The claim that football holds no importance for the Saudis and is merely a fighting sport is simply untrue. Football is one of the nation’s deepest passions. It’s everywhere. A hotel TV can reveal nearly a dozen sports channels, with at least five dedicated to live matches. Both global leagues and domestic competitions are far from being a string of empty stadiums. That’s why Saudi clubs demand peak performances from stars like Benzema. They don’t want a golden cage or a short-lived project like in some other countries; they want triumph.
As Henderson, Benzema and Firmino resist Arabia, their clubs are seen as stealing Betis’ sporting director or Sevilla’s doctor
Benzema is navigating a rough patch at Al-Ittihad. His form drew criticism, and he missed a key Dubai appearance during the Asian Cup. Reports suggest the Frenchman argued he was stranded on the island of Mauritius while on vacation during a hurricane, and Al-Ittihad’s Argentinian coach Marcelo Gallardo kept him out of the squad (Citation: Marca).
Al-Ittihad’s setback in the Club World Cup
This isn’t the first episode involving the former Real Madrid striker. It later emerged that he had left Saudi Arabia for Madrid at the start of the year, asking for three days’ leave. Al-Ittihad found itself compelled to defend its decision amid questions about a public debate surrounding the star and the aftermath of a heavy defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr (2-5) late in 2023 (Citation: sports outlets).
Benzema’s team also faced a disappointing showing in the Jeddah-hosted Club World Cup, where a late surge helped Al-Ittihad beat Al-Ahly of Egypt in extra time. The club had entered the tournament as Saudi league champions and hoped to demonstrate progress beyond the domestic scene. The press here notes the pressure on the player as the league keeps expanding its ambitions.
When scenarios imagined the Saudi squad joining a hypothetical Super League, the idea underscored the country’s ambition to assert its football culture on the world stage. Saudi football is advancing rapidly on both social and sporting fronts. The aim is to build a league among the world’s top ten, a dream carried by aficionados who know the league’s inner workings. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi Pro League play central roles in this evolution.
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Saudi investment in football continues to shape signings and projects. Abdulaziz Al Rabah, a longtime editor-in-chief for a leading Arabic-language sports channel, notes that after a busy transfer market the league’s first round was thrilling. While Al-Hilal remains a dominant force and the title race appears to pit them against Al-Nassr, a range of teams have achieved meaningful results. The market is expected to stay vibrant in the coming summer, with many predicting a grand expansion (Citation: Al Arabiya reports).
Rather than presenting the Saudi project as temporary, recent coverage emphasizes a sustained push to raise the league’s competitiveness. The Saudi Professional League has approved raising foreign player quotas from eight to ten for the 2024/2025 season. The government aims for private investment to eventually take over from the Public Investment Fund, which already controls several top clubs. The ownership pattern here contrasts with the more familiar American ownership models and reflects a uniquely local approach to sports development.
When discussions consider a Saudi team in a global context, the focus remains on proving footballing worth. Arabia moves forward quickly, aiming to prove itself through competition at the highest levels. The leagues in the country are embedded with a strong sense of purpose, and the system is designed to nurture a deep, enduring football culture under the governance of the federation and league authorities.
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Despite examples like Chelsea, the backbone of teams remains. Last season, Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League after two decades, and the club’s current status is challenging for its leadership. The evolution here is watched closely by the country’s leadership, who expect immediate performance when possible, while balancing the long-term strategic goals for local competition.
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For this reason, fans and owners of Al-Ittihad have mixed feelings about Benzema. Transfers of players like Luiz Felipe, Fabinho, or Kanté have altered the landscape, but the club sits mid-table despite a history of success. The pressure on Benzema has shifted from a dream of a golden finale to the demand for quick, tangible results in a developing league.
Rumors have circulated that stars such as Henderson and Firmino might end their contracts in Saudi Arabia early. The reasons vary—heat, humidity, motivation, style changes, or simply a new phase in their careers. Residents of remote communities enjoy substantial club facilities, with private schools and extensive amenities, illustrating the lifestyle bubble that exists around top teams.
Cristiano Ronaldo as the exemplary player Arabia seeks
The true cultural shift lies in the football itself. Each club brings its own philosophy, and the league’s composition is heavily international in terms of players. The overarching mindset remains clear: the drive to win is shared by clubs and fans alike, even though not every squad can reach that summit.
Returning to Europe is rarely simple, as contracts and tax considerations play a role. For some players, extended stay proves financially advantageous, while others may face complex contractual obligations. The broader sentiment across the country is a mix of ambition, accountability, and a strong work ethic that defines the league. Ronaldo, viewed as an ideal global ambassador for the championship, contrasts with Benzema, whose transition to Riyadh is driven by different personal and professional drivers. The league’s culture of effort remains a constant, even as clubs pursue the next breakthrough in a rapidly evolving market.
Fans follow the domestic competition closely, especially the four major clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli. The scene is filled with supporters in stadiums and bars alike. The league’s expansion and the addition of new talents continue to shape the football culture—the atmosphere around these teams drives engagement and energy across the country.