Title: Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Football Strategy: Attracting Global Stars to Transform the League
Subtitle: The Kingdom’s Economic Shift and Societal Make-up Behind the High-profile Signings
Byline: Dominic Wirth / ch media
Saudi Arabia is making waves in the world of football as it aims to become one of the best leagues globally by attracting top players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. This strategic move goes beyond sport, as it is part of the country’s broader plan to transform its economy and reduce dependence on oil.
Karim Benzema, a five-time Champions League winner, has already signed with a Saudi Arabian club. N’Golo Kanté, a 2018 World Cup champion, has also joined the league. However, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who paved the way for these high-profile signings.
The presence of these stars has captivated the football world, with numerous other names being linked to potential moves to Saudi Arabia. Players like Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Bernardo Silva, Romelu Lukaku, and Neymar are among those rumored to be on the radar of Saudi clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.
The driving force behind this ambitious strategy is Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince and strongman of Saudi Arabia. Three weeks ago, he outlined his country’s plans for football, emphasizing its importance in transforming the nation socially and economically. Bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” aims to diversify the economy and elevate the Saudi Pro League to be among the top 10 best championships worldwide.
To achieve this goal, significant financial investments are required. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, known as “PIF,” which manages billions of dollars from oil investments globally, has taken charge of the four biggest clubs in the country. This influx of money has allowed Saudi clubs to offer astronomical salaries, making them attractive destinations for players seeking lucrative contracts.
However, the motivations behind Saudi Arabia’s football investments extend beyond sports and money. Officials cite public health concerns, as more than half of Saudis are overweight, as one of the reasons for promoting football. Additionally, the presence of global football stars like Ronaldo and Benzema helps improve the country’s image and divert attention from controversial issues such as human rights abuses.
Critics argue that this phenomenon, known as “sportswashing,” allows Saudi Arabia to use sport to mask political and social realities. The country has faced international scrutiny for incidents such as the murder of regime opponent Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and the increasing number of executions, despite recent social reforms.
The Saudi offensive in the transfer market has disrupted the international football landscape. While some players, including Lionel Messi, have resisted the Saudi advances, the lucrative offers have given players more bargaining power during contract negotiations. European clubs, on the other hand, face both challenges and opportunities due to the Saudi clubs’ financial muscle.
For instance, Chelsea, which is partially owned by an investment company with ties to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, has benefited from the Saudi clubs’ interest in their surplus players. However, this has sparked debates and suspicions about the relationship between the two entities.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in football, the country’s economic transformation and societal makeup remain under scrutiny. While the influx of global stars brings excitement to the Saudi Pro League, questions about human rights and the long-term sustainability of the league’s financial model persist.
Despite the controversies, Saudi Arabia’s football strategy has undoubtedly put the country on the map of global football, with its sights set on becoming a major player in the sport. Only time will tell if this ambitious plan will succeed in transforming the Saudi Pro League into one of the world’s best.Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have chosen Saudi Arabia as their new destination to pursue their football careers. This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to become one of the best leagues in the world. The country aims to attract top football stars to elevate the level of its league and achieve economic growth.
Karim Benzema, a five-time Champions League winner, has already signed with a Saudi Arabian club. N’Golo Kanté, a 2018 World Cup champion, has also joined the league. However, the biggest name leading the way is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been playing for Al-Nassr since the winter transfer window. The Saudi Arabian league is also targeting other notable players such as Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Bernardo Silva, Romelu Lukaku, and Neymar. The four major clubs in the kingdom, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, are making significant investments to attract these players.
The move to invest in football is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader plan called “Vision 2030,” which aims to transform the country’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince and strongman of Saudi Arabia, sees football as a crucial element in achieving these goals. By investing in football, Saudi Arabia aims to improve its international image and showcase its modernization efforts.
The Saudi Pro League, the country’s top division, is currently at a modest level. However, Mohammed bin Salman presented a plan in early June to radically change the league and make it one of the top 10 best championships in the world. The plan includes increasing the market value and income of the league.
To achieve these goals, Saudi clubs have received significant financial support from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, known as “PIF.” This fund, one of the largest in the world, invests billions from oil revenues in various sectors, including football.
The salaries offered by Saudi clubs are mind-blowing, with reports suggesting that Ronaldo earns 200 million euros per season. While some football stars resist the Saudi advances, the lucrative offers disrupt the international transfer market. This situation benefits the players, who can negotiate higher salaries, but it poses challenges for European clubs, especially those with financially bloated squads.
The involvement of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund in Chelsea, which owns 60% of the club, has sparked debates and suspicions of favoritism. Some argue that the Saudi clubs are helping Chelsea offload players they no longer need while protecting their own investment. Gary Neville, a legendary figure in English football, has called for all transfers to Saudi Arabia to be scrutinized.
Despite the controversies, Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in football reflect the modern landscape of the sport, where princes, investment companies, and sovereign wealth funds play significant roles. Saudi Arabia is not the first country to attract football stars with big money, as China was in the spotlight a few years ago. However, Saudi Arabia’s rich football culture and its state objectives, including hosting a World Cup, make it a compelling destination for players.
In conclusion, the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia signifies the country’s determination to become a major player in the world of football. The Saudi Pro League’s ambitious plans, backed by significant financial investments, aim to elevate the league’s status and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. However, the move also raises questions about the societal and political implications of such investments in the sport.
How has Saudi Arabia’s involvement in football affected the reputation and image of the country, and what are the criticisms associated with it
, known as “PIF.” The fund, which manages billions of dollars from oil investments globally, has taken control of the four biggest clubs in Saudi Arabia. This has allowed the clubs to offer astronomical salaries to attract top players.
However, the motivations behind Saudi Arabia’s football investments extend beyond sport and money. Officials argue that promoting football is essential for public health, as more than half of Saudis are overweight. Additionally, the presence of global football stars helps improve the country’s image and divert attention from controversial issues such as human rights abuses.
Critics, however, see this as a form of “sportswashing,” where Saudi Arabia uses sport to mask political and social realities. The country has faced international scrutiny for issues like the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the increasing number of executions, despite recent social reforms.
While some players, like Lionel Messi, have resisted the Saudi advances, the lucrative offers have given players more bargaining power during contract negotiations. European clubs also face both challenges and opportunities due to the financial muscle of Saudi clubs. For example, Chelsea, partially owned by an investment company with ties to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, has benefited from the interest of Saudi clubs in their surplus players.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in football, questions about human rights and the long-term sustainability of the league’s financial model remain. Despite the controversies, Saudi Arabia’s football strategy has put the country on the map of global football, with its sights set on becoming a major player in the sport. Only time will tell if this ambitious plan will succeed in transforming the Saudi Pro League into one of the world’s best.
“Saudi Arabia’s relentless pursuit in football is evident with the recent signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. With these global stars joining the Saudi Pro League, the country is determined to make a significant impact on the footballing world. Exciting times lie ahead for Saudi football enthusiasts as the nation’s aspirations for dominance continue to rise.”
“Saudi Arabia’s ambitious pursuit of football dominance is evident with notable signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The rise of the Saudi Pro League showcases the nation’s commitment to elevating their football standards. Exciting times lie ahead for Saudi football enthusiasts!”