Saudi Pro League

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.

Ibrahima Konate rejects new offer to leave Liverpool this summer amid increasing interest from Real Madrid

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has reportedly rejected a lucrative proposal from the Saudi Pro League, reaffirming his intention to continue his career in European football. The 26-year-old centre-back remains focused on playing at the highest level, which he believes is only possible by staying in Europe as he wants to compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's shock comeback?! Gabon international could return to former club after becoming free agent this summer

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be set to return to France and join his former club Marseille this summer. The Ligue 1 side are currently negotiating the financial details of the player's contract as they are set to offer the forward a two-year deal. Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah have agreed to mutually terminate Aubameyang's contract, which will make him a free agent.

Roberto Firmino on the move! Ex-Liverpool star finds new club after Al Ahli exit as Brazilian takes on fresh challenge

Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is all set to leave Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli as he has agreed to join Qatari side Al Sadd. Firmino, who left the Reds in 2023 to join Al Ahli, spent two seasons at the Saudi club and was an integral part of the squad that won the AFC Champions League this year. The Brazilian left the club despite having a year left on his existing deal.