The Saudi Pro League 2024/25 fixture list has been released and champions Al Hilal will begin their title defence away to Al Okhdood while Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr are at home to Al Raed.
Jorge Jesus's side secured their fourth SPL crown in five years last season, finishing the campaign 14 points clear of Nassr and unbeaten after winning 31 of their 34 games, while also beating their rivals on penalties in the King's Cup final to complete a domestic double.
Al Ittihad, who have just appointed former French coach Laurent Blanc as their manager, travel to Al Kholood on the opening weekend – taking place August 22-24 – looking to improve on a disappointing season that saw them finish fifth, while third-place Al Ahli are at home to newly-promoted Al Orobah. Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq, who were sixth, are away to Al Shabab.
The SPL's big derby clashes across Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern province will take place in Matchweeks 9 and 26 with Al Hilal facing Al Nassr, Al Ahli taking on Al Ittihad and Al Ettifaq battling Al Qadsiah.
Last week it was announced that the SPL was aiming for its clubs to switch focus by attempting to attract promising young internationals to the Middle East rather than focusing on veteran stars with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar all having made the move to the kingdom in 2023.
World football's governing body Fifa has said that clubs from the kingdom were among the five biggest spenders in the international transfer market for the first time, splashing out $970 million in 2023 compared to $50.4m in 2022.
The SPL had the largest contingent of players at Euro 2024 from any league outside of Europe, with 14 players who play club football in the kingdom making it to the tournament compared with eight from the United States' Major League Soccer.
“By focusing on attracting younger international talent, we aim to provide our youth with the opportunity to learn from the best globally,” an SPL spokesperson told Reuters, when asked about the details of the plans.
“This strategic focus on youth players allows us to build long-term success, competitiveness, and sustainability for both the league and the clubs.”
SPL clubs also continue to attract top-tier talent to their administrative ranks. Al Shabab have appointed former Sampadoria technical director Domenico Teti as sporting director, while Al Nassr brought in former Spain manager Fernando Hierro in the same role.
Esteve Calzada, former chief commercial officer at City Football Group and chief marketing officer at FC Barcelona, has joined Al Hilal as chief executive.
The kingdom's ministry of sport has launched the latest phase of the 'sports clubs investment and privatisation project' to bring in fresh investment at 14 more clubs. Six clubs will now be available for investments starting in August – Al Zulfi, Al Nahda, Al Okhdood, Al Ansar, Al Orouba, and Al Kholoud.
After that process is completed, eight more clubs – Al Shoalah, Hajar, Al Najmah, Al Riyadh, Al Rawdhah, Jeddah, Al Taraji, and Al Sahel – will also be up for privatisation.
