The Saudi Pro League (SPL), also known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia, recognized as the premier football competition in Asia. Established in 1976, it features 18 clubs competing in a round-robin format from August to May, with the champion earning a title and qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite, while the bottom three teams face relegation. The league has a rich history, evolving from regional tournaments and the King’s Cup to a fully professional system since 2007, with Al-Hilal holding a record 19 titles.
Since 2023, the SPL has gained global attention due to significant investments from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which acquired 75% stakes in top clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This financial backing has attracted world-class stars, starting with **Cristiano Ronaldo**, whose 2023 move to Al-Nassr sparked a “revolution” in Asian football. Other prominent players include **Neymar** (Al-Hilal), **Karim Benzema** (Al-Ittihad), **Sadio Mané** (Al-Nassr), **Riyad Mahrez** (Al-Ahli), **N’Golo Kanté** (Al-Ittihad), **Rúben Neves** (Al-Hilal), and **Allan Saint-Maximin** (Al-Ahli), significantly boosting the league’s profile.
The 2024-25 season saw Al-Ittihad as the reigning champions, with Al-Hilal dominating historically. Recent highlights include Al-Hilal’s unbeaten 2023-24 season and Ronaldo’s record-breaking 35 goals, earning him the Golden Boot. The league recorded 909 goals in 2023-24, a 40% increase from the previous season, reflecting its growing competitiveness. However, challenges remain, such as concerns over the league’s two-tier structure due to uneven investment and the reliance on veteran stars, with some like Benzema facing speculation about potential exits.
With passionate fan support, vibrant tifos, and increasing global broadcasts, the SPL aims to be among the world’s top leagues by 2030, leveraging its star power and infrastructure development ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo just can't stop the magic - he's busting out his legendary 'Siu' celebration for every goal, even in a casual Al-Nassr training session!
Darwin Nunez could still be on the way out of Liverpool this summer as reports state talks are continuing with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has become the subject of renewed interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Nassr now making a formal approach to sign the Portuguese playmaker. According to Abola, the Saudi Pro League club has taken active steps this week in pursuit of the 30-year-old midfielder as they look to challenge for domestic and continental honours.
Atletico Madrid's latest signing opened up on his failed move to Al-Nassr and revealed it was his decision to snub the Saudi Arabian side.
Manchester City are reportedly still interested in signing Lucas Paqueta after the West Ham star was cleared of spot-fixing.
Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid's electrifying "Galactico," reveals the profound impact of Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James. These titans of sport, embodying "striving to be the best," fuel Vinicius's own relentless pursuit of excellence, shaping his mindset on the pitch and inspiring his journey towards greatness
Lionel Messi is ready to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with it reported that he will extend his Inter Miami contract to 2028.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have set their sights on a high-profile defensive addition as they look to lure Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae to Riyadh. According to reports from Foot Mercato, the Saudi Pro League side has entered negotiations with the German champions to explore the possibility of acquiring the South Korean international this summer.
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