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.
Cristiano Jr mirrored his dad Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliance, netting his debut goal for Portugal U16s with a sharp finish in Antalya, Turkey. The 15-year-old talent ignited Portugal's dominant 3-0 win over Wales
Heartbroken ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has quit Pumas in Mexico after losing his cherished dog, Halo, and is now free to join a new club back in the UK
Barcelona eyes a sensational deal for Victor Osimhen to replace aging star Robert Lewandowski, amid talks of his potential return from Galatasaray to Europe's elite leagues next season
Saudi Arabia snubbed Lionel Messi's four-month offer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as MLS playoffs intensify until December, with the league pausing next summer before resuming in August
Lazio's Pedro, ex-Barcelona and Chelsea star, confirms his free-agent exit, vowing to propel the team back to Europe while teasing future playing prospects
Lucas Paqueta quashes West Ham exit rumors in a dramatic twist, eyeing a fresh start post-spot-fixing clearance as January transfer talks heat up!
Ex-Real Madrid star James Rodriguez departs Club Leon, eyeing his 13th club with exciting MLS opportunities and global offers on the horizon
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a heartfelt eight-word rallying cry with his Al-Nassr teammates after their 2-1 King's Cup defeat to 10-man Al-Ittihad, urging them to regroup and chase success in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League 2
Mason Greenwood's explosive form at Marseille has sparked buzz, with two London Premier League clubs eyeing a bold return for the ex-Man Utd star after his controversial Old Trafford exit
