The Saudi Pro League’s Global Rise with Ronaldo and Benzema
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival transformed the Saudi Pro League, injecting global attention and a new level of competition. With Karim Benzema now joining the league, the momentum continues to build as the competition aims to become one of the most viewed football leagues worldwide. Early 2023 marked a turning point when Ronaldo joined the Arab scene, sparking a broader shift in how the league is perceived. As the 2023 season progressed, Benzema was set to join a league that shows no signs of slowing its growth.
Who are the stars and the most famous football players in the Saudi Arabian league
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr, and Karim Benzema, with Al-Ittihad, are the marquee names drawing international attention. They stand out as two Ballon d’Or winners who headline the league. Yet they are far from alone in shaping the next edition of this high-profile Arab championship. Notable names entering the spotlight include Ever Banega, David Ospina, Luciano Vietto, Talisca, N’Golo Kanté, Gonzalo Martínez, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and Edouard Mendy, among others. The latest addition is Croatian midfield star Marcelo Brozović, who will link up with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, a move that signals the club’s growing strength in the league. (Goal)
There are also notable managerial moves shaping the competition. Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool legend, has taken the helm at Ettifaq, bringing a wealth of European experience to the Saudi stage. In a separate development, Milinković-Savić from Lazio joined Al Hilal, reinforcing the league’s appeal to elite players. (Goal)
Teams of the 2023-2024 season
For the 2023-2024 campaign, the Saudi Pro League features 18 teams. The season runs from August 2023 to May 2024, featuring a traditional round-robin format with home and away matches. The top three clubs secure qualification for the Asian Champions League, while the fourth advances to the continental qualifying rounds. The bottom three face relegation. This structure is designed to sustain competitive balance while maximizing exposure for the league and its players.
The list of competing teams includes Al-Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Shabab, Al Hilal, Al Taawoun, Al Fateh, Damac, Al Tai, Al Raed, Ettifaq, Abha, Al Wehda, Al Fayha, Khaleej, Al Ahli, Al Etifaq, Al Okhdood, and Al Riyadh. (Goal)
All Saudi Arabian national champions
Record-wise, Al Hilal leads with a remarkable 18 titles, followed by Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr with nine each. Al Shabab has six crowns, while Al Ahli has three, Ettifaq two, and Al Fateh one, highlighting a rich history of success across the league. (Goal)
Goal: World Cup 2030
The sheer financial strength fueling the league is evident, yet gold alone cannot sustain long-term growth. Saudi Arabia is diversifying its resources and attractions to keep the league climbing. In the words of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, the country is rich in minerals and beyond oil has immense potential in gold, phosphate, and uranium. Yet the true wealth lies in the ambition of the people and the vitality of its younger generation, seen as the nation’s future architects. The passion for football runs deep, with the League’s Executive Director noting that a majority of the population closely follows the sport. (Goal)
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a major football force as part of a broader strategy to become a global investment powerhouse. This includes measures to ensure that football remains a central pillar of the country’s long-term plans, including a 2030 World Cup bid that would bring this sport to the heart of the nation. Recent indications show continued engagement with global football bodies and a drive to expand influence across Africa through collaborations and sponsorships, as reported in sources covering regional developments. (Goal)
In recent events, Prince Bin Salman was seen at the World Cup in Qatar, often alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at matches. Reports have also highlighted discussions with the Confederation of African Football to sponsor a new African Super League and to earn points toward their World Cup bid, underscoring the broader strategic link between football and regional investment ambitions. (Goal)
Source: Goal