Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo kicks the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

RIYADH: In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major player in the global football arena, and the country’s investment in the Saudi Pro League has become a focal point for discussions around the future of the sport.

With significant financial backing and a strategic vision, the Kingdom is making headlines by attracting some of football’s biggest names, enhancing tourism, expanding international broadcasting, and capturing the attention of global media.

One of the most visible indicators of the SPL’s rising profile is the influx of international football stars. High-profile transfers in recent years have not only enhanced the league’s competitive edge, but also spotlighted its growing prestige.

These marquee signings are more than just players; they are global icons whose presence in the SPL serves as a powerful endorsement of the league’s quality and ambition.

 

Present:

When Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr shortly after the 2022 World Cup, he changed the course of football in the Kingdom forever. He opened the door for some of the world’s finest players who rushed to join him soon afterwards.

After Ronaldo’s era-defining move to the Kingdom, Karim Benzema became the Saudi Pro League’s second high-profile arrival the following year. The SPL set its sights high by signing the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner from arguably the world’s most famous club, Real Madrid.

Popular Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez joined Al-Ahli in a 2023 statement signing, fresh from winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble with Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City team.




Riyadh Mahrez. (Twitter)

After a season in Bavaria, Senegalese star Sadio Mane packed his bags for Riyadh to play alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in 2023.

Mane had enjoyed six successful years playing for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool before moving to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022.

Few foreign players have proven to be as successful in Saudi Arabia as Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. After joining Al-Hilal from English Premier League club Fulham last summer, he tore up defenses across the Kingdom, scoring 28 goals as Al-Hilal cruised to a record 19th Saudi Pro League championship.




Bafetimbi Gomis of Al Hilal (R) runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

 

Past:

While recent years have seen an influx of high-profile stars, Saudi football has long been home to some outstanding international talent.

A member of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning Brazil team alongside the likes of Pele, Carlos Alberto and Jairzinho, Roberto Rivelino joined Al-Hilal in 1978. He proceeded to win the Saudi league in his first season and score 26 goals across three campaigns.

Omar Al-Somah is another Arab superstar who made his name in Saudi Arabia. The Syrian forward joined Al-Ahli in 2014 and went on to have a sensational career, scoring 144 goals in 180 matches for the Jeddah giants, claiming the Saudi Pro League title in 2015-16.




Omar Al-Somah

French forward Bafetimbi Gomis joined Al-Hilal from Galatasaray in 2018, just in time to play a major part in one of the club’s greatest eras. In four glorious seasons at the club, he won two Saudi Pro League and two AFC Champions League titles, scoring 116 goals across all competitions. His stellar record propelled him to hero status in Riyadh and beyond.

Brazilian goal poacher Romarinho was beloved by Al-Ittihad fans from the time he joined from the UAE’s Al-Jazira in 2018 until his departure this summer. His goals helped Al-Ittihad end a 14-year drought to win the 2022-2023 SPL title.

Controversial, but never less than enthralling, and deadly in front of the goal, Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah scored an astonishing 77 goals in 74 matches for Al-Nassr between 2018 and 2021, winning the SPL in 2018-19 and twice claiming the league top scorer award. Like Romarinho, Hamdallah played a major part in bringing the SPL title to Jeddah in 2023.




Hilal's Brazilian forward #10 Neymar stands for the national anthem during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on September 29, 2023. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Stadiums across Saudi Arabia attract fans from around the world. The enhanced match-day experience, coupled with the opportunity to see global stars in action, has turned major football fixtures into significant tourism events. This surge in visitors is beneficial not only for the hospitality sector, but also for local businesses and the broader economy.

Aside from tourism, the SPL is expanding its broadcasting to new territories and languages for the first time. Previously confined to regional viewership, the league has secured broadcasting deals that span multiple continents. Networks in Europe, Asia, and the Americas are now showing SPL matches, providing a global audience with unprecedented access to Saudi football.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in football is part of a long-term vision. By attracting top talent, boosting tourism, expanding broadcasting reach, and capturing media attention, the SPL is positioning itself as a major player in international football, and a cornerstone of the country’s sports and cultural diplomacy.




Aleksander Mitrovic of Al Hilal looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Damac at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on August 28, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The influx of international stars and the subsequent growth in tourism are just the beginning. The Kingdom aims to leverage this momentum to drive further investments in infrastructure, grassroots development, and community engagement, with the goal of creating a sustainable football ecosystem that benefits all levels of the sport, and contributes to the country’s broader economic and social objectives.

This spotlight boosts the league’s visibility, and helps to shape global perceptions of Saudi football as a serious and competitive force.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup adds another layer to its footballing ambitions. The country’s significant investments in the SPL and its infrastructure are part of a strategic push to demonstrate its capability to host major international sporting events. Securing the World Cup would not only solidify Saudi Arabia’s status on the global football stage, but also align with its Vision 2030 goals by showcasing its evolving sports infrastructure and organizational prowess.

As the SPL continues to grow, it will be interesting to observe how this investment reshapes global football dynamics. The league’s success in attracting big names and expanding its international footprint could potentially inspire other regions to follow suit, leading to a more diverse and globally interconnected football landscape. 


‘SAMAI’ initiative has enabled over 330,000 Saudi citizens to use AI, says SDAIA chief

Updated 50 min 2 sec ago
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‘SAMAI’ initiative has enabled over 330,000 Saudi citizens to use AI, says SDAIA chief

  • Launched in September 2024, SAMAI targets citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds.

RIYADH: Some 334,000 Saudis have so far have benefitted from the government program aimed at empowering citizens with AI capabilities, according to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, or SDAIA.

During the keynote session of the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025 in Riyadh on July 2, SDAIA chief Abdullah Alghamdi also said that partnerships the authority had forged with other government agencies have positioned the Kingdom first globally in empowering women in AI and second globally in community awareness.

Launched in September 2024 at the Global AI Summit (GAIN), the SAMAI initiative targets citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds.

The program is a joint undertaking of the SDAIA, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, according to SPA.

Alghamdi also cited several national initiatives that resulted from this collaboration, including the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, “ATHKA Competition.” 

More than 260,000 male and female students from intermediate and secondary schools participated, with 10,000 advancing to the final stage, he said. 

One key initiative cited by the SDAIA chief was the  “Road to ATHKA,” which trained more than 570,000 students on artificial intelligence concepts.

Yet another initiative was the “Future Intelligence Programmers” program, which has successfully trained over 10,000 teachers.

The SDAIA and Education ministry had likewise jointly established the Center for Excellence in Education, "designed to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector, sustain future-oriented initiatives, and leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes."

 


Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

Updated 04 July 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince and Shiekh Tahnoun, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, discussed relations between the Kingdom and the UAE and ways to enhance them.


Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations 

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations 

RIYADH: A total of 5,912 inspections covering 4,307 establishments were carried out across the Kingdom by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in April and May.

A total of 996 were shut down due to various violations, while 136 were closed for operating without required licenses and for product safety breaches.

Additionally, production lines at 127 establishments were halted and 1,750 types of products were seized.

The initiative is part of the SFDA’s efforts to ensure compliance with approved regulations and to uphold high quality standards.

At one food establishment, inspectors found raw materials of an unknown origin, employees without health certificates, the absence of a tracking system and inadequate measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. These led to the closure of the business and the implementation of necessary legal measures.
 


Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed

Updated 03 July 2025
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Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed

  • Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of desertification, improve air quality and achieve its sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

Held in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, the four-day event saw the participation of 70 countries, including attendance by local and international ministers, environmental organizations and financial development entities.

Among the participants was Saudi Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha.

Faqeeha, who is also the adviser to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties Presidency, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and innovation to address the escalating threat of climate change that resulted in complicated and devastating environmental issues such as drought.

Faqeeha said: “The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a ‘one-stop shop’ for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness.

“We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”

The deputy minister said that solutions should be applied through strategies and mechanisms to ensure enhanced resilience in the areas that were mostly affected by drought and climate change globally.

He praised the partnership with the International Drought Resilience Alliance, a global coalition that aims to build resilience against droughts and climate change. 

He said it was fundamental to bridging the gap between the political and financial aspects to ensure the achievement of long-term sustainable development objectives.

The discussion highlighted some of the national efforts and strategies for environmental sustainability, including efforts by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America.


Saudi Shoura Council members visit Turkish parliament

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council members visit Turkish parliament

ANKARA: Members of the Saudi-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Saudi Shoura Council met with their counterparts from Turkiye during a visit to the country.

During the meeting, held in Ankara, the two sides reviewed ways to further boost their relations and discussed other topics of common interest.

The Saudi delegation also met with Numan Kurtulmus, president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.