Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan handed out the Golden Ball and Young Player Award at the World Cup final ceremony.

Newcastle United chair Yasir Al-Rumayyan was front and centre during Spain’s historic World Cup celebrations last night.

Most of the country roared on La Roja after Argentina knocked out England in Wednesday’s semi-final. A scrappy, stop-start game saw the 2022 world champions take 116 minutes to register a shot on goal.

Spain dominated possession, wearing Argentina down with relentless pressure from the first whistle. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was dismissed as the game crept into extra time - giving his side a mountain to climb.

Ultimately, this helped Spain break down the stern Argentine wall that had stunk out the MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres bagged the winner, meaning it was Manchester City maestro Rodri who lifted the World Cup - scooping the player of the tournament award in the process.

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Yasir Al-Rumayyan appearance

Loud boos could be heard as FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump entered the field at the full-time whistle. The duo handed out medals to both sides during the final ceremony.

Newcastle fans would have noticed Al-Rumayyan, the club’s chairman, presenting the Golden Ball to Rodri and the Young Player Award to Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsi. The 56-year-old is the governor of the Public Investment Fund - the entity that owns an 85 per cent stake in the Magpies.

PIF were an official commercial partner for the World Cup and advertising could be seen throughout the tournament - including the final. Saudi Arabia are set to host the competition in 2034 for the first time.

Aramco - the Saudi-state-owned petroleum and natural gas behemoth - also have a $100million deal with FIFA. Al-Rumayyan - just like Newcastle and PIF - has chaired the company since 2019.

He has a personal relationship with Trump, attending UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden with the US president in 2024. Toon fans will be hoping the PIF governor swiftly turns his football attention to St James’ Park as their team requires urgent action in the transfer market.

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Newcastle United transfer situation

Newcastle are yet to replace Sandro Tonali following his £100million sale to Tottenham Hotspur. Bruno Guimaraes is also angling for an exit despite Arsenal not formalising their interest.

Toon chiefs have been snubbed for top targets like Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi. Supporters - scarred from last summer - are becoming increasingly frustrated on social media.

Newcastle continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad. However, with the Premier League campaign kicking off in 23 days, few could argue an improvement has been made since finishing 12th last season.

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