The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is poised for another thrilling season, kicking off this Thursday just before the international break. As the league gains momentum, expect Cristiano Ronaldo to ignite the headlines, potentially declaring the SPL among the world’s top five leagues. Fueling this assertion, the veteran striker might highlight Al-Hilal’s impressive journey to the Club World Cup quarter-finals, where they drew with Real Madrid and stunned Manchester City with a 4-3 victory. Beyond on-field achievements, the SPL now shares a common thread with its European counterparts: the infusion of US investment.
In a landmark move this past July, the Ministry of Sports announced the privatization of three clubs, marking a significant shift in the league’s landscape. Among these, Al-Kholood, the sole top-tier team, has been acquired by the Harburg Group, an American investment firm led by venture capitalist Ben Harburg. The Ministry stated, "The first three Saudi sports clubs have been privatized through a public offering – Al Ansar, Al Kholood, and Al Zulfi – with their ownership transferred to investment entities."
This privatization initiative is a core element of the league’s broader strategy to attract foreign capital and elevate its global standing. While building the Al-Kholood brand presents unique challenges, given the club’s history outside the top tier and its location in Ar Rass, a city of 120,000 residents approximately 250 miles northwest of Riyadh, the potential is undeniable.
Al-Kholood’s promotion in 2024 and subsequent ninth-place finish last season, fueled by 15 goals from Comoros international Myziane Maolida and a solid defense anchored by Nigerian center-back William Troost-Ekong, provide a solid foundation. Reinforcing their ambitions, the new owners have appointed English manager Des Buckingham. The 40-year-old coach, known for leading Mumbai City to the Indian Super League title as part of the City Football Group and securing promotion for Oxford United to the Championship in 2024, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Despite a premature dismissal from Oxford United due to poor results, Buckingham’s expertise is expected to propel Al-Kholood forward.
While England’s second tier is renowned for its competitiveness, the SPL boasts its own level of unpredictability, with a formidable "big four" or even "big five" vying for the title. The summer of 2023 witnessed a significant transformation as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli from Jeddah, along with Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, were acquired by the Public Investment Fund, while the oil giant Aramco invested in Al-Qadsiah. These five teams dominated the league standings last season.
Al-Ittihad emerged as the champions, driven by the prolific goal-scoring of Karim Benzema, the creative assists of Moussa Diaby, and the midfield prowess of N’Golo Kanté. With Laurent Blanc at the helm, the team has maintained its core strength and stability.
Al-Hilal, despite a strong start, faltered in the latter half of the season, ultimately costing Jorge Jesus his managerial position. Simone Inzaghi stepped in, making a notable impact at the Club World Cup. The addition of Darwin Núñez to the attack further bolsters the 19-time champions, making them strong contenders for the title, even with Salem Al-Dawsari, their standout player from last season, entering his 34th year.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr secured third place, aided by a controversial late decision that awarded them three points after their opponents were found to have fielded an ineligible player. Stefano Pioli, who arrived from Italy a month into the season, never fully settled in, and the team heavily relied on individual brilliance from their star players. His departure over the summer was unsurprising. In a surprising turn of events, reminiscent of Mikel Arteta’s hypothetical move from Arsenal to Tottenham, Jorge Jesus has returned to Riyadh to manage Al-Nassr.
The veteran Portuguese manager will have Ronaldo at his disposal, following the superstar’s decision to sign a two-year contract extension. While Jhon Durán has departed, the arrival of Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich and João Félix, who has already opened his account in the Super Cup with an assist from Ronaldo, significantly strengthens the squad. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now within striking distance of reaching 1,000 career goals (needing just 61 more) and remains the only player to have scored over a century of goals for four different clubs. He will undoubtedly be eager to secure his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia as he approaches his third anniversary in the league. The return of Jorge Jesus, who led Al-Hilal to a dominant title victory in 2024, setting a world record with a 34-game winning streak, could prove to be the decisive factor for Al-Nassr.
Al-Ahli, despite finishing fifth in the domestic league, compensated for their performance by clinching the Asian Champions League title for the first time in May. Ivan Toney, after a period of adjustment, developed a strong understanding with Riyad Mahrez, ultimately finishing as the second-highest scorer with 23 goals, just two behind Ronaldo and two ahead of Benzema. Al-Qadsiah, in their first season after promotion, secured fourth place and would have finished third were it not for Al-Nassr’s controversial late-season point allocation. While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has moved to Marseille, the arrival of Italian striker Mateo Retegui from Atalanta for nearly £60 million signals Al-Qadsiah’s continued ambition.
Among the other teams, Neom SC, a newly promoted club representing a city yet to be built, will garner significant attention. Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier is in charge, with substantial funds at his disposal. However, it remains unlikely that the "big five" will expand into a "big six" just yet, given the established dominance of the top teams.
As the Saudi Pro League embarks on another season, the influx of US investment, coupled with the presence of global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and the strategic moves of ambitious clubs, promises an exciting and competitive campaign. The league’s growing international profile and its commitment to attracting top talent are transforming it into a force to be reckoned with in the global football landscape. The coming years will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the SPL’s future and solidifying its position among the elite leagues worldwide. The blend of established stars, emerging talents, and strategic investments creates a compelling narrative that will captivate football fans across the globe. The Saudi Pro League is not just a league to watch; it’s a league to experience.