Prince William brought his lifelong passion for football to the heart of Riyadh during the second day of his landmark first official visit to Saudi Arabia. On February 10, 2026, the Prince of Wales visited MISK Sports City, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to youth development and sports excellence, where he engaged directly with young female footballers in a training session that highlighted the kingdom’s rapid progress in women’s sports.

As patron of the English Football Association and a well-known Aston Villa supporter, William has long championed the role of sport in building communities and empowering individuals. His visit to MISK Sports City, accompanied by Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Faisal Al Saud and Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), underscored shared priorities between the UK and Saudi Arabia in promoting youth participation, gender equality in athletics, and healthy lifestyles.

The highlight came when William joined the young players—girls aged 10 to 15 from local youth squads—on the pitch at the SAFF Riyadh Regional Training Centre within the complex. He participated in drills, chatted with coaches and volunteers, and encouraged the athletes as they demonstrated their skills. The session focused on the growing opportunities for women and girls in Saudi sport, a transformation accelerated under Vision 2030 reforms that have opened doors previously closed, allowing female participation in everything from grassroots training to competitive leagues.

In one lighthearted moment that quickly went viral, William stepped up for a penalty kick. He approached the ball confidently, struck it right-footed with solid contact, and sent it straight down the middle into the net. However, as cameras panned to reveal the outcome, it became clear there was no goalkeeper attempting to save it—an empty net that made the “goal” both impressive and amusingly bizarre. Observers noted the prince’s composure and power, with some joking that even without opposition, his technique remained sharp. The young footballers watched in delight, applauding the royal visitor’s effort.

William also took part in other playful interactions, including what appeared to be a crossbar challenge and casual kickabouts, showcasing his natural athleticism and approachable demeanor. He spoke warmly with the players, praising their talent and dedication. One young girl even asked if Princess Kate had accompanied him, to which he responded with a smile and good humor, highlighting the personal, relatable side of the engagement.

The visit aligned perfectly with broader themes of the trip. Arriving on February 9, William was welcomed with traditional hospitality and met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for in-depth discussions on bilateral relations, including sustainability, innovation, trade, and investment. He presented the Crown Prince with an England football shirt worn by captain Harry Kane, symbolizing shared sporting passions. The tour also included stops at the ambitious Sports Boulevard—a 70-mile urban regeneration project promoting green spaces, walking paths, and active living—and other sites emphasizing youth empowerment and women’s roles in society.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in women’s football has been remarkable. Once restricted, female participation has surged, with national teams competing internationally and grassroots programs flourishing. MISK Sports City, part of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation’s initiatives, serves as a hub for such development, offering world-class training, e-sports facilities (which William also briefly explored), and inclusive environments. By joining the session, William not only observed but actively participated, sending a powerful message of support for these changes.

Social media erupted with praise for the moment. Fans shared clips of the penalty and kickabouts, calling William a “true ambassador” for sport and gender equality. Comments highlighted his natural ease with children and his ability to connect across cultures. One viewer noted, “So natural,” while others celebrated the focus on girls’ football as a sign of positive societal shifts.

Of course, the visit wasn’t without external noise. During the engagement, a journalist shouted a question about whether the royal family had done enough regarding past associations with Jeffrey Epstein linked to Prince Andrew. William appeared not to hear or respond directly, choosing instead to focus on the positive interactions at hand as he walked off the pitch.

This football-focused day built on the previous day’s warm exchanges, including the gift of grape lollipops for his children from a young girl at the Sports Boulevard café. Together, these moments painted a picture of a future king who balances diplomacy with genuine human connections—whether accepting sweets for his family or lacing up for a kickabout with aspiring athletes.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, events like this underscore the kingdom’s commitment to sport as a vehicle for progress. William’s participation reinforced UK-Saudi ties in this arena, fostering goodwill and highlighting mutual interests in empowering the next generation.

For many, though, the lasting memory will be the image of the Prince of Wales smiling broadly after netting that unopposed penalty—proof that even royals enjoy the simple thrill of the beautiful game, and that sport can bridge worlds in the most unexpected ways.