Saudi Pro League's Big Spending: A Boost for the National Team?

The Saudi Pro League has attracted some of the biggest names in football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane. As the nation prepares to host the 2034 World Cup, the question arises: is this influx of talent benefiting the Saudi Arabia national team?

Historical Struggles on the World Stage

The Saudi national team has historically struggled at the World Cup. In 2002, they suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat to Germany in their opening group match and exited the tournament without a point or a goal. However, performances have improved since the Saudi Pro League began investing heavily in attracting international stars.

Recent World Cup Performances

In the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Saudi Arabia defeated an Egypt team featuring Mohamed Salah 2-1, with Salem al Dawsari scoring a late winner. Four years later in Qatar, they shocked the world by beating Argentina in their opening game, again with Al Dawsari scoring the decisive goal. On Monday, they launched their seventh World Cup appearance with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Miami.

Improved Results

These results suggest that the days of heavy defeats may be behind them. The national team, known as the Green Falcons, now features a mix of youth and experience, with most players plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League. Defender Saud Abdulhamid, who plays for Lens in France, is the only exception in the starting XI against Uruguay.

Key Players and Contributions

Al Dawsari, now 34, is playing in his third World Cup, having scored iconic goals in 2018 and 2022. Young playmaker Musab al Juwayr, 22, provided three assists in qualifying and is tipped to be a mainstay for years. Abdulelah al Amri, who scored against Uruguay, and Abdullah al Khaibari are teammates of Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Al Amri's goal was historic: he became the first defender to score for Saudi Arabia at a World Cup, and it was the nation's first goal from a corner in the competition. It was also the first time Saudi Arabia had opened the scoring in a World Cup match since a 1-0 win over Belgium in 1994, ending a streak of 16 matches without scoring first.

Impact of Foreign Stars

More than £700 million has been spent on players like Neymar, Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez, who joined Ronaldo in the league. Benzema stated after joining Al-Ittihad in 2023, "We have to teach the young players here what it takes so they can move to other clubs. It's a good league and there are many good players." Ronaldo, who recently scored his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League, claimed, "The Saudi league is better than MLS." Mane, who moved in 2023, added, "Fortunately, I can say the Saudi league is a very good league, and watched by everybody in the world."

Future Investment Strategy

While the money continues to flow for overseas signings, the focus has shifted from peak 2023 levels to bringing in younger players with sell-on value. According to sources in Riyadh, funds remain available for the right veteran superstar, such as Mohamed Salah, who has left Liverpool and is wanted by Al-Ittihad—but only if the price is right.

Coaching Gamble

Just 59 days before facing Uruguay, Saudi Arabia installed a new head coach, a move described as a huge gamble. The decision underscores the nation's ambition to build on recent progress and establish itself as a competitive force on the world stage.