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.
Ex-Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen insists Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, is locked into a lucrative two-year Al-Nassr deal, with eye-popping Saudi riches ensuring this legend concludes his stellar Pro League career
Cristiano Ronaldo's epic chase for his 1,000th goal electrifies the globe, with goalkeepers vying to share in his legendary moment. Ex-Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen predicts CR7 will retire shortly after this historic feat
Joao Felix boldly predicts Al-Nassr's thrilling title push in the Saudi Pro League this season, thriving with Cristiano Ronaldo in an "amazing" squad. Ronaldo's "we want more" drive follows their flawless 2025-26 start, with Felix eager for trophies
Joao Felix eagerly predicts Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League dominance, thriving in an "amazing" squad with Ronaldo. Inspired by CR7's "we want more" call after a flawless 2025-26 debut, Felix is poised to chase glory
Vinicius Junior might storm out of Real Madrid if wage demands aren't met, standing firm on his Mbappé clause despite Saudi interest and his stellar start with three goals in five games
Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian sensation, is eyeing an exit from Real Madrid if his salary demands aren't met, despite his loyalty to the Bernabeu. Lured by Saudi clubs, he's already electrified the season with three stellar contributions in five games
Premier League exec Karren Brady was stunned by Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo's audacious claim that the Saudi Pro League rivals the Premier League's elite status, insisting it's far inferior in quality and prestige
Premier League chief Karren Brady was shocked by Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo's bold claim that the Saudi Pro League rivals England's elite. She argues it's inferior in quality, fan passion, and global prestige
Cristiano Ronaldo fiercely slammed 'idiots' mocking Joao Felix's bold Al-Nassr move, triggered by a Portuguese podcast. Felix's £26m Chelsea transfer is off to a strong start, with Ronaldo passionately defending his key teammate online
