The Truth About Ronaldo in Saudi Saudi Arabia: Cristiano's Secret

Beyond the fact that he is still considered one of the most mediatic players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo faces a reality that he does not want to be known and that is that very few fans go to the Al Nassr stadium to watch his games and the great example was this Sunday's match against Al Fateh.

Limited Fan Interest in Saudi Pro League Despite Star Signings

In recent years, Saudi Arabia's Pro League has made headlines with the arrival of some of the biggest names in world football, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The signings of these global icons were intended to bring attention to the league, elevate its level of play, and boost its popularity both domestically and internationally. However, despite these high-profile acquisitions, there seems to be a notable lack of enthusiasm among local fans, leaving many wondering why the Saudi Pro League hasn't yet captured the widespread attention expected from such big names.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in December 2022 was one of the most talked-about transfers in football history. After spending more than 20 years playing at the top level in Europe, Ronaldo’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia was seen as a game-changer for the Saudi Pro League. The signing of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was expected to attract large crowds to the stadiums, increase television viewership, and create a surge of excitement across the country. Similarly, the arrival of French striker Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad in 2023 was another indication that Saudi Arabia was serious about investing in its domestic football scene. Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most celebrated players in European football, was expected to bring more recognition and global attention to the league.

However, despite the influx of international superstars, fan interest in the Saudi Pro League remains relatively low. While matches featuring these high-profile players are often well-attended, the general atmosphere around the league does not compare to the energy surrounding top football leagues in Europe. The attendance at stadiums, for instance, is inconsistent, with some matches seeing empty stands despite the presence of global stars. Television viewership numbers, while higher than before, still fall short of the levels seen in Europe, and the league struggles to maintain a consistent fan base both in the stadiums and on TV screens.

One of the main reasons for this lack of fan interest could be the absence of a deep-rooted football culture in Saudi Arabia. While football is popular in the country, it does not yet have the same level of historical significance or cultural integration that the sport has in Europe, South America, or other parts of the world. The European football ecosystem, for example, has been developing for over a century, with football clubs becoming integral parts of their communities. In contrast, Saudi Arabian football is still in its relative infancy, and while the league has improved in terms of its competitiveness, the fan culture around it is still evolving.

Another factor is the perception that the Saudi Pro League is seen by many as a retirement destination rather than a competitive league. When top players like Ronaldo and Benzema move to Saudi Arabia, they are often viewed as having reached the twilight of their careers, which might discourage younger fans from fully embracing the league. The idea that these players are leaving Europe’s top leagues for financial reasons can also create a sense of skepticism about the level of competition in the Saudi Pro League. Fans may feel that the league is more about attracting stars for commercial purposes rather than nurturing homegrown talent or creating long-term footballing success.

The Saudi Pro League also faces stiff competition from more established leagues around the world. With top-tier leagues in Europe, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and the Serie A, dominating the global football scene, it’s difficult for Saudi Arabia to compete for the attention of global football fans. European leagues have a century of tradition, rivalries, and a massive global following, which makes it hard for a league like the Saudi Pro League to break into the mainstream in a meaningful way. Even with the arrival of marquee players, Saudi football is still trying to catch up in terms of global visibility.

Moreover, the general level of competition within the league may still be a barrier to widespread appeal. While there is no denying that the arrival of star players elevates the profile of the league, the overall quality of play does not yet match the intensity and technical prowess seen in Europe’s top leagues. Fans in Saudi Arabia may be excited to see international stars on the pitch, but the level of competition in many of the matches can fall short of their expectations, leading to a disconnect between the spectacle and the entertainment value.

In conclusion, while the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and other global football icons has certainly raised the profile of the Saudi Pro League, the lack of sustained fan interest highlights deeper challenges facing the league. A combination of factors, including the absence of a deeply ingrained football culture, the perception of the league as a retirement home for players, competition from Europe’s top leagues, and questions about the quality of play, are all contributing to the lukewarm reception. If the Saudi Pro League is to continue growing and attracting more fans, it will need to focus on developing a stronger domestic football culture, improving the competitive level of its teams, and shifting perceptions about the league’s long-term ambitions.