The Saudi Pro League (SPL), also known as the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), is the professional football league in Saudi Arabia. In fact, this is the highest football competition in the country.
Recently, there has been an increase in viewership of this league for many reasons. If you follow the Saudi league, then you must have come across familiar faces like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and even Riyad Mahrez.
These big names are global superstars that all flocked to Saudi Arabia. Just imagine one of the greatest players of all time moving to your country and joining your local league; of course it will become famous overnight.
But what is really going on? Why is this league suddenly so popular, especially here in Nigeria, where our hearts beat for the NPFL? And most importantly, why should you, a die-hard NPFL fan, even care?
To be honest, when we gather at our local viewing centres or debate online, it is usually about Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, or Bundesliga clubs.
Lately, names like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad have taken over the football space. I believe the answer is simply money.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), a government body in the country, has decided to pump huge amounts of money into their football league. They have taken over some of the biggest clubs, like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli.
This investment is part of a bigger plan called “Saudi Vision 2030”, aimed at diversifying their economy and boosting their global image. Football is a good way to get noticed since it is the world’s most popular sport.
The Ronaldo Effect
Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in late 2022, and this was the turning point that led other football stars to do the same.
Now other names like Neymar Jr, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, and many more are the local fan favourites.
Many of these players are still top-class talents. But the kind of money being offered is something most European clubs cannot match.
Who wouldn’t want to watch Ronaldo or Neymar live? The Saudi Pro League have also signed broadcasting deals with networks all over the world.
Here in Nigeria, you can catch the action on broadcast networks like SportyTV and Startimes.
Which Way Forward NPFL?
NPFL is indeed a good league locally with talented and passionate players, but funding is a big issue for the league and players. Imagine Nigeria’s top talents opting to play elsewhere before retirement.
We have seen the likes of Odion Ighalo become a top scorer in the Saudi Pro League. Other Nigerian talents are Anthony Nwakaeme, William Troost-Ekong and Henry Onyekuru.
Even our very own Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked with big-money moves to the SPL.
The greatest lesson here is investment. I believe the NPFL can not grow singlehandedly without the intervention of serious investment from the government and top individuals in Nigeria.
