Ronaldo remains the face of Saudi Pro League as new season begins

As the Saudi Pro League kicked off its new season this week, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the most prominent name associated with the competition.

Earlier this month, more than 30,000 fans packed a stadium in Hong Kong to watch Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s team, defeat Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. Local fan Chris KL Lau said the atmosphere was electric whenever Ronaldo touched the ball, describing the crowd as largely his supporters. The Portuguese star was also mobbed the next day during a visit to the city’s Cristiano Ronaldo museum.

Since Ronaldo’s arrival in December 2022, other global stars such as Karim Benzema, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez have followed. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took control of the league’s “Big Four” — Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli — last year, giving them massive budgets to pursue talent.

Despite Ronaldo’s star power, analysts say the league still struggles to attract wider attention when he isn’t playing. Crowds for other matches, including Al-Ahli’s recent game in Hong Kong, were far smaller than announced figures.

League officials argue global reach is expanding, with matches broadcast in 180 countries and sponsorships up 200%. They say Saudi clubs aim to become Asia’s dominant football power, with Al-Hilal already making a mark in last season’s Club World Cup.