In Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, adjacent to the Prince Abdulrahman bin Saud Stadium where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr trains, lie two clay fields where children of all ages train. The scene shows goalkeepers barely reaching the middle of the net as immigrants and locals chase the ball. They nurture dreams of competing in World Cup 2034, a tournament hosted by the host nation, and the Saudi spotlight shines on the new wave of talent bred within local academies, including Mahd Academy, which has drawn global media attention to Arab football development centers.
Mahd Academy is a project where Mourinho sits on the board of directors
Mahd Academy received backing from a Dutch group, and its board of directors won approval from the crown prince in August. Mohammed bin Salman, along with state officials and emerging private partners, sits among the leadership, as does Jose Mourinho and Ioan Lupescu, a former Romanian international and football administrator. The project currently runs six teams starting from age five, forming a generation poised to shape World Cup 2034. Madrid-based coach David Pascual joined the project early on. He explains during a visit to the facility near the International Olympic Committee site in Saudi Arabia, that he initially planned a brief stay, but is now content with his role and the remuneration.
The academy hosts matches across its Riyadh complex, with two teams playing on site. The facilities profile shows five fields, many nurtured with natural grass. Like the broader nation, Mahd Academy is expanding rapidly. Pascual notes the accelerated growth and the ambition to compete at a high level, including advancing through knockout stages to maintain momentum. The academy has delivered notable results against regional clubs and leagues, illustrating the clear impact of their development model. Pascual highlights the presence of three players in the lower tiers of the national team.
Mahd Academy operates five fields, with many surfaces featuring natural grass. The country is in a phase of growth and modernization, and the academy mirrors this fast pace. Pascual describes the quick trajectory of the project and the necessity to compete with established clubs through a knockout-style progression. The academy has achieved impressive results against international teams in the region, while Pascual notes contrasts with European experiences. He remarks, however, that the evidence is undeniable: three players from the academy have entered the lower national team categories.
Compete with Qatar and the Real Madrid Foundation
There are clear parallels with endeavors in Qatar, where Aspire Academy began in 2004 with the aim of nurturing talent. The results did not always align with expectations, leading Mahd Academy to advocate for a more sustainable, long-term plan aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This national project is dedicated to identifying and cultivating sports excellence within the country. Pascual and another center member emphasize the abundance of footballing raw material in Saudi Arabia. While Qatar has drawn players from abroad, the majority of Mahd Academy’s participants are Arab, and locals are not the sole players in the recruitment landscape. The Real Madrid Foundation is also headquartered in Riyadh, signaling a strong regional collaboration.
The white team, widely supported, showed local enthusiasm during the Super Cup, where they faced Atlético in the semi-finals. Access to these centers can be gained through club recruitment or by paying a participant fee. This reflects a broader youth football disparity that remains a challenge in the country. Ramón Marcote, who led the Al-Hilal youth setup in 2021-2022, notes the existence of a notable gap in access.
Children’s pathways vary widely, from sons of wealthy families to youths from modest backgrounds, all seeking a future in football. One observer explains that many must balance dreams with real-world responsibilities, as the workforce depends heavily on foreign labor. The variations in opportunity are evident in the stories of those who come from Pakistan, Nepal, and other regions, underscoring a broader social divide observed across the academy network. David Pascual, a key figure in Mahd Academy, has witnessed this firsthand through his coaching and training routines.
Is Saudi Arabia’s futuristic megacity Neom backing the Super Cup with a blend of tradition and modern spectacle?
Denis Iglesias
In the qualifying rounds, teams at Mahd Academy face opponents who practice six days a week, a contrast to some who train only one day. The difference is striking enough that matches are sometimes paused to allow fatigue to ease. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and the professional setup stands out, according to the Spanish coach who has joined a project designed to rival the country’s top clubs in a short time, including Al-Hilal. He notes the structure as among the best in the nation.
The government-led investment, channeled through agencies like the Public Investment Fund, supports multiple goals. On one hand, it strengthens the sports sector as outlined in Vision 2030; on the other, it aims to ensure Saudi Arabia’s national team arrives in World Cup 2034 as a formidable force. Hereditary football traditions in the region are strong, with a broader emphasis on regional leadership within Asia.
Public authorities are also addressing childhood obesity, a pressing concern in global terms. The long-term goals revolve around nurturing new generations who dream of becoming football players and representing their country. This effort thrives in the bright, green spaces of the academies and on the soil of lively matches that keep the community engaged and optimistic about a stronger football future.