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.
Real Madrid have already identified Vinicius Junior's replacement as contract talks with the Brazilian winger have stalled. Vini Jr. still has two years left on his existing deal and is demanding a wage hike to sign a new contract. In case the Selecao star leaves the club, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, Los Blancos will go after Premier League star Erling Haaland.
Details of Cristiano Ronaldo's reported role in Joao Felix's move from Chelsea to Al-Nassr have been revealed.
Cristiano Ronaldo wants Al-Nassr to pursue a move for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr side have reportedly made an offer for Manchester United's Brazilian winger Antony.
Eddie Howe has issued an update on Alexander Isak's immediate future following Newcastle United's pre-season loss to Arsenal in Singapore.
Joao Felix is expected to undergo a medical ahead of a €30m (£26m/$35m) switch to Al Nassr from Chelsea.
Manchester United outcast Antony is "open" to the idea of joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, with "several clubs" showing interest.
Al-Nassr are on the verge of hijacking Benfica's move for Joao Felix as they are in advanced talks to sign the Portuguese forward from Chelsea. The Saudi Pro League giants are in touch with Felix's representatives and could reach an agreement in the next 24 to 48 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had urged Al-Nassr to sign a quality forward, will finally get his help.
Liverpool forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have been left out of the matchday squad for the Reds' pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Saturday. Both Diaz and Nunez have been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. Napoli are keen on securing the Uruguayan's signature, while Bayern Munich remain interested in the Colombian winger.
