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.
Alexander Isak is reportedly "adamant" his Newcastle chapter is closed, irrespective of a potential Liverpool move. The star striker's desire to depart is unwavering, with a fractured relationship with the club hierarchy fueling his resolve to seek pastures new
Hansi Flick is set to meet with Barcelona's sporting director Deco to discuss defensive reinforcements following Iñigo Martínez's departure to Al-Nassr. The new manager will prioritize identifying and securing suitable centre-back targets to bolster the squad
Cristiano Ronaldo truly pulled out all the stops for Georgina Rodriguez! The staggering price tag of her magnificent diamond engagement ring has finally been unveiled, proving that when it comes to love, no expense is too great for the football superstar
Steven Gerrard eyes Wrexham glory! The Liverpool icon could be the ideal boss, drawing star players if Parkinson exits, echoing Lampard's revival for an exciting Welsh future
Aymeric Laporte's thrilling Athletic Club comeback teeters on the edge! Al-Nassr demands €25 million, trapping the star in Saudi Arabia amid tense standoffs
Excitement mounts as Hansi Flick meets Deco to fortify Barcelona's defense after Iñigo Martínez's exit to Al-Nassr, eyeing prime centre-back signings
It would be incredible!" Antony's former Real Betis teammate is pushing for his return. The Manchester United outcast is determined to leave Old Trafford and has his sights set on rejoining Betis. Antony thrived during his loan spell and is reportedly eager to make the move permanent, signaling his clear intention to play for no other club
David Alaba's agent has batted away rumors linking the Real Madrid defender to a summer move to the Saudi Pro League
It's official! Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are engaged! Georgina proudly flaunted a massive ring, confirming she's accepted the football superstar's proposal. The power couple, together for almost ten years, are raising four children.
