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 Ronaldo, the timeless legend at 40, vows to keep inspiring Portugal indefinitely, as Ricardo Carvalho confirms. With five Ballon d'Or titles and 223 caps, he's perfectly positioned to lead in the 2026 World Cup, despite his Al-Nassr extension
Timo Werner risks his career by rejecting MLS and sticking with sidelined status at RB Leipzig, as expert Stefan Effenberg warns of losing vital motivation and drive
Timo Werner's risky gamble to spurn the MLS and cling to RB Leipzig, despite his bench role, is ringing alarm bells. Expert Stefan Effenberg fears this could sabotage his career, zapping his zeal and competitive spirit if he stays sidelined
Wes Brown praises Cristiano Ronaldo as the eternal "Superman" at 40, outshining strikers and fiercely committed to dominating for Al-Nassr until he physically can't
Paul Pogba, the French football icon, shared his Dubai family escape during his doping ban, now buzzing with excitement for a blockbuster Monaco comeback in March 2025
Paul Pogba, the dynamic French star, unveils his thrilling life during a doping ban, whisking his family to vibrant Dubai for six months. Now cleared for March 2025, he's buzzing with excitement for his Monaco return on a two-year deal
Aymeric Laporte unveils the gripping saga of his bold Al-Nassr escape, where soaring demands almost shattered his dream Athletic Club return, leaving him adrift in talks yet resolute for Bilbao
Anthony Martial stuns fans by joining forces with Sergio Ramos at Monterrey Rayados, ending his brief AEK Athens spell after just one season
Legendary Carlo Ancelotti, ex-Real Madrid icon, teases thrilling Brazil ventures beyond 2026 World Cup after sealing a one-year CBF deal, with Xabi Alonso now at the helm in Madrid
