Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr. and other international stars are tied to a broader strategy shaping Saudi Arabia’s sporting landscape. The kingdom, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeks to diversify beyond oil as part of the Vision 2030 program and to showcase the country through high-profile events. A clear example is the ongoing arrangement to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia for the third consecutive year, with the agreement extended to 2029. Plans for major global events continue to unfold, including the prospect of hosting the 2034 World Cup, while social reforms advance at a cautious pace. Women’s rights, however, remain a central point of scrutiny amid these changes.
Amnesty International and other human rights advocates have highlighted ongoing gender-based restrictions in the country. The head of sport and human rights in Spain at Amnesty International observes that women face significant legal and social barriers, and many aspects of daily life are still governed by a male guardianship system. This framework often means that crucial decisions regarding education, work, travel, and personal autonomy depend on a male relative. The practical impact of reforms on everyday life is still limited, with progress appearing slow and uneven.
The broader reality behind official reforms
There have been notable steps forward. In 2018, women were allowed to attend football stadiums for the first time, and in 2019 the Saudi Arabian Women’s Football Development Office was established to support female participation in the sport. Yet observers note that real-world changes are still gradual. Women may encounter fewer visible restrictions in certain spaces, but they often remain dependent on male guardians for many facets of life.
Ana Junyent, the lone Spanish coach in the Saudi women’s league, reflects on rapid development
The investment in women’s football has become undeniable. It draws international coaches and players, raising the league’s level and contributing to the growth of Saudi female athletes. The long-term horizon holds the possibility of a 2035 Women’s World Cup taking place in the region, with steady leadership from coaches like Monika Staab guiding teams toward higher performance.
The economic pull of hosting a Super Cup
One of the main motivators for federations to stage events in Saudi Arabia is economics. The Saudi event calendar delivers sizable revenue, and the Spanish federation benefits from substantial financial arrangements tied to the tournament. The balance of economic considerations and human rights concerns remains at the forefront of discussions among international bodies and advocates.
Observers emphasize that the terms of such agreements should include firm commitments to respect and improve human rights. The debate centers on whether hosting these events should come with explicit enforcement of elevated standards for personal freedoms and public rights. Advocates argue that concrete conditions must accompany any international partnership.
Recent cases involving activists highlight ongoing tensions between public expression and legal penalties. Freedom of speech has faced limitations, and laws surrounding LGBTQ+ rights are strict in practice. Activists and women who advocate for equal rights can face arrest or conviction, underscoring the persistent risk in the region. These realities inform how international sports bodies approach collaborations and events in the country.