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's influence on the Saudi Pro League has stunned Jorge Jesus, with it claimed nobody would watch if CR7 was not in the division.
One of Bruno Fernandes' former managers has revealed he wanted to sign the Manchester United captain when an Old Trafford exit was mooted.
The architect of Bruno Fernandes' early career has confessed a burning desire to reunite with the Manchester United skipper. Amidst whispers of a potential Old Trafford departure, a former manager admitted his keen interest in bringing the Portuguese playmaker back under his wing. This revelation sheds new light on Fernandes' enduring appeal across the footballing landscape, even as his commitment to United remains a focal point
Romelu Lukaku has snubbed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, favouring LeBron James and Karim Benzema, when naming his longevity role models.
Barcelona are still unable to register Joan Garcia despite Inigo Martinez’s potential move to Al-Nassr freeing up a large sum from the wage bill.
Arne Slot has delivered a "need to wait" update on Darwin Nunez's future at Liverpool, with the Uruguayan striker seeing a transfer mooted.
Cristiano Ronaldo has pointed out that there is "still more to do" after adding another hat-trick to his stunning goal tally at Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at claims that he helped Al-Nassr to "steal" Joao Felix away from Benfica.
Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show with a stunning hat-trick as Al-Nassr thrashed Rio Ave 4-0 in a pre-seasonfriendly. New signing Joao Felix made an immediate impact, brilliantly assisting Ronaldo's second goal in a dominant performance.
