Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed magnet of the Saudi Pro League, drawing crowds and headlines as the 2025-26 season kicks off. His club, Al-Nassr, opens its campaign against Al Taawoun, but the spotlight has already been blazing thanks to Ronaldo’s star power.
Earlier this month, over 30,000 fans packed Hong Kong Stadium to witness Al-Nassr edge out Al-Ittihad 2-1 in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering every touch Ronaldo made. His visit to the city’s official Cristiano Ronaldo Museum the next day caused a frenzy, attracting admirers from across Asia.
Since Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United in December 2022, the Saudi league has transformed. Big names like Neymar, Benzema, and Mahrez followed, and the league’s top four clubs Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli now operate under the deep-pocketed Public Investment Fund.
Despite the league’s ambitions, the Ronaldo effect has its limits. A match between Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah drew a reported 16,000 attendees, but eyewitnesses suggest the real number was closer to 6,000. The contrast highlights a challenge: fans will pay top dollar for Ronaldo, but not necessarily for the rest of the league.
Sports economist Simon Chadwick notes that while Ronaldo has elevated global awareness of Saudi football, deeper fan engagement is still lacking. The league’s next chapter will depend on whether it can build lasting connections beyond its marquee names.
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