The Saudi Football Championship, known as the Saudi Pro League, is Saudi Arabia’s premier soccer tournament. The competition is recent, having been founded in 1976. Many changes have been introduced over the years, but the format has always consisted of the traditional direct scoring system, with all teams playing each other in round-robin matches. We have compiled a list of the best teams in Saudi Arabia.
First of all, let’s learn a little about the history of soccer in this country.
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Los mejores equipos de Arabia Saudí: origen e historia
The Saudi Arabian Professional League, also known as the Saudi Pro League, represents the epicenter of competitive soccer in the country;
Its history dates back to 1976, the year of its creation, and since then it has been a field of transformations and adaptations, maintaining, however, the traditional format of points played, in which all teams face each other in round-robin duels.
And the race for the trophy does not stop there, as at the end of the initial phase, the top-ranked teams compete in the playoffs to determine the grand champion.
The Saudi Premier League has become one of the main sources of investment for Saudi sheikhs. In fact, soccer has become a crucial part of the country’s sporting culture, acquiring a leading role. In addition to the financial aspect, it offers entertainment and excitement to the population.
Invirtiendo millones y millones en fútbol, Arabia Saudí ha creado una enorme demanda de jugadores para elevar el nivel de este deporte en su país.
A pesar de su reciente historia con el fútbol, los árabes están muy ilusionados con el futuro de este deporte en el país.
Saudi Arabia’s best teams: the strongest in the league
Al-Hilal
If the world is now looking at Arab soccer, with the recruitment of renowned players, Al-Hilal has always been at the forefront, representing the country in major competitions such as the Club World Cup.
Last season, the team reached the final against Real Madrid and, despite losing, demonstrated its remarkable presence. With an impressive total of 18 Saudi Arabian Professional League titles, Al-Hilal stands out as the most successful club in the region;
In addition to these honors, the club has 15 runner-up finishes in national competition. At the national level, the Blue Waves have also won the Arabian King’s Cup ten times.
Photo: Publicity/Al Hilal
As well as being one of the best teams in Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal’s success is not limited to the country’s borders;
At continental level, the club has lifted the Asian Champions League trophy four times, as well as finishing runners-up on five other occasions. As in the domestic league, Al-Hilal are the record holders in this prestigious Asian tournament.
The club’s squad includes well-known names in Brazilian soccer, such as Michael, a former Flamengo player. In the current transfer window, the club has made significant investments, bringing in talents such as Rúben Neves, Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Photo: Publicity/Al Hilal
Al-Nassr
Currently under the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr is emerging as one of the best teams in Saudi Arabia, aiming to overthrow the reign of Al-Hilal;
Boasting nine Saudi Arabian Professional League titles and seven runner-up finishes, as well as six Arabian King’s Cup triumphs, the club occupies a prominent position.
Photo: Publicity/Al-Nassr
However, unlike their rivals, Al-Nassr have yet to win the AFC Champions League title, despite reaching the final in 1995, securing second place in the competition.
As next season approaches, Al-Nassr is optimistic about its prospects, especially after focusing its investment efforts not only on Cristiano Ronaldo, but also on strengthening its squad;
Luís Castro, former coach of Botafogo, took charge of the team, while players like Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic and Seko Fofana were recruited to strengthen the squad.
Foto: Divulgação/Al-Nassr
Al-Ittihad
Another giant of the Arab scene is Al-Ittihad, who, like Al-Nassr, have lifted the Saudi Arabian Professional League trophy on nine occasions;
However, the Tigers stand out even more with two titles won in the AFC Champions League. In addition, the club has amassed an impressive record of nine triumphs in the Arabian King’s Cup.
Photo: Publicity/Al-Ittihad
The current holders of the title are aiming to reinforce their position as the best in the country. The investment made during the transfer window was substantial, with the acquisition of big names such as N’Golo Kanté and current Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
The Saudi Premier League has emerged as one of the fiercest and, consequently, most watched tournaments in the world.
Photo: Publicity/Al-Ittihad
The best teams in Saudi Arabia: honorable mentions
Not as high-profile as the previous teams, they also played an important role in Arab soccer and deserve to be mentioned among the best teams in Saudi Arabia!
Al-Shabab
Although not among the elite group of winners in the Saudi Arabian Professional League, Al-Shabab has emerged as one of the country’s leading forces. Throughout its history, it has won six national titles, establishing itself as the fourth most decorated club.
Al-Shabab recently turned their attention to Brazil in search of reinforcements, securing the signing of Mateusão, a promising player from Flamengo’s youth academy. In addition, Gustavo Cuellar, a former Al-Hilal player, is one of the team’s highlights.
Al-Ahli
With three league titles to their name, Al-Ahli have invested in acquiring talent for the current season. Among their signings are Brazilian Roberto Firmino and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, formerly of Chelsea.
Although they have not yet been officially confirmed, two more major signings are about to be announced: Riyad Mahrez, from Manchester City; and Allan Saint-Maximin, from Newcastle.
Al-Ettifaq
Unlike its competitors, Al-Fateh does not yet enjoy the backing of a Saudi fund to make major investments. Established in 1958, the club has only one title in the Saudi Arabian Professional League.
List of the best teams in Saudi Arabia
- Al-Hilal
- Al-Nassr
- Al-Ittihad
- Al-Shabab
- Al-Ahli
- Al-Ettifaq
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