In Saudi Arabia, football takes priority over other sports. Nothing is more popular than sport whether it is turning out to cheer on a local team or gathering en masse to watch the World Cup. Few countries can compare Saudi Arabia when it comes to football rankings in the Gulf, Middle East, and even Asia. 1984, 1988 and 1996 have confirmed the kingdom to be a regional light in terms of football, qualifying it for five World Cup appearances.
Meanwhile, about two-thirds of the national team’s achievements depend on the country’s 16-team domestic football league continuing to succeed. Now in its 44th season, the Saudi Professional League is seen as one of the Middle East’s most respected and sought-after destinations for the continent’s finest players, never mind many out of Africa, Europe, and South America. Football in Saudi has also attracted some of the most successful foreign and arab coaches over time.
Where to watch football in Saudi
Al Hilal is the country’s and Asia’s most successful club at present, while other established clubs include Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Shabab, among others, who have all won numerous Saudi Professional League titles over the years.
The dynamics of fan culture in Saudi Arabia are also among the most lively in Asia, with matches between leading football clubs filling up stadiums and creating an atmosphere that is hard to overlook. Special mention must go to the derbies between the top clubs where fans bring out the best, using banners and throwing flags into an already deafening noise and a spectacular all-round game performance.
It reflects the adequacy in terms of the quality of the country’s stadiums, where top European clubs are invited to play important tournaments. King Abdullah Sports City stadium has hosted tournaments like the Italian Super Cup and is going to be home to the Spanish Super Cup.
But the domestic league is what Saudis love the absolute most and football fans from Gulf states and elsewhere get the best bang for their buck by showing up to a game.
The season starts in August and goes on until May. Match tickets can be purchased from the stadium itself or some online portals. Tickets cost between SAR20 and SAR50 per person for general admission, but sometimes hospitality packages run into hundreds of Saudi riyals.
Below is a list of the major Saudi Arabia clubs that have won 41 out of the 44 Saudi Professional League titles that have been played to date.
Al Hilal
- Founded: 1957
- Titles of the League: 15
- Name of the Stadium: King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh
- Total Capacity: 25,000
- Also Known as: Al Zaeem
Al Nasser
- Founded: 1955
- Titles of the League: 9
- Name of the Stadium: King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh
- Total Capacity: 62,685
- Also Known as: Al Aalami (The Global)
Al Ittihad
- Established: 1927
- Titles of the League: 8
- Name of the Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
- Total Capacity: 62,345
- Also Known as: Al Ameed (The People’s Club)
Al Shabab
- Established: 1947
- Titles of the League: 6
- Name of the Stadium: King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh
- Total Capacity: 62,685
- Also Known as: Al Leith (The White Lion)
Al Ahli
- Established: 1937
- Titles of the League: 3
- Name of the Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
- Total Capacity: 62,345
- Also Known as: Al Malaki (The Royal)
Al Ittifaq
- Established: 1945
- Titles of the League: 2
- Name of the Stadium: Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium
- Total Capacity: 35,000
- Also Known as: The Knights of Ad Dahna
Al Qadsiyah
- Established: 1967
- Titles of the League: 0
- Stadium: Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium
- Total Capacity: 15,000
- Also Known as: Knights of the East
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People May Also Ask
Where can I watch the Saudi Super Cup?
- ANT1 Satellite.
- ESPN2.
- Fox Sports 1.
Where can I watch the Al Nassr games?
In the United States, Fox holds English and Spanish language rights to the Saudi Pro League. Key matches will be on FS2 and Fox Deportes, with other games streamed via Fox Soccer Plus.
Can you watch the Saudi League on Shahid?
You can enjoy a host of Arabic and international series and movies, Shahid Originals, live sports from the Saudi Pro League, and other regional and international sports on Shahid packages.
