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.
Karim Benzema opens up on his real bond with ex-Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo after their awkward Saudi Pro League clash, now rivals at Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr
Neymar's botched rainbow flicks sparked "washed" cries from fans during Santos' stunning Palmeiras win, yet his strong play reignites debate on his fading magic at 33
Thrillingly, Karim Benzema teases a Real Madrid return, insisting he can "never say no" to Florentino Perez after his legendary 14-year reign at the club
Anderson Talisca, ex-Al-Nassr star, calls Cristiano Ronaldo "the ultimate legend" after two thrilling years as teammates, before his move to Fenerbahce
In a electrifying NFL clash at Santiago Bernabeu, Miami Dolphins' Jack Jones mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary 'Siuuu' after a crucial overtime interception!
Mason Greenwood, ex-Manchester United star, defiantly eyes an England return despite FA and Thomas Tuchel's blacklist, his sole cap in 2020 overshadowed by allegations
Despite Grealish's stellar Everton revival, Wayne Rooney bluntly urges him to book his 2026 summer holiday, as England boss Thomas Tuchel shows no sign of recall
Cristiano Ronaldo rallied his Portugal teammates with an inspiring Instagram message before their pivotal Armenia clash. As Group F leaders, they must win after the Ireland defeat to clinch World Cup spots
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated Portugal's stunning 9-goal rout of Armenia, clinching World Cup 2026 despite his suspension. He'll return to dazzle in the tournament after his team's effortless triumph!
