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.
A heartwarming farewell from Darwin Nunez! After completing his move to Al-Hilal, the star striker penned a heartfelt message to Liverpool, expressing his deep affection and gratitude for his time at Anfield. His words, "Miss you more than words can say," truly reflect the special bond he forged with the club and its fans
Michail Antonio is actively engaged in transfer talks with clubs across England and overseas, signaling his imminent return to the pitch. The striker is reportedly weighing up exciting opportunities as he prepares for his next footballing chapter following his departure from West Ham
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring spree continues! The Al-Nassr superstar bagged a brace, featuring a spectacular team effort, as he showcased his red-hot pre-season form against Almeria
Virgil van Dijk urges Liverpool to bolster their attack significantly, even after a massive summer spending spree. The Reds captain believes more firepower is crucial to maintain their title challenge
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".
