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.
Didier Deschamps brings N'Golo Kante back to France after a year, calling the 34-year-old Al-Ittihad star "still at his best." His stellar form in Saudi Arabia will shine in vital World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on how Diogo Jota's tragic car crash death in Spain has reshaped his life, and why he skipped the funeral to avoid a media circus
Cristiano Ronaldo is turning away from management, as Manchester United icon Teddy Sheringham predicts the Portuguese legend will follow David Beckham into club ownership. At 40, CR7 nears retirement with exciting speculation on his next venture
Rene Meulensteen, a former Manchester United coach, reveals Cristiano Ronaldo "would love" to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami as their legendary careers fade. Yet, Hollywood appears the prime MLS spot for CR7 in LA
Marc Guehi's bold wage demands have shattered his Real Madrid dreams, leaving Crystal Palace in control as Liverpool leads the chase, with Bayern eyeing a surprise bid
Cristiano Ronaldo unveils his priciest purchase and equates billionaire status to Ballon d'Or glory! By October 2025, his fortune skyrocketed to $1.4 billion with Al-Nassr's record deal, netting £178m annually
Portugal's icon Cristiano Ronaldo boldly declares his stellar legacy untarnished, regardless of matching Lionel Messi's World Cup glory, after ditching his "dream" of claiming the trophy
Cristiano Ronaldo's son, Cristiano Junior, shone as Portugal U16 triumphed over England to claim the Federation Cup! His beaming mum, Georgina Rodriguez, cheered and shared a joyful hug post-victory
Fiorentina stunningly axed coach Stefano Pioli after a 10-game winless skid, sinking them to the Serie A bottom, despite his Scudetto glory at AC Milan and Al-Nassr stint
