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.
Enzo Maresca shocks fans by admitting he hasn't seen Chelsea's sidelined star Raheem Sterling since the 2025-26 season started. As part of the Blues' ruthless 'bomb squad', the winger's failed transfer post-Arsenal loan leaves him adrift at Stamford Bridge
Bayern Munich director Max Eberl disclosed the thrilling drama behind Nicolas Jackson's transfer, labeling it a 'big fight' during a nail-biting 48 hours as Chelsea fought to derail the deal
Aymeric Laporte's triumphant return to Athletic Club ignites joy, as FIFA swiftly resolves Al-Nassr snags for his heartfelt La Liga revival!
In a shocking move, Burnley icon Josh Brownhill snubs Premier League bids from Brentford, Wolves, West Ham, and Leicester to embrace a fresh Saudi Pro League adventure with Al-Shabab
In a stunning twist, Josh Brownhill, Burnley's charismatic captain, rejects Premier League bids from Brentford, Wolves, West Ham, and Leicester to embrace an exhilarating challenge with Saudi Pro League's Al-Shabab!
In an exhilarating twist, FIFA has greenlit Aymeric Laporte's transfer from Al-Nassr to Athletic Club, reuniting the ex-Man City star with La Liga!
Fenerbahce's Ali Koc revealed the heart-pounding chase for Tottenham's Yves Bissouma, dashed by a timely injury. Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce battled fiercely, but talks ultimately stalled
Furious Ruben Neves slams a Portuguese magazine for invading his close ties with Diogo Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, after the Liverpool star's tragic passing
Ruben Neves passionately defends his friendship with Rute Cardoso, Diogo Jota's widow, against a Portuguese magazine's intrusive queries amid the Liverpool star's tragic loss
