The influx of global talent into the Saudi Pro League isn’t solely attributable to the presence of star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Saudi international Sami Al Jaber. Speaking on the program “Our Club,” Al Jaber emphasized that the project’s success stems primarily from the Kingdom’s leadership and the irresistible financial offers being made to players, rather than any single athlete’s influence.
Al Jaber asserted that the financial incentives within the Saudi sporting project are simply too substantial for world-class players to ignore. This perspective reframes the narrative surrounding the league’s rapid ascent, moving beyond a focus on individual signings to highlight the broader strategic investment driving the transformation.
He specifically refuted the notion that Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was the primary catalyst for attracting players like Neymar, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Riyad Mahrez. Al Jaber explained that the European clubs these players previously represented were unable to match the financial packages offered by Saudi teams, making the decision a logical one from all perspectives. This suggests a calculated strategy by Saudi clubs to capitalize on financial disparities within the global football landscape.
The Saudi Pro League’s transformation is deeply rooted in Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy away from its reliance on oil and gas. Sport, alongside tourism, is identified as a key revenue target within this broader economic plan. The investment in the Pro League isn’t simply about football; it’s about building a more diversified and robust economy, enhancing national pride, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among citizens.
The financial backing for this ambitious project is substantial. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken controlling stakes in four Saudi Pro League clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal – providing them with the resources to compete for top talent. This centralized investment strategy appears to be a key differentiator from previous attempts by other leagues, such as China’s mid-2010s spending spree, which faltered after government-imposed caps on transfers and salaries.
The league’s spending has been significant. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in as part of a deal worth €200 million ($219 million) annually, making him the world’s highest-paid athlete. Karim Benzema followed in with a $107 million deal with Al-Ittihad, while Sadio Mané moved to Al-Nassr for $43.83 million and Riyad Mahrez joined Al-Ahli for $32 million. Even Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé reportedly turned down even larger sums to remain with their European clubs.
Beyond attracting established stars, the Saudi Pro League is also aiming to improve the overall quality of football within the country. By signing players in their prime, rather than solely focusing on aging veterans, the league hopes to increase competitiveness and elevate the standard of play. This, in turn, is expected to attract more fans, boost stadium attendance, and increase merchandise sales.
The league has also focused on expanding its global reach through broadcast deals, securing agreements with as many as 130 global markets (excluding the U.S.). This increased visibility is crucial for building the league’s brand and attracting further investment. Peter Hutton, a member of the Pro League’s board, described the project as “the biggest, most ambitious and most determined to be a success” he’s encountered in his 40 years in the sports industry.
The timing of this investment is also strategic, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup. The league’s growth is intended to create a familiar environment for fans and showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to football ahead of the tournament. The aim is to build a strong domestic league that can compete with Europe’s elite and provide a platform for Saudi players to develop and excel.
However, challenges remain. While the financial investment is substantial, sustaining long-term success requires more than just star power. Fan engagement, consistent performance improvements, and a robust youth development system are all crucial for ensuring the league’s continued growth. As of , concerns regarding attendance figures have been noted, suggesting that attracting fans to matches remains an ongoing priority.
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition is clear: to become a major force in global football. The league is deploying significant financial resources and attracting some of the world’s most recognizable players. Whether it can overcome the challenges and achieve its long-term goals remains to be seen, but the initial signs suggest a league undergoing a rapid and transformative period.
