The Saudi Pro League has undergone a remarkable transformation, elevating itself from its previous standing to emerge as a formidable entity in the realm of football.
This transformation owes much to the inclusion of the legendary Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
His arrival has triggered an exponential surge in the league’s reputation, causing sceptics to reassess their initial doubts.
The influence exerted by Ronaldo on the league, both prior to and after his entrance, is monumental.
His mere presence has elevated what was once regarded as a modest league into one that now commands reverence even from the established powerhouses of European football.
Ronaldo’s prophetic declaration that the Saudi League would ascend to join the ranks of the world’s top five leagues no longer appears implausible.
Even those who previously dismissed this notion have been compelled to amend their viewpoints.
Carlo Nohra, the chief of operations for the Saudi Pro League, recently illuminated the profound positive impact of Ronaldo’s participation.
According to Nohra, the league’s revenue has surged by a staggering 650 percent since Ronaldo’s inclusion.
Furthermore, the league’s broadcast coverage has expanded to encompass an impressive 140 countries, indicating a substantial global outreach.
In December 2022, Ronaldo embarked on his own journey to Saudi Arabia by joining Al-Nassr, securing a staggering contract valued at 200 million Euros annually.
This pivotal move triggered a chain reaction, prompting other prominent football figures, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Mane, Mahres, Mendy, Kante, Ruben Neves, Firmino, Yassin Bono, and Azmeric Laporte, to also venture into the Saudi Pro League.