin Duenas, LALIGA’s representative in UAE, Jordan, Kuwait & Oman said: “This season looks to be an exciting one both on and off the pitch. The GCC is a region with a great affection for LALIGA and this year we want to return all the support with a multitude of events, surprises and activities for the fans.
“On this season,” the Delegate added, “The new season of LALIGA EA Sports began with great enthusiasm, and we will for sure witness fierce competition between the teams and their exceptional players. We will also see the development and utilisation of broadcasting technologies that distinguish LALIGA from the rest of the European championships, immersing viewers around the world in the enthusiasm and excitement that the audience enjoys in the stadium”.
In this regard, Mr Duenas commented: “Our partnership with belIN SPORTS as exclusive broadcaster keeps being an important step towards reaching football and sports fans in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and we look forward to achieving more success and development together”.
As always, the start of LALIGA EA SPORTS throws up a host of unmissable storylines. FC Barcelona became the third different club to win the Spanish league title in three seasons last time out and they now head into the new campaign looking to become the first side to retain their crown in half a decade.
But with perennial challengers Real Madrid having made important additions to their squad this off-season and 2021 champions Atletico de Madrid strengthening their team across the board, the reigning champions will have their work cut out.
Can Real Sociedad, who last season broke into the top four for the first time in a decade, Real Betis, Villarreal CF, and Sevilla FC, fresh from winning a record seventh Europa League title, finally take that next step and muscle their way into title contention?
LALIGA has opened its doors to a host of new signings and world-class talent this summer to join established stars such as Robert Lewandowski, Vini Jr, who is perhaps the most exhilarating player in world football right now, and Antoine Griezmann.
Real Madrid made the biggest transfer move in the world this off- season to bring in England international Jude Bellingham and add to a stacked midfield including Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, while FC Barcelona brought in a host of big names to strengthen their chances of retaining the title.
Champions League winning captain Cesar Azpilicueta returned to LALIGA with Diego Simeone’s Atletico de Madrid, lvory Coast international and Ligue 1 champion
Jonathan Bamba joined Rafa Benitez’s new-look RC Celta side, and proven top-flight goalscorer Alexander Sorloth swapped Real Sociedad for Villarreal CF.
LALIGA continues to boast the brightest young rising stars in world football too, with the likes of Gavi and Pedri already indispensable to FC Barcelona’s starting XI; 21-year-old Spain international Nico Williams established as a LALIGA star at Athletic Club; and Real Madrid’s new 18-year-old Turkish sensation Arda Guler set to wow fans around the world not only this season but for years to come.
Following this rebranding and new positioning, LALIGA will significantly strengthen its commitment to growth in the Middle East and North Africa. With a physical presence in seven countries (UAE, Morocco, Irag, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar), the expansion of LALIGA among fans and entities in the sports and entertainment sectors will be propelled.
A key pillar of this growth strategy is the focus on marketing efforts to increase the number of followers and enthusiasts of Spanish football. To achieve this, projects in the digital and content realms are being undertaken.
The first of these projects is the launch of Arabic-language social media accounts for 11 LALIGA clubs (RCD Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Celta de Vigo, Girona FC, Villarreal CF, Athletic Bilbao, Getafe CF, Real Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia CF and Deportivo Alavés).
Mr. Raul Ostale, Chief Marketing Officer for MENA, pointed out: “To continue our growth, it is essential that our clubs generate content in the local language, with a tone of voice and messages that are meaningful and relatable to the Arab community.”
Regarding content, LALIGA will begin producing programs and content pieces in the region that allow for an in-depth understanding of LALIGA and the stories behind the major clashes in Spanish football.
Mr. Raul Ostale, Chief Marketing Officer for MENA, stated: “Producing and broadcasting regionally specific content is the next step in our strategy; we aim to reach more fans in the region, and we believe this is the path to follow.”
Off the field, the summer months heralded the arrival of a new era in LALIGA history. A revolutionary strategic partnership with new title sponsor EA Sports brings with it a new and disruptive way of conceiving FUTBOL, breaking down the barriers between the physical and the digital worlds, creating a unique product in the sports world which seeks to reach a much wider audience than conventional sports leagues have done in past years.
LALIGA also continues to innovate and revolutionise its broadcasts, and the viewers both in Spain and around the world will enjoy a more immersive and dynamic viewing experience this season. A complete overhaul of the graphics package in line with LALIGA’s brand transformation will give matches a new-look like the EA SPORTS FC video game, with greater use of augmented reality, new bench, aerial and cinematic camera angles, and new and improved graphics packages to boost visibility not only on TV but also mobile and tablet screens.
Mr. Cesar Hernando, Chief Marketing Officer of UD Almeria Mr. Hernando, who was present at the event, discussed the significant change the team has undergone since the arrival of H.E Turki Al-Sheikh and emphasised the importance of growing in the region through various initiatives.
He stated: “For UD Almeria, our management, and our fans, the relationship and tight bond between both cultures are very clear, and we will continue to strive to be closer than ever to our fans in the region.”
Also present at the event was Khaled Shagwara, Director of International for Middle East & Africa for Granada CF, who commented: “Considering Granada’s Arab and Islamic heritage, Granada CF decided to focus its international expansion project on the Middle East and North Africa. Therefore, we launched ‘QARIB’, a multifaceted initiative that aims to establish meaningful relationships with the Arab World and reinforce our historical ties with this region through the universal passion for football shared worldwide.
“Moreover, our objectives go beyond football played on the field. Indeed, we aspire not only to bring the expertise of Spanish top-tier football to different countries and contribute to the development of the beautiful game but also to create a lasting legacy that will endure for generations to come and have a meaningful impact on the lives of people in the Arab World.”
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