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.
Newly-appointed Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has said he would not have taken the job if not for the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo.
Unai Hernandez reflected on why he left boyhood club Barcelona for Al-Ittihad, and how he’s already lifting trophies and thriving in Saudi Arabia.
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.
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.
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have joined the race to sign Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, with his €52 million release clause set to expire soon.
Mateo Retegui is set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah after Atalanta accepted a massive offer for the Serie A top scorer.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could link up with Mason Greenwood at the Stade Velodrome as Marseille reportedly eye a swoop to sign the former Arsenal striker. The 36-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Qadsiah, is said to be on the verge of leaving the Saudi Pro League side and could become a free agent in the coming weeks.
France international Theo Hernandez has completed a move to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, marking the end of a six-year tenure at AC Milan. However, his departure has not been without drama. In a brutal farewell posted on his Instagram account, the defender directed clear criticism toward the current Milan hierarchy, accusing them of failing to match his ambition and disregarding the values that once defined the club.
