Saudi Pro League Blog

  FIFA unexpectedly announced last Wednesday it was giving countries only four weeks to confirm their official interest in bidding for the men's showpiece event despite it being 11 years away.   Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal said in a statement: "The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia's development, experience its culture and become part of its history.   Hosting a World Cup would be the next step in Saudi's vast investment in sport - particularly attracting stars including Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Saudi and buying Newcastle United.   Africa, Europe and South America were knocked out of the running for 2034 by a behind-the-scenes deal by FIFA to link to bids for 2030 that is now set to be hosted by six countries in three continents: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia's investment in the Saudi Pro League is not merely about elevating the d

Carlo Nohra, the head of operations for the Saudi Pro League, asserts that Cristiano Ronaldo's presence has had a monumental impact on the league's trajectory. "The addition of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Arabian football scene has not only expanded the league's global reach, broadcasting its matches to 140 countries, but it has also generated a remarkable surge in league revenue, accounting for a staggering 650% increase," he explained. The renowned Portuguese star made his move from Manchester United in November 2022 following a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo's decision to join Al-Nassr marked the beginning of a significant shift, with other top European talents subsequently opting to make the move to the Middle East. Addressing the media in a press conference prior to Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia, Ronaldo claimed credit for attracting these high-profile players to the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer win

Saudi Arabia, in a bid to diversify its economy, is poised to redefine the epicentre of world football. Europe, after decades of dominance, now faces formidable competition in preserving its prestige as renowned players have recently shifted alliances. To put this shift into perspective, the Saudi Pro League boasts two Ballon d'Or winners with a combined total of six titles, while Europe has only one. In June 2023, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired a 75% stake in Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr, the four most prominent clubs in the country's football history. This direct investment in the clubs, coupled with elevated aspirations from their owners, has marked the commencement of Saudi Arabia's footballing dynasty. New state-of-the-art training complexes and stadiums have emerged, but perhaps the most noteworthy transformation is the arrival of star players such as Neymar JR, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. These football icons have been enticed by t