The Saudi Pro League has undergone a dramatic transformation, transcending its previous status and becoming a formidable force in the world of football. This transformation is largely credited to the presence of the legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, whose arrival has ignited a meteoric rise in the league’s stature, prompting pundits to reconsider their initial skepticism.
Ronaldo’s influence on the league, both before and after his arrival, cannot be overstated. His presence has turned what was once considered a mediocre league into one that now commands respect even from the established European football giants. Ronaldo’s prophetic statement that the Saudi League would ascend to join the ranks of the world’s top five leagues no longer seems far-fetched. Even those who initially scoffed at this prediction have been forced to revise their views.
Carlo Nohra, the head of operations for the Saudi Pro League, recently shed light on the immense positive impact of Ronaldo’s presence. According to Nohra, the league’s revenue has skyrocketed by an astounding 650 percent since Ronaldo’s arrival. Additionally, the league’s broadcast coverage has expanded to an impressive 140 countries, marking a significant global outreach.
Ronaldo’s own move to Saudi Arabia saw him join Al-Nassr in December 2022 with a jaw-dropping contract worth 200 million Euros per year. This move set the stage for a domino effect, with other football luminaries such as Benzema, Neymar, Mane, Mahres, Mendy, Kante, Ruben Neves, Firmino, Yassin Bono, and Azmeric Laporte following suit and making their way to the Saudi Pro League.