2025-2026 Saudi Pro League: Standings, Top Scorers

2025-2026 Saudi Pro League, Fixtures, Standings

Follow the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League: live standings table, top players with most goals, assists, yellow and red cards from the ADNOC Pro League season.

Saudi Pro League 2025/26 Standings Log Table

2025/2026 Saudi Pro League Top Players

Players with most goals, assists, yellow and red cards:

 

Also check:

Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League) Historical Overview

Formation and Early Development

The Saudi Pro League, now officially the Roshn Saudi League, is the top tier of football in Saudi Arabia. Football in the kingdom began with regional competitions, but in 1957 the first nationwide tournament, known as His Majesty’s League, was held.

After a one-off classification league in 1974–75, the first official national championship was launched in 1976–77, contested by eight clubs. Al-Hilal of Riyadh won that inaugural title, marking the start of what would become one of Asia’s most competitive football leagues.

From 1976 through 1989, the competition followed a straightforward round-robin format. Clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad quickly emerged as dominant forces.

The Golden Box Era (1990–2007)

In 1990, the Saudi Football Federation introduced a new structure by merging the league with the King’s Cup. Teams played a league phase, and the top four advanced to a knockout playoff known as the Golden Box.

This system remained for 17 years, during which the league was semi-professional. Clubs gradually began signing players on professional contracts, paving the way for the full professionalization of Saudi football.

Professionalization and Rebranding (2007–Present)

By the 2007–08 season, the playoff system was abolished, and the league returned to a pure round-robin format. The competition became fully professional and was rebranded as the Saudi Pro League.

In 2008, the Saudi Pro League Association was established as an independent governing body. This marked the start of modern professional management, including licensing standards, sponsorship marketing, and commercial rights.

Today, the league has 18 clubs, reflecting steady expansion since the original eight-team format.

Sponsorship and Naming History

The league’s official name has changed over time due to major sponsorship deals:

  • 2009–2013: Zain Pro League (telecom sponsor)

  • 2014–2017: Abdul Latif Jameel League

  • 2018–2021: Saudi Pro League (marketed in some seasons as the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Cup)

  • 2022–present: Roshn Saudi League (five-year naming rights deal with Roshn, a PIF-owned real estate developer)

Each partnership has raised investment levels and boosted the league’s commercial profile.

Rise to International Prominence

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the league has grown into one of the most visible competitions in global football. In 2023, Saudi clubs spent nearly $1 billion in the transfer market, signing dozens of overseas players, including global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) and Neymar (Al-Hilal).

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) also took majority ownership stakes in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, ensuring professional management and financial stability. These moves signaled the ambition to make the SPL one of the world’s leading leagues.

Significant Clubs

  • Al-Hilal (Riyadh): The most decorated Saudi club, with over 19 league titles and four AFC Champions League crowns.

  • Al-Ittihad (Jeddah): A 10-time league winner and back-to-back AFC Champions League champion (2004, 2005).

  • Al-Nassr (Riyadh): Nine-time champions and global attention after signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

  • Al-Shabab (Riyadh): Six-time winners, including three consecutive titles in the early 1990s.

  • Al-Ahli (Jeddah): Three-time champions and a consistent contender in domestic cups.

  • Other champions: Al-Ettifaq (two titles) and Al-Fateh (one surprise title in 2012–13).

Regional and Global Impact

The Saudi Pro League has played a central role in shaping Saudi football success, producing players for the national team and helping secure continental glory. Saudi clubs have won the AFC Champions League seven times, more than any other nation.

Today, the league is a centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s sports development and a showcase of its global ambitions. Its transformation from a small, region-based competition into a professional, internationally recognized league reflects the country’s rapid sporting evolution.

Sources:

Live league data Provided: Scoreaxis

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *