Saudi Pro League is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing football leagues’ in the world. Over the last few years, the highest division of football in Saudi Arabia has been attracting players from around the world, posing a threat to Europe’s long-standing dominance in the sport.
It all began in December 2022, when five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi club Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United. The transfer set shockwaves around the sporting world and in June 2023, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund announced that it was obtaining a 75 per cent share in the top three clubs-Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad. This move resulted in mass arrivals of some of the big names of football like Riyad Mahrez, Ngolo Kante, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane.
In the summer of 2023, Al Ittihad announced the arrival of 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema. After bagging 13 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for the Jeddah-based outfit, it seems that things have taken a backward step for the Frenchman.
According to Relevo, Benzema reportedly has confided in his friends about his disappointing experience in Saudi Arabia. He is dissatisfied not only with the level of football in the Saudi Pro League but also with the infrastructure.
However leaving Al Ittihad would not be an easy task as his contract runs until the summer of 2026. He plans to meet with the club’s management soon to find an amicable solution for both parties.
Roberto Firmino And Few Other Players That Are Struggling In Saudi Pro League
Jordan Henderson joined Dutch side Ajax until 2026, just six months after a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq. Neves has been linked with Newcastle which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Firmino could return to Europe, with Sheffield United and Fulham reportedly interested.
Premier League winner Aymeric Laporte has also revealed dissatisfaction with aspects of life in Saudi Arabia and claimed a number of players are unhappy. The Spanish international stated “Maybe they are not used to this and have to adapt a little more in terms of seriousness. Yes they look after us, but not enough for my liking. In Europe they pay you a good salary but they look after you more”.
Some players have also stated the brutal weather and poor attendance as the reasons of leaving.
The players are suffering under scorching temperatures in Saudi Arabia. Even though trainings and matches take place in the evening to avoid high temperatures in the day, it can still get as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
The average attendance at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, home of Al-Ettifaq, has been 7,854 this season. The highest attendance this season in the Saudi Pro League has been at Al Hilal’s King Fahd International Stadium with 2,68,419 fans across 10 matches which is 39% of the capacity.
As such, it remains to be seen whether Benzema will make the crucial decision to jump from SPL, in case he does, it could hurt Saudi football’s brand image.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
