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.
A €1 billion offer from the Saudi Pro League for Vinicius Junior has been taken off the table as Real Madrid plan a new contract for the Brazil star.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to return to Marseille after just a season away, with his Saudi Pro League adventure with Al-Qadsiah coming to an end.
Cristiano Ronaldo sent out a message for former Sporting CP team-mate Jose Semedo as the ex-Portuguese footballer took charge of Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr as their acting CEO. Ronaldo and Semedo were team-mates briefly at Sporting CP B in 2003 before the Selecao captain left the club to join Premier League giants Manchester United ahead of the 2003-04 campaign.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are reportedly keeping tabs on Newcastle United star Alexander Isak after Liverpool's transfer interest was rebuffed.
David Beckham has delivered an update on Inter Miami’s new stadium, but questions continue to be asked of whether Lionel Messi will play there.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still “obsessed with playing and scoring goals”, with the evergreen Al-Nassr striker remaining “dedicated to the game”.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has been training in Portugal, with Portimonense delighted to host “the one who bears the name and the legacy”.
In a summer of secret release clauses, Emi Martinez reportedly has one at Aston Villa that could work in Manchester United’s favour.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly begging Al-Nassr to join the €100 million (£87m/$116m) transfer battle for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
