Saudi Pro League dominance, Ronaldo effect and a winter pause | OneFootball

Since the 2007 rebrand, three clubs have set the pace in the Saudi Pro League, with 15 of 18 titles shared by Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. Al-Nassr ended a seven-year wait by reclaiming the 2025/26 crown under Jorge Jesus, with Ange Postecoglou now overseeing the 2026/27 defence.

The league was formalised in 2007, though its lineage runs back to the 1950s His Majesty's League. According to Goal.com, nine clubs have been Saudi champions across those early decades.

Success has bred popularity, and Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli draw the biggest crowds. Together they account for over 60% of annual attendance and attract most of the foreign stars in the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2022 arrival remains the standout SPL signing after he had earlier rejected rivals Al-Hilal. His move reshaped the domestic landscape and encouraged many leading players from European leagues to follow.

With four clubs in Riyadh, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh, visitors add a Pro League match to trips to the capital. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Neymar, Jhon Duran and Darwin Nunez having played or still playing for Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, tickets are in demand.

Away from Riyadh, Jeddah giants Al Ittihad have long held their own and rank among the country's biggest clubs. Their current cast features Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby and Fabinho, a line-up many would relish seeing live.

The 2026/27 campaign will pause from 24 December 2026 to 7 February 2027 to accommodate Saudi Arabia hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”