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.
Enzo Millot has shocked European suitors by choosing a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli instead of joining Atlético Madrid this summer.
Joao Felix’s move to Al-Nassr offers a unique opportunity for the Portuguese forward to focus solely on football, his new coach says.
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.
Romelu Lukaku has snubbed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, favouring LeBron James and Karim Benzema, when naming his longevity role models.
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.
A prominent Barcelona player has reportedly terminated his contract with Hansi Flick's side ahead of moving to Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly threatening to beat Newcastle United to a £40 million-rated target.
