Riyadh, KSA – In a groundbreaking revelation that has sent ripples through the global football community, Al Hilal’s chief executive, Esteve Calzada, has openly expressed the fervent desire of Saudi clubs to join the prestigious European Champions League. This bold ambition, articulated at The Summit during Leaders Week London, underscores the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to elevating its football presence on the world stage.
Al Hilal, a powerhouse in Asian football and currently leading the star-studded Saudi Pro League, sees participation in the Champions League as the ultimate platform to showcase the immense talent and growing stature of Saudi football. Despite UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin’s previous stance ruling out such a possibility, the appetite among Saudi clubs remains undiminished. Calzada emphasized, “Our aspiration is to put our product in front of as many people as possible, and the European Champions League is the biggest club competition arguably in the world.
“While acknowledging the logistical complexities, Calzada’s enthusiasm is palpable. This drive for global exposure extends to the upcoming 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which Al Hilal views as a pivotal opportunity. Far from concerns about match congestion, the Club World Cup is seen as “probably the single most important competition of the season for us,” offering an invaluable chance to test their mettle against European giants and project Saudi football to a global audience.
Calzada, a former Barcelona executive, also took the opportunity to address recent critical comments from Ronald Koeman regarding players moving to Saudi Arabia. He firmly defended the sporting integrity of the Saudi Pro League, highlighting that many top players, including Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte and Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Yassine Bounou, continue to represent their national teams. This strong rebuttal underscores the league’s commitment to high-level competition and player development.
The Kingdom’s football vision is clear: to compete with the best, attract top talent, and solidify its position as a major force in international football. The dream of Saudi clubs gracing the Champions League stage is a testament to this ambition, promising an exciting future for football in the Kingdom.