Saudi Arabia has become a major player in global football in the past few years, driven by a mix of government-backed initiatives, huge investments, and high-profile player acquisitions. But this rapid rise hasn’t been without controversy.
Let’s take a closer look at how Saudi Arabia is impacting football today.
Signing Top Players (And Some Leaving in a Few Months)
In an effort to put Saudi football on the global map, Saudi clubs have signed some of the biggest names in football. The most notable was Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr in late 2022. Soon after players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mané, Jordan Henderson, N'golo Kanté, Yassine Bounou, Aymeric Laporte also joined Saudi clubs.
During a record-breaking 2023 summer transfer window, Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs spent almost $1 billion, signing 94 players from Europe's top leagues, according to Deloitte. These transfers, backed by eye-watering salaries, shocked the world, and brought a lot of attention to the SPL.
This massive investment made the Saudi league the second-highest spender in 2023, just behind the Premier League.
But there’s an interesting twist - some players have returned to Europe after just a few months in the country. These brief tenures and back-and-forth movements seem to have become a trend. Players are leaving for various reasons, such as difficulties in adjusting to the Saudi lifestyle and football culture or missing the intensity of European football.
The most recent news is that the Saudi Pro League has halved its investment in signing new football stars. In the latest transfer window, the SPL dropped to sixth position in spending, behind the Big 5 European leagues it aims to compete with. This shift is part of a new strategy to focus on building a stronger technical foundation and improving football academies. The goal is to ensure that the success of Saudi clubs ultimately benefits the national team as well.
Regional Rivalry: Saudi Arabia vs. Qatar
Saudi Arabia’s rise in football is also part of an on-going regional competition with Qatar. Qatar successfully hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and now Saudi Arabia seems to be following a similar path.
This rivalry, often described as a “football cold war,” reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The two countries have had tense relations in the past, and football has become another field where they compete.
Both countries use football to boost their international standing. Qatar has already made its mark with the World Cup. In response, Saudi Arabia aims to outshine Qatar by securing the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Sportswashing Accusations
With billions being invested in football, Saudi Arabia has faced accusations of sportswashing. Critics say the country is using football to improve its international image and divert attention from its human rights issues.
Many claim that the high-profile signings and heavy investments are part of the strategy to mask concerns about press freedoms, gender equality, and other societal problems.
Sportswashing is not new, and Saudi Arabia isn’t alone in facing such accusations. In recent years, events like the 2008 and 2022 Beijing Olympics, Russia’s 2014 Winter Olympics and 2018 FIFA World Cup, and Qatar’s 2022 World Cup have all faced criticism from international human rights groups for their treatment of dissidents, minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
While Saudi Arabia brings in top players and hosts major events, some remain skeptical about the motives behind these efforts. Is it all about football, or is there a larger agenda at play? The debate continues.
2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious move is their bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Hosting the World Cup would be a defining moment for Saudi football and would elevate its standing on the global stage.
This move aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a global center for sports and tourism. Vision 2030 aims to boost tourism and create jobs through sports and entertainment.
As the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is anticipated to be confirmed as the host nation during the FIFA Congress on December 11, 2024. While this bid has generated excitement, it has also raised concerns about whether FIFA will once again overlook human rights criticisms for another Middle Eastern World Cup.
The State of Football in Saudi Arabia
Football has a deep-rooted history in Saudi Arabia, and it's the most popular sport in the country by far. Historically, Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have been dominant forces in Asian football, achieving success in continental competitions.
Domestically, the Saudi Pro League enjoys strong fan support, with average attendance numbers growing as a result of the league's recent star-studded signings. In the 2022/2023 season, attendance reportedly increased by over 50%, fueled by excitement over players like Ronaldo joining the league.
The league’s continued growth illustrates the passion for football in the country, which is only expected to increase as Saudi Arabia builds on its international ambitions.
A Win-Win: How Saudi Arabia Contributes to Football’s Economy
Despite the controversies, Saudi Arabia might not be a bad option for some in the football world. Older players, often priced out of Europe's top clubs, are finding Saudi clubs willing to meet their high salary demands. This gives veteran players a chance to extend their careers while securing lucrative contracts.
But it’s not just the players who benefit. European clubs have faced financial difficulties, particularly with TV rights issues since the COVID-19 pandemic. The influx of cash from Saudi Arabia during transfer windows has provided a much-needed financial boost to European clubs, which they can use to invest in younger talent or balance their books. These investments are appreciated by many, as they help stabilize the transfer market in times of uncertainty.
To Sum Up
Saudi Arabia’s impact on football is undeniable. Whether it’s signing top players, bidding for the World Cup, or facing controversies, the country is determined to make waves in the football world.
The big question is: How far will they go, and what does this mean for the future of football?
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