Saudi football is witnessing an unprecedented economic boom, placing it among the world’s most spending leagues. With the arrival of the current 2025–2026 season, figures have revealed the massive scale of investment pumped in by the top clubs (Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad) to enhance their competitiveness domestically and continentally.
“The Billion-Euro Transfer Market” Ignites the Rivalry Among Top Clubs
Within just three seasons, the total spending of the “Big Four” has surpassed the 1.7 billion euro mark. This huge figure does not merely reflect a desire to bring in stars, but embodies a comprehensive strategy to transform the Saudi League into a premier global destination and elevate the championship’s market value in line with the Kingdom’s sports vision.
Spending Index: Al Hilal Leads the Pack
Al Hilal Club topped the list of the biggest spenders, confirming its desire to maintain its Asian and local dominance, while Al Nassr came in second place to continue bolstering its ranks with significant global names.
Here is the ranking of the four clubs based on spending volume over the last three seasons:
- Al Hilal (624 million euros)
- Al Nassr (409 million euros)
- Al Ahli (381 million euros)
- Al Ittihad (334 million euros)
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a world-famous Portuguese professional footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His career began at Sporting CP before he achieved global stardom with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, winning numerous team and individual awards, including five Ballon d’Or titles.
Al Nassr
Al Nassr is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1955. It is one of the country’s most successful clubs, historically associated with the country’s royal family and known for its passionate fanbase. The club has won numerous Saudi Pro League titles and gained global recognition following the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez is not a place or cultural site but a professional footballer from Algeria who plays as a winger. He rose to prominence with Leicester City, winning the Premier League in 2016, and has since played for clubs like Manchester City and Al-Ahli.
Al Ahli
Al Ahli is a common name for sports clubs and organizations across the Arab world, most notably referring to Al Ahli SC, a major football club based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1937, it is one of the kingdom’s oldest and most successful clubs, with a long history of domestic championships and a strong regional rivalry. The name “Al Ahli” itself translates to “The National,” reflecting its deep-rooted local identity and community support.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is not a place or cultural site, but a professional French footballer. He is best known for his long and successful career at Real Madrid, where he won numerous trophies and became the club’s second-highest all-time goalscorer. His history includes rising through the youth ranks at Lyon before his pivotal transfer to Madrid in 2009.
Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad is a professional football club based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1927. It is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the country, with a rich history of winning numerous domestic and continental titles, including multiple AFC Champions League trophies.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly is a professional footballer from Senegal, not a place or cultural site. He is a renowned central defender who has played for clubs like Napoli and Chelsea, and he captains the Senegal national team, helping them win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Al Hilal
Al Hilal is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1957. It is one of Asia’s most successful clubs, having won numerous domestic and continental titles, including a record number of Saudi Pro League championships and multiple AFC Champions League trophies.
Saudi League
The Saudi League, officially known as the Saudi Pro League, is the top tier of professional football in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1976. It has grown into a major Asian football competition and gained significant global attention starting in 2023 due to high-profile international player signings, which are part of the kingdom’s broader sports investment and tourism development strategy under Vision 2030.
Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a modern nation-state founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who unified the regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Its history is deeply rooted in the birthplace of Islam, with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina serving as central spiritual sites for over a millennium.
Al Riyadh
Al Riyadh, also known as Riyadh, is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. Historically a walled oasis town and the historic seat of the Al Saud dynasty, it transformed into a modern metropolis after being declared the national capital following the kingdom’s unification in 1932. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the rise of the House of Saud and the formation of the modern Saudi state.
Saudi Professional League
The Saudi Professional League is the top division of professional football in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1976. It has grown to become one of the most prominent leagues in Asia, with clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr achieving significant continental success and attracting major international players in recent years.
