La Liga Profesional Saudí (SPL), también conocida como la Liga Saudí Roshn por motivos de patrocinio, es la principal liga de fútbol profesional de Arabia Saudí, reconocida como la principal competición futbolística de Asia. Fundada en 1976, cuenta con 18 clubes que compiten en formato de todos contra todos de agosto a mayo. El campeón obtiene un título y clasifica para la Liga de Campeones Élite de la AFC, mientras que los tres últimos equipos se enfrentan al descenso. La liga cuenta con una rica historia, que evolucionó desde torneos regionales y la Copa del Rey hasta un sistema totalmente profesional desde 2007, con el Al-Hilal ostentando un récord de 19 títulos.
Desde 2023, la SPL ha ganado atención mundial debido a importantes inversiones del Fondo de Inversión Pública de Arabia Saudita, que adquirió participaciones de 75% en los principales clubes Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad y Al-Ahli como parte de la iniciativa Saudi Vision 2030. Este respaldo financiero ha atraído a estrellas de talla mundial, empezando por Cristiano Ronaldo, cuyo traspaso en 2023 al Al-Nassr desencadenó una "revolución" en el fútbol asiático. Otros jugadores destacados incluyen a Neymar (Al-Hilal), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), N'Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal) y Allan Saint-Maximin (Al-Ahli), lo que ha impulsado significativamente el perfil de la liga.
La temporada 2024-25 vio al Al-Ittihad como vigente campeón, con el Al-Hilal dominando históricamente. Entre los momentos más destacados se incluyen la temporada 2023-24 invicta del Al-Hilal y el récord de 35 goles de Ronaldo, que le valió la Bota de Oro. La liga registró 909 goles en 2023-24, un aumento de 401 goles con respecto a la temporada anterior, lo que refleja su creciente competitividad. Sin embargo, persisten desafíos, como la preocupación por la estructura de dos categorías de la liga debido a la inversión desigual y la dependencia de estrellas veteranas, con algunos como Benzema enfrentándose a especulaciones sobre posibles salidas.
Con el apoyo apasionado de los fanáticos, tifos vibrantes y transmisiones globales cada vez mayores, la SPL aspira a estar entre las mejores ligas del mundo para 2030, aprovechando su poder estelar y el desarrollo de infraestructura antes de la Copa Mundial de 2034.
Harry Kane faces a significant blow as Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman reportedly agrees to a sensational move, linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr. German sources indicate Al-Nassr has made a determined push for the French international, with a colossal annual salary package of €25-€30 million on the table, signaling a major shake-up at the German club
Robert Lewandowski is shunning Saudi riches to chase a Barcelona extension! At 37, his prolific goalscoring is his golden ticket to renewal, proving age is just a number in his quest for continued success at Camp Nou
Manchester City may need to make several sales before the transfer window is up, amidst concerns over UEFA regulations ahead of the new season.
Former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant has thrown down the gauntlet to Newcastle United, sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £110 million ($148m) or risk a season of drama and disappointment. Pennant believes the Magpies are playing with fire by holding on to an unsettled striker, insisting a quick sale would end the saga and give Eddie Howe the funds to rebuild before the new campaign kicks off.
Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to be drawn into another Ballon d'Or debate, branding the prestigious accolade "fictitious".
Kevin De Bruyne is making an immediate impact at Napoli, with "KDBOOM" registering two goals and an assist in his latest appearance.
Liverpool have confirmed that star striker Darwin Nunez has completed his transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. Nunez, who was linked with a move away from Anfield since the start of the summer transfer window, has secured a permanent move to Saudi Arabia. The Uruguayan forward, who joined the Reds in 2023 from Benfica for a whopping £64 million ($86m), spent just three years at the Merseyside club.
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho reminisced about his time at Anfield, while spilling details on his painful exit from the club, as he joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad in 2023. The Brazilian spent five years at the Merseyside club, where he won multiple trophies, including the Champions League in his maiden campaign and the Premier League title in the subsequent season.
Manchester City’s training ground had a touch of nostalgia this week as former winger Riyad Mahrez made an unexpected appearance, reuniting with old team-mates and staff. The 34-year-old, remembered as one of the defining figures of City’s dominant era, was spotted walking through the Etihad Campus, exchanging warm greetings and laughter with familiar faces.
