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.
Mohamed Salah shared a touching farewell with ex-Liverpool star Darwin Nunez after his £46m Al-Hilal deal. Nunez's Anfield stint mixed dazzling plays with challenges, marking a thrilling new chapter
Roma is hot on the trail of Aston Villa's dynamic winger Leon Bailey, launching talks amid stiff competition from Turkish and Saudi Arabian clubs
Gonçalo Ramos reaffirms his fierce loyalty to PSG after his heroic substitute cameo ignited a stunning UEFA Super Cup comeback win against Tottenham!
Chelsea are reportedly open to offloading Nicolas Jackson this summer, with the striker actively seeking an exit. The club's acquisition of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro signals a clear intent to bolster their attacking options. Both new signings have already impressed, showcasing significant promise in their early performances, particularly during the victorious Club World Cup campaign under Enzo Maresca
Manchester United is entangled in the Jadon Sancho saga once more. With Besiktas keen but no permanent deal in sight, the sidelined star might face another loan, as a full transfer evades grasp despite contract options
Chelsea eyes offloading Nicolas Jackson as he seeks a fresh start. With dynamic signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro impressing in the Club World Cup victory under Maresca, the Blues are powering up their attack
Kingsley Coman’s Bayern Munich exit is set to be finalised in a €30 million Al-Nassr move after the Germans initially considered blocking the sale.
Inigo Martinez dropped a bombshell, revealing his stunning move to Saudi Arabia. The defender confessed the "whopping" Al-Nassr salary offer was "impossible to reject," leaving many utterly astonished. He describes his reaction to the staggering sum and the reasoning behind his "surprise" switch from Barcelona
Nottingham Forest's ban on Gary Neville continues, with the pundit still barred from the City Ground as the new season dawns. Sky Sports is reportedly providing assurances before Neville can expect a return for the 2025-26 campaign. This ongoing feud highlights the persistent tensions between the club and the outspoken former Manchester United defender
