The sports calendar in Oriente Médio is undergoing a complete restructuring with the arrival of the most sacred period for Islamic culture. From the second half of February onwards, the routine of major international stars and local athletes undergoes a complete reversal of schedules to adapt to the mandatory fasting that occurs between sunrise and sunset. High-performance activities, which normally occur in the morning or afternoon, are transferred to the evening period.
This logistical adaptation aims to preserve the players’ physical health, ensuring that they can hydrate and eat adequately before any intense effort. The change directly impacts the preparation of the Saudi Pro League teams, which have big names in world football in their squads.
During the thirty days of religious celebration, the athletes’ biological cycle is modified, requiring detailed planning from the technical committees. Brazilian defender Andrei Girotto, who has played for Al-Taawoun for three seasons, highlights respect for local traditions as a fundamental pillar for coexistence at clubs.
The daytime routine practically ceases for Muslim players, who dedicate the day to rest and prayers, saving their energy for breaking the fast and subsequent training.
## Adaptação nightlife and cultural respect in clubs
Training sessions, which would normally take place in sunlight, are rescheduled for times that vary between 9pm and early morning. The Essa strategy allows athletes to perform the Iftar, the evening meal that ends the daily fast, ensuring the intake of nutrients and liquids necessary to support the physical load of the exercises.
Andrei Girotto explains that the change is understood and respected by all foreigners, regardless of their religion. The Brazilian reports that the club’s social and professional life takes place at night, creating a unique atmosphere of integration among the cast.
Several world football stars strictly follow the precepts of the holy month, maintaining a high level of competition even with daytime dietary restrictions:
- Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
- Healthy Mané (Al-Nassr)
- Riyadh Mahrez (Al-Ahli)
- N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool – Inglaterra)
- Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid – Espanha)
## Monitoramento physique and nutrition strategies
Saudi clubs’ medical and nutrition teams are intensifying monitoring of players’ vital signs during this period. The main concern revolves around hydration, as water intake is prohibited during sunny hours for practitioners.
Specialists in sports physiology develop personalized plans to minimize the loss of muscle mass and avoid injuries resulting from dehydration. The consumption of specific supplements and balanced meals is concentrated at night, ensuring muscle recovery.
For official games, the league also adjusts the table, avoiding matches at times of extreme heat or during the fasting period. In some cases, technical breaks are allowed shortly after sunset so that athletes can break their fast quickly with water and dates at the edge of the field.
## Solidariedade between foreign and local athletes
Coexistence in the dressing rooms during this period reinforces the bonds of solidarity between players of different nationalities. Atletas Non-Muslims are advised to avoid eating or drinking in public in front of their fasting companions, as a way of showing respect and support.
Communal meal times after sunset become bonding events for the group. Girotto mentions that it is common for the cast to get together for dinner late at night, strengthening team spirit in a time of high physical and spiritual demand.
This cultural dynamic in Saudi football demonstrates how the sport adapts to local traditions, integrating global stars into a reality where faith dictates the rhythm of the clock and performance on the field depends on rigorous management of the body and mind.
