In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been making major strides in the world of sports, especially football. But one moment that truly shook the footballing world was when Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time, signed with Saudi club Al-Nassr in December 2022. His arrival sparked discussions worldwide: could Ronaldo’s move truly elevate the popularity of football in Saudi Arabia? Now, more than a year later, we can confidently say—yes, it did, and in ways that are both visible and profound.
A Landmark Signing
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr wasn’t just about football; it was a strategic move tied to Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 plan. This national strategy aims to diversify the economy and place Saudi Arabia on the global cultural and sporting map. Ronaldo, with his massive fan base and global influence, was the perfect figure to kickstart this journey.
Almost immediately after the announcement, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) witnessed an unprecedented surge in attention. Al-Nassr’s Instagram followers skyrocketed from under a million to more than 14 million within months. Fans from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas who had barely heard of the SPL before, suddenly found themselves watching Al-Nassr matches, tracking Ronaldo’s performances, and taking an interest in Saudi football.
Global Visibility and Financial Growth
Before Ronaldo’s arrival, the SPL had limited international exposure. But post-Ronaldo, the league’s broadcast reach expanded dramatically to over 140 countries. The commercial impact was equally staggering: reports indicate the SPL’s revenue increased by over 650% in the months following Ronaldo’s debut.
Sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and ticket revenues soared. Stadiums that had previously struggled to attract full crowds for local games suddenly witnessed sold-out arenas when Al-Nassr played. It wasn’t just about Ronaldo’s team—his presence elevated the entire league’s profile. His away games became major events for fans in other Saudi cities too, leading to a ripple effect across the country.
A Domino Effect: More Star Players Arrive
One of the most immediate effects of Ronaldo’s move was the signal it sent to other top-tier players: Saudi Arabia was serious about football. Soon, global stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kanté, and many others followed Ronaldo’s footsteps and signed for Saudi clubs.
These players brought with them their own global fanbases, further expanding the SPL’s reach. Suddenly, Saudi Arabia was no longer seen as just a “retirement league” for aging stars—it became an attractive destination offering competitive football and top-tier facilities.
This influx of international talent enriched the league’s quality, making the matches more exciting and increasing overall viewership both domestically and internationally.
Local Fan Engagement: A Work in Progress
While Ronaldo’s signing brought massive international attention, the SPL still faces challenges in sustaining domestic fan engagement. Big matches featuring Ronaldo or other global stars often see packed stadiums. However, some local matches without major international names still struggle to draw large crowds.
Reports surfaced of several matches attracting fewer than 1,000 spectators, showing that while the “Ronaldo Effect” brought a global spotlight, grassroots development and local fan culture still need nurturing. For long-term sustainability, Saudi football needs to cultivate deep, emotional connections between clubs and local communities.
Nonetheless, there is a noticeable uptick in football enthusiasm among the Saudi youth. Football academies, grassroots initiatives, and fan clubs have reported higher participation rates. Young fans, inspired by seeing their heroes play in Saudi stadiums, are dreaming bigger, possibly paving the way for a stronger local talent pool in the future.
Beyond Football: A Strategic National Goal
It’s important to understand that Ronaldo’s signing fits into a much bigger picture for Saudi Arabia. Through its Vision 2030 initiative, the country aims to become a global hub for sports, entertainment, and tourism. Football is just one piece of the puzzle.
By bringing in international icons like Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia is not just boosting the SPL, but also improving its global image, attracting tourism, and signalling that it’s open for global business. Events like hosting major boxing matches, Formula One races, and bidding for the FIFA World Cup are all connected to this larger strategy.
Ronaldo himself has spoken positively about Saudi Arabia’s ambitions. In multiple interviews, he has mentioned that the Saudi Pro League has the potential to become one of the top five leagues in the world if the current momentum continues.
Conclusion: The Ronaldo Effect is Real
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was more than just a high-profile transfer; it was a game-changer. He brought unmatched visibility, accelerated commercial growth, attracted more international stars, and inspired a generation of young Saudi football fans.
However, for Saudi football to truly sustain this popularity surge, efforts must continue beyond signing big names. Investment in local talent development, stadium infrastructure, fan engagement initiatives, and building club loyalties will be key.
Still, there is no doubt that Ronaldo’s tie-up with Saudi Arabia has massively increased the popularity of football in the Kingdom and opened a new, exciting chapter in the history of Saudi sports.
Saudi Arabia is no longer on the side-lines—it’s now very much part of the global football conversation.
