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.
New Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as “the world's greatest celebrity”, insisting his influence stretches far beyond football.
Cristiano Ronaldo is making the most of his off-season, soaking in the Mediterranean breeze aboard a luxurious yacht, accompanied by his partner, Georgina Rodriguez. As football takes a temporary back seat, the Al-Nassr superstar is indulging in a serene break far from the stadium spotlight.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have been criticised after a transfer that would have brought Feyenoord a club record fee collapsed.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is reportedly demanding a huge pay rise to stay at the club amid interest from Liverpool and Al-Hilal.
David de Gea says Lionel Messi is “made of marble” and Cristiano Ronaldo is “not normal”, with the Spaniard having played with and against the GOATs.
Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui has joined Al-Qadsiah, replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Saudi Arabian side.
Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been spotted behind the wheel of a very exclusive motor on a trip back to Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to launch a 2026 World Cup Golden Boot bid as his “sole aim is to beat records” at 40 years of age.
Athletic Club has made an initial approach to sign Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte after reports of the defender being out of the Saudi club's project.
