Al-Nassr end seven-year wait as Saudi Pro League enters 2026/27 with star power | OneFootball

Al-Nassr ended a seven-year wait to reclaim the Saudi Pro League crown at the end of 2025/26 under Jorge Jesus. Ange Postecoglou has since taken charge for the 2026/27 title defence.

Although the competition was formalised in 2007, its roots trace to the 1950s and His Majesty's League. According to Goal.com, 15 of the 18 titles since 2007 have gone to Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. Their haul reads Al-Hilal eight, Al-Nassr four and Al-Ittihad three.

Unsurprisingly, those three, alongside Al-Ahli, draw the biggest crowds and account for over 60% of annual league attendance. They have also tended to attract the bulk of overseas stars.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2022 move to Al-Nassr remains the league’s most notable signing, especially after he had previously turned down neighbours and rivals Al-Hilal. His arrival reshaped Saudi football and encouraged a wave of elite players to follow.

With four Pro League clubs based in Riyadh, a trip to the capital often includes a matchday. With names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Neymar, Jhon Duran and Darwin Nunez having played for or still playing for Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, ticket demand is high.

Al-Ittihad, based in Jeddah on the Red Sea, have long held their own and rank among the country’s and Asia’s biggest clubs. Their current cast features Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby and Fabinho.

The 2026/27 campaign includes an extended mid-season pause from December 24, 2026 to February 7, 2027, allowing Saudi Arabia to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Source: Goal.com

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