is the Saudi Pro League a flop?

The sensational arrival of Saudi Arabia on the European transfer market a few years ago should allow the Saudi Pro League to become one of the strongholds of world football before the 2034 World Cup, which the country will obtain , this Wednesday, December 11. The Saudi kingdom is spending everything in this direction, but progress is still to be made, particularly on the enthusiasm in the stadiums.

close

“Given the big names that make up the Saudi Pro League, this championship is perhaps better than Ligue 1.” Neymar’s scud addressed to Ligue 1 in September 2023 did not go unnoticed. To tell the truth, on paper, after the arrival of a host of stars, lured by millions from oil, it is legitimate to place Saudi Division 1 on the map of world football today.

This is even what Saudi Arabia has been striving for by raining down banknotes for almost two years. Last summer, the Kingdom of Salman was even ready to pay a billion euros to recruit Vinicius Jr, a five-year contract worth around 200 million euros per fixed season, plus bonuses. . Insane amounts of money, proving that the Saudis are ready to do anything to make football a weapon of soft power.

“There is quality here, but it’s faster and more physical in France”

But in reality, beyond its high-sounding names…