The Captain’s Column: Facing the best and building beyond football | OneFootball

For the 2025-26 season, the Saudi Pro League has partnered with none other than Nigeria and Al Kholood captain William Troost-Ekong to bring you a behind-the-curtain account of life in the Roshn Saudi League.

After last month's brilliant first edition, welcome to the second installment of The Captain’s Column.

September feels like the official start of the season, putting pre-season and the opening game behind us.

Shortly after returning from a challenging international break, we travelled straight into the heart of Riyadh to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

Overcoming the disappointment of drawing a crucial game with Nigeria against South Africa on our hunt for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it presented a new opportunity on the world stage to perform and display the resilience needed to compete at the highest level.

William Troost-Ekong led Al Kholood to a strong performance at Al Nassr despite the result

It was something the team and I personally embraced by putting on a good performance and going toe-to-toe with one of the league’s giants.

Having met Ronaldo on the pitch previously, both in Italy and England, it remains an honorable challenge to go head-to-head with one of the all-time greats of the game.

Having managed to win against him in both the Serie A and the Premier League, this game and how it was unfolding gave hope of a similar ending.

However, a moment of brilliance from Sadio Mane in the second half, followed by a second late goal in the match, was the difference between us in a 2-0 defeat.

It was a baptism of fire of which all of our new signings and Al Kholood seemed to thrive in and show good signs of a promising season ahead.

What makes these games so special, and why the excitement never fades no matter how experienced you become, is that these are the moments you dream of as a child.

When I first came to Saudi Arabia, I wanted to be part of this grand footballing project, and one of the biggest attractions was the opportunity to play, not only with top-level footballers on a daily basis, but also against some of the very best this generation has produced.

Walking out at Al Awwal Park and defending against new players like Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman, and the rest of Al Nassr’s talented team, always fills me with a sense of pride.

William Troost-Ekong is enjoying testing himself against some of the best in the game

Fans, players, and football executives often want to compare the Roshn Saudi League with Europe’s top leagues. While it remains a work in progress, the quality and intensity of matches here are undeniable because of the rapid rise of the RSL.

The challenge, the entertainment, and the calibre of players on the pitch are something that must be respected - and experienced firsthand.

Summer Transfer Window

The recent transfer window further continues to demonstrate the league’s growth and ambition, as players from across the world, both young and experienced, chose to make Saudi Arabia their home.

At Al Kholood, among the rebuild, we welcomed new talents such as John Buckley and Ramiro Enrique. Both have made a direct impact, scoring most recently in our opening home game against Damac to help secure the first three important points of the season.

Abdulaziz Al Elewa, one of Saudi’s attacking gems who also decided to join us, fits the club’s direction of nurturing and developing not only foreign but, importantly, Saudi talent.

That follows in the footsteps of last season’s success of Hammam Al Hammami who, on the back of his consistent playing time and performances, earned himself his first senior national team call-up for Saudi Arabia.

Notably, NEOM Sports Club welcomed Amadou Kone from France's Ligue 1, while other clubs made similarly exciting young signings who can develop their skills for years to come in the league.

One move that stood out this summer to me personally was my good friend and former Watford teammate, Joshua King, joining Al Khaleej, who has made an impressive impact to help his new club get off to a flying start.

Al Khaleej new boy Joshua King scores v Al Qadsiah to make it four goals in three RSL appearances

Beforehand, we spoke at length about the opportunities here, including the freedom to play football on a platform with global exposure, and the chance to express your talent without limitations.

After many positive conversations, Joshua decided to make the move from Toulouse - and already he has scored four goals from the opening three rounds. His strong start is proof of the opportunities this league provides, no matter your age or background.

These stories are important because they show the reality of what it is like to play here, beyond the headlines. If you are talented, then the league will provide the platform for your ability to shine through, competing against, and among, some of the world’s best.

Football for the Community

This column’s goal has always been to go beyond the game itself, to share not only what happens on the pitch, but also how football is driving change, inspiring communities and shaping society.

Under the leadership of our new owner, Ben Harburg, fresh ideas have already started to resonate deeply within the Ar Rass community and further afield, inviting positive change across the Kingdom.

I have seen the impact of our players engaging with fans both inside and outside the stadium, visiting schools and volunteering to inspire and support those with disabilities.

Al Kholood fans show their appreciation for their captain

There is a new buzz around the club and especially around matchdays that I did not experience during my first season here. Community-driven initiatives are giving fans a stronger sense of belonging and transforming Al Kholood into more than just a football club.

Matchdays, in particular, have become much more invigorating. Our first home game of the season, which coincided with the Saudi National Day celebrations, was a perfect demonstration of this.

The stands were filled with families and children supporting their local club, eager to engage with the players. It was a powerful reminder of the role football can play in bringing people together.

Ben Harburg: Pioneering owner plotting new era at Al Kholood

SPL sits down with American to discuss club plans

For a relatively young club, especially in the RSL, being part of such positive changes goes to show the speed at which the sports scene in the Kingdom is developing with fresh ideas fuelling that evolution.

As the season progresses, seeing up close what the ambitions are for Al Kholood is exciting. Together with a team that is equally motivated to play their part and make waves on the pitch, we look forward positively to continuing to build momentum for success.

This campaign is already showing signs that it can be special - both on and off the pitch - even though it is just the start. So, keep your eyes peeled as I cannot wait to share more with you in the months ahead.

Al Kholood honoured Saudi National Day before their home clash with Damac