AL Nasser Saudi Pro League

 Nasse  Pro League

 The Saudi Pro League (SPL), known as Roshn Saudi League (RSL) for sponsorship reasons, is the top division of professional football in Saudi Arabia. It has become one of the most rapidly developing football leagues in the world, attracting global attention due to high-profile signings and large investments from Saudi clubs.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Saudi Pro League (SPL):

1. Structure of the Saudi Pro League

Founded: 1976

Number of Teams: 18 teams (from the 2023–2024 season onwards, expanded from 16 teams in previous seasons)

Relegation: The bottom three teams are relegated to the Saudi First Division League, the second tier of football in the country.

Promotion: Three teams from the Saudi First Division League are promoted to the SPL each season.

2. Participating Teams (2023–2024 Season)

The SPL expanded to 18 teams, and some of the most popular and successful clubs include:

Al Hilal (Riyadh) – The most successful team in Saudi history, known for winning numerous league titles and Asian Champions League titles.

Al Nassr (Riyadh) – A club with multiple league titles and international attention, especially after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Ittihad (Jeddah) – Another successful club with a strong domestic and international record.

Al Ahli (Jeddah) – Historically one of the "Big Four" clubs, recently promoted back to the SPL.

Al Shabab (Riyadh) – Consistently a top contender in the league.

Al Fateh (Al-Hasa) – Known for winning the league in 2013 despite not being one of the traditional giants.

Al Ettifaq (Dammam) – A club with a rich history, recently boosted by international player signings.

Al Taawoun (Buraidah) – An emerging club that often challenges for higher positions.

Abha Club (Abha)

Al Raed (Buraidah)

Al Khaleej (Saihat)

Al Hazem (Ar Rass)

Al Riyadh (Riyadh)

Al Okhdood (Najran)

Al Wehda (Mecca)

Damac (Khamis Mushait)

Al Fayha (Al Majma'ah)

Al Akhdood (Najran)

3. Format of the League

Season Structure: The season typically runs from August to May, with each team playing 34 matches (home and away games).

Points System: Teams receive three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.

Championship: The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the league champion.

4. Players and High-Profile Signings

The Saudi Pro League has attracted many top international players, particularly after the Public Investment Fund (PIF) started investing heavily in football.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – One of the highest-profile signings in the league’s history, joining Al Nassr in late 2022.

Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – The former Real Madrid star and Ballon d’Or winner joined Al Ittihad in 2023.

N'Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad) – The World Cup-winning French midfielder joined Al Ittihad in 2023.

Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) – The former Manchester City star joined Al Ahli in 2023.

Neymar Jr. (Al Hilal) – The Brazilian superstar joined Al Hilal in 2023 for a massive transfer fee.

Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) – The Senegalese defender also joined Al Hilal in 2023.

Roberto Firmino (Al Ahli) – The former Liverpool striker joined Al Ahli in 2023.

Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al Hilal) – The Serbian midfielder joined Al Hilal in 2023.

Marcelo Brozović (Al Nassr) – The Croatian midfielder joined Al Nassr in 2023.

Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – The Senegalese winger joined Al Nassr in 2023 from Bayern Munich.

The league’s large financial backing has allowed clubs to make such high-profile signings, offering lucrative contracts to players and coaches from Europe and South America.

5. Major Rivalries

Riyadh Derby: The rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr is one of the most intense and watched matches in the Saudi Pro League.

Jeddah Derby: The matches between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli are highly anticipated by football fans in the city of Jeddah and beyond.

Other significant rivalries include those between teams like Al Shabab, Al Fateh, and Al Taawoun.

6. Foreign Player Policy

Historically, SPL clubs were limited in how many foreign players they could sign. However, in recent years, the league has expanded the number of foreign players allowed in squads:

Teams are currently allowed to have 8 foreign players in their squad at any given time, which has led to a surge in international talent joining the league.

7. Saudi Arabian Players

In addition to international signings, the SPL also showcases some of the top Saudi football talents, many of whom play for the Saudi Arabian national team. The national team’s success, including their participation in several FIFA World Cups, has been bolstered by the strong domestic competition in the league.

Notable Saudi players:

Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal) – One of the stars of the Saudi national team, known for his decisive goal against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

Yasser Al-Shahrani (Al Hilal) – A key defender for both Al Hilal and the national team.

Mohammed Al-Owais (Al Hilal) – A talented goalkeeper, pivotal in both domestic and international tournaments.

8. Sponsorship and Financial Backing

Roshn: The league's title sponsor is Roshn, a Saudi real estate company.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested heavily in the SPL, acquiring stakes in four of the

 biggest clubs: Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. This has led to increased funding for international signings and overall league development.

9. Broadcasting and Global Reach

The SPL is broadcast in various countries, with the league gaining a global audience due to the arrival of international stars like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar.

The league is also streamed on various digital platforms, allowing fans from around the world to follow the matches.

10. Stadiums and Infrastructure

The SPL has some state-of-the-art stadiums that host league matches. Some key venues include:

Mrsool Park (Al Nassr, Riyadh) – Capacity: ~25,000

King Fahd International Stadium (Al Hilal, Riyadh) – Capacity: ~68,000

King Abdullah Sports City (Al Jawhara Stadium) (Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, Jeddah) – Capacity: ~62,000

Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium (Jeddah) – Recently renovated to enhance fan experience.

11. Continental and International Success

Saudi clubs regularly participate in the AFC Champions League, Asia's premier club competition, with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad having won multiple titles.

Al Hilal, in particular, has won the AFC Champions League four times (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021), making it one of the most successful clubs in Asia.

Conclusion

The Saudi Pro League is rapidly growing into one of the most exciting football leagues in the world. With significant financial backing, world-class talent, and increased global exposure, the SPL is on the path to becoming a key player in global football. Whether it's the historic rivalries, star-studded squads, or the vibrant atmosphere in the stadiums, the SPL is attracting attention not just from local fans but from a global audience.