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.
Robert Lewandowski wants to compete at the top level of European football for Barcelona and will not entertain any transfer offers this season.
Fast & Furious actor Vin Diesel has delivered an inspirational “no limit” message to Karim Benzema and Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.
Joao Felix's move to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr has sparked criticism from his former Atletico Madrid team-mate Saul Niguez, who claims that the Portuguese forward has failed to maximise his potential due to a lack of hard work. Saul insists talent is "worthless" without the work ethic to back it up, and has revealed that "many of us tried to help" Felix during his turbulent years in Europe.
Joao Felix has been warned by Jorge Jesus that he must 'prepare better' if he is to return to his peak form after an underwhelming debut for Al-Nassr.
Marseille forward Mason Greenwood is being tipped to leave this summer in a club record transfer amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona face a critical decision on Robert Lewandowski with several Saudi Pro League clubs eyeing the Polish striker.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are set to leave a pre-season training camp in Austria early after being impressed with the wet conditions.
Chelsea fans were relieved to see Joao Felix finally leave the club as the Portuguese striker completed a permanent transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. Felix permanently signed for the Blues last summer, but his journey at Stamford Bridge was shortlived as he was shipped off to AC Milan on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
Lionel Messi has been warned that he will not get “special protection” if choosing to leave MLS and join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
