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.
Bruno Fernandes passionately affirmed his loyalty to Manchester United, rejecting a £100m Saudi offer last summer driven by his Old Trafford affection. As the Red Devils' skipper, he's uncertain about his future there, despite mutual desires to keep him
Inter Miami is plotting a blockbuster swoop for Neymar from Santos', eyeing a legendary Barcelona reunion with Messi and Suarez amid the upcoming US World Cup buzz
Ivan Toney is eyeing a dramatic Premier League return to boost his World Cup hopes under Thomas Tuchel. After switching to Al Ahli from Brentford, he's slipped in England's ranks and is poised for a bold comeback bid
Chelsea are intensifying their hunt for Bologna's rising star, 21-year-old Argentine striker Santiago Castro, with scouts evaluating his Serie A prowess for a potential January transfer. As Enzo Maresca seeks a reliable No. 9, Castro's national team buzz makes him a prime target for the Blues
Cristiano Ronaldo swears by hair treatments to fuel his legendary confidence, vowing he'd lose his edge without his signature style. At 40, he ties his look to self-esteem and drives wellness through his Saudi Arabia hair care empire
In a dramatic confession, Victor Osimhen revealed he was coerced into joining Napoli in 2020 amid his father's final days, as agents and officials forced the deal without his input, leaving him sidelined in talks led by key figures. He shared this with authorities during a capital gains investigation
The Glazers demand a jaw-dropping £5.2 billion for Manchester United-double its £2 billion value-signaling they'll only sell to a global giant with a record-breaking offer
Despite swirling rumors of a Saudi Pro League move, Manchester United's dynamic captain Bruno Fernandes has no desire to leave, thrilling fans as he continues leading the Red Devils with his magical flair
Manchester United is pushing for a new £140-a-week deal with star defender Harry Maguire, fending off Saudi Pro League suitors. With his contract expiring soon, talks are intensifying to secure his Old Trafford legacy
