The 2025–26 Saudi Pro League (SPL) season is underway, and it’s already proving to be one of the most exciting in history. With defending champions Al-Ittihad looking to secure their 11th title and powerhouse teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr bolstered by global superstars, the league is showcasing world-class football talent and thrilling matches . Here’s a breakdown of the key developments as the SPL continues to redefine Asian football.
⚽ Historic Start to the Season
The season began on 28 August 2025, with nine matches played so far, producing 32 goals at an average of 3.56 per match. The early standout performers include João Félix and Karim Benzema, who lead the scoring charts with three goals each. The biggest victory of the season came from Al-Nassr, who delivered a stunning 5–0 away win against Al-Taawoun, while Al-Okhdood and Al-Ittihad treated fans to a seven-goal thriller, ending 5–2 in favor of Al-Ittihad .
The opening matches also drew significant crowds, with 40,438 fans attending Al-Ahli’s 1–0 victory over Neom at King Abdullah Sports City. However, the league also saw a modest turnout of 373 spectators for the Damac vs. Al-Hazem clash, highlighting the varying levels of engagement across regions .
🌍 Global Stars and Tactical Mastery
The SPL’s transformation into a global football hub is evident in its star-studded squads and high-profile managers. Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and managed by Jorge Jesus, and Al-Hilal, captained by Salem Al-Dawsari under Simone Inzaghi, are among the teams dominating headlines. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema continues to shine as both captain and goal-scoring talisman .
The league’s competitive balance is further enhanced by the influx of international talent, including Neymar, N’Golo Kanté, and Riyad Mahrez, who have joined clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. This strategic investment in marquee players is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to elevate the league’s profile and quality .
🏟️ Newly Promoted Teams Making Their Mark
This season welcomes three promoted teams: Neom, Al-Najma, and Al-Hazem. Neom, making their top-flight debut, represents the Tabuk Province and has already shown promise despite a narrow loss to Al-Ahli. Al-Najma returns to the SPL after a 22-year absence, while Al-Hazem celebrates their fourth promotion in seven years .
These teams bring fresh energy to the league, with Neom and Al-Najma adding geographic diversity and passionate local support. Their presence underscores the league’s growing depth and competitiveness.
📊 Strategic Investments and Sponsorships
The SPL’s commercial ecosystem is stronger than ever, with major sponsors like Roshn (title sponsor) and kit manufacturers such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma backing the clubs. For example, Al-Hilal’s partnership with Savvy Games Group and Al-Nassr’s deal with KAFD reflect the league’s ability to attract high-value brands .
The league’s financial muscle, driven by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has enabled clubs to invest in top-tier infrastructure, youth development, and global marketing campaigns. This has not only improved the quality of football but also increased the SPL’s international viewership .
🌟 Beyond Football: Saudi Arabia’s Sports Revolution
The SPL’s success is part of a broader sports revolution in Saudi Arabia. The country is set to host the Islamic Solidarity Games in November 2025, featuring 23 sports including debutants like camel racing and e-sports. This event aims to promote unity among Islamic nations and showcase Saudi Arabia’s organizational capabilities .
Additionally, Saudi Arabia is making strides in cricket, with the launch of the World Cricket Festival in November 2025. This initiative includes a novel two-player tournament format and aims to professionalize the sport through commercial investments and grassroots programs .
👏 Women’s Growing Role in Saudi Sports
In a significant cultural shift, women are playing an increasingly visible role in Saudi sports. WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, highlights this progress. Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to create opportunities for female athletes, noting that WWE has been “part of that change since the beginning” .
This aligns with the kingdom’s commitment to social reform and gender inclusivity, as envisioned in Saudi Vision 2030.
🔮 Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, key storylines will unfold:
- Can Al-Ittihad defend their title against fierce competition from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr?
- How will the promoted teams fare against established giants?
- Will the league’s global appeal continue to grow with more high-profile signings?
With matches being broadcast on Thmanyah and streaming platforms, fans worldwide can follow the action as the SPL cements its status as Asia’s premier football league .
💎 Conclusion
The 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season is a testament to the kingdom’s ambitious vision for sports. From electrifying matches and global superstars to broader initiatives like the Islamic Solidarity Games and WWE partnerships, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a epicenter of international sports. As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: the SPL is not just changing Saudi football—it’s changing the global football landscape.