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.
Ivan Rakitic confesses his "deepest career regret": declining Cristiano Ronaldo's personal 2019 call to join Juventus and team up with the Real Madrid legend, missing a legendary partnership
In a captivating tale, Inter's Giuseppe Marotta revealed Cristiano Ronaldo's extreme detail obsession at Juventus, even dissecting water bottles with doctors for peak performance. This unyielding health focus and smarts keep him dominating at 40 with Al-Nassr
Piers Morgan, a die-hard Cristiano Ronaldo admirer, stuns fans by crowning Australian cricket icon Shane Warne as his top sports figure over CR7, claiming the football star would nod to sharing the spotlight with this charismatic, headline-hogging legend
Andre Onana is dazzling Trabzonspor fans early in his loan, bouncing back from being overlooked at Manchester United for Altay Bayindir and Senne Lammens. As a 2023 elite goalkeeper, he's reigniting his stellar career with impressive flair
Ex-West Ham star Said Benrahma risks jail over an alleged XL bully dog attack, facing court for the July 2023 incident in east London. The 30-year-old forward could face a custodial sentence if convicted
Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool icon, is poised for a triumphant Rangers comeback amid the club's upheaval, following the swift axing of Russell Martin after his woeful 17-game tenure. Disgruntled Glasgow fans rejoice as the Gers eye their former hero to reignite success
Sergio Busquets stunned fans by rejecting a chance to play with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, opting to retire after the 2025/26 season. This Barcelona legend plans a football break, eyeing a future coaching return
Manchester United's Harry Maguire is poised for a blockbuster move to Al-Nassr, reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo in a sensational free transfer. His contract expires next summer, with United unlikely to renew as they reshape their squad
Saudi giants Al-Hilal are set to stun the football world with a jaw-dropping £261 million offer for Harry Kane on a three-year deal, per Bild. The Bayern Munich sensation is dominating the 2025-26 season with record-breaking goals, fueling speculation of a Premier League return
