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.
Al-Hilal are keen to complete a transfer for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who is open to relocating to Saudi Arabia after three years in England.
Manchester United's sidelined sensation Antony has shockingly turned down a golden opportunity to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo once more, snubbing a high-profile switch to Al-Nassr!
Manchester United outcast Antony has reportedly rejected the chance to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo after snubbing an Al-Nassr move.
Marseille drops a major update on Mason Greenwood's future - and it's got fans buzzing amid sizzling transfer buzz from Serie A powerhouses and Saudi Arabia!
Marseille have confirmed their stance on Mason Greenwood's future amid transfer interest from Serie A and Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix teamed up in a shocking upset as Al-Nassr fell to plucky Portuguese underdogs Estrela da Amadora in a secretive behind-closed-doors friendly
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix played as Al-Nassr suffered a defeat to Portuguese minnows Estrela da Amadora in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Mason Greenwood is said to be attracting more interest from Italy, with the Marseille forward reportedly registering on Inter's recruitment radar.
Emi Martinez has been linked with Manchester United, but could end up helping them to prise Gianluigi Donnarumma away from Paris Saint-Germain.