The Saudi Pro League is becoming a formidable league very quickly Photo Vbet News
Saudi Arabia – In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been undergoing significant changes and developments as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. One of the areas experiencing a major transformation is sports, particularly football. With investments pouring in and ambitious plans taking shape, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a new footballing powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia recognises that sports play a crucial role in changing perceptions and showcasing the country’s openness and beauty to the world. Taking inspiration from Qatar’s successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia aims to replicate that achievement while also altering how the world views the Arab nations, explained football journalist, Mpho Mutloane.
“A lot has been happening in Saudi Arabia at the moment. Vision 2030 looks to transform, diversify their economy and also modernise their economy. Sport is one way of bridging that gap. Prior to [acquiring] Newcastle, you had Lionel Messi, before the World Cup, actually becoming an ambassador of Saudi Arabia as well. Which was a massive thing for them.”
Acquiring the best footballers as part of their long-term plan
Vision 2030 lays out a comprehensive strategy for Saudi Arabia’s sports sector. By attracting the world’s best players, the country aims to raise the standard of its football league to compete with the top European leagues. Unlike many clubs worldwide, Saudi Arabia’s sporting initiatives are directly supported by the state. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is at the forefront of these efforts, investing in four football clubs which are Al Nassr, where Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.
It should come as no surprise then that Al-Ittihad has signed current Ballon d’Or winner, Karrim Benzema and 2018 World Cup winner, N’Golo Kanté to the team. Both men will be earning over €100 million (R2 billion) per season. According to Mutloane, these kinds of signings will not stop anytime soon.
“We’re going to be seeing a lot more players moving to Saudi Arabia in order to elevate the league. Currently the league is ranked about 58th in the world in terms of the strength of their league. What they’re trying to do is get into the top ten. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this around the world, but I don’t think we’ve ever seen it on this scale.”
A number of players including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ilkay Gundogan, Wilfried Zaha, Roberto Firmino and even Joao Moutinho. These are just players from the Premier League with the other top four league’s best players also being targeted by Saudi clubs.
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A unique sporting business model
Saudi Arabia’s approach to developing its football league deviates from the conventional methods seen in other countries. Similar attempts were made in the past by China and the USA but didn’t achieve lasting success. While they attracted a decent amount of world class footballers, Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, the Chinese Super League highest paid player was earning £400,000 (R9 million) a week. A significant difference to the £3.4 million (R79 million) Ronaldo earns per week. Saudi Arabia seeks to invest in players who have established themselves in European leagues.
“This has been systematic over the past couple of years. They’ve increased their foreign quota for foreign players in a team. When it started it was three. It moved to five and then it moved to seven and now it’s at eight. It means even in the Saudi Premier League you can have a team with only three Saudi Nationals inside and to a certain extent that speaks to their ambition.”
This all-falls part of their plan for Vision 2030. By attracting these types of quality players two things, major broadcasters are tempted to strike a deal with the Saudi League to televise their games and hardcore fans will travel to Saudi to watch their favourite players.
World Cup in Saudi Arabia
All these efforts are being made in an attempt to make their bid for the World Cup even stronger. By improving the league, creating stunning world class stadiums and hosting other international tournaments, the country hopes it will be enough to convince FIFA to make it the host nation of the World Cup in the future.
“There’s also a possibility that in 2030 or 2034 the FIFA World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia. They’re going to be hosting the Asian Women’s Championship in 2026. They are looking to bid for the Asian Men’s Championship in 2027 and they’re looking to bring the world to Saudi Arabia. That for me is partly what has been happening this week in them trying to then privatise their football teams.”
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative has set the stage for the country to become a footballing powerhouse. With substantial investments, government support, and a long-term plan, Saudi Arabia aims to elevate its football league’s status and attract global superstars. By hosting international tournaments and showcasing its capabilities, the country hopes to change perceptions and position itself as a leading destination for sports.
In an enlightening conversation Mpho Mutloane spoke to Inayet Wadee on Saudi Arabia’s ambition in F1, golf and how Qatar influenced Saudi Arabia to better their standing in the footballing world. Listen to that discussion here:
