The influx of renowned football stars, many at the pinnacle of their careers, to Saudi Arabia validates Cristiano Ronaldo’s foresight. On July 13, Ronaldo’s statement, “Cristiano came and created attraction. I knew it would,” echoed as a half-year after his Al Nassr signing, Europe’s elite players gravitated towards the Saudi National Championship (Saudi Pro League).

Ronaldo declared that SPL will become better and he was right

The latest headline-making move involved Neymar’s transfer from PSG to Al Hilal, dominating football news globally. Securing the Brazilian superstar’s signature came at a hefty price of 250 million euros. An upfront 90 million euros went to PSG (excluding bonuses), while Neymar received 160 million euros.

Neymar as an Al Hilal’s player

Al Hilal’s star-studded recruitment spree also featured Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly, former Lazio captain Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, and Ruben Neves. Competing against Al Hilal is Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s current team, which, following his addition, became a magnet for star players. Sadio Mane, Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic, and David Ospina sequentially joined Ronaldo’s side.

Too many famous players following Ronaldo to SPL

Notably, Al Ahli’s squad transformation saw them acquire Riyad Mahrez from Man City (30 million euros), Roberto Firmino from Liverpool (free transfer), and Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle (27 million euros). Other notable acquisitions included Edouard Mendy (Chelsea), Roger Ibanez (AS Roma), and Franck Kessie (Barcelona). Al Ittihad, the reigning Saudi champion, also orchestrated a coup by recruiting Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho.

SPL developed thanks to the bottomless pocket of Arab owners

The Saudi Pro League is ascending as a globally significant league, drawing attention comparable to top European leagues with the presence of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and other luminaries. Unlike the Chinese football trend, the stars migrating to Saudi Arabia are not merely seeking a leisurely retirement. Most retain their form and continue performing at the highest level.

Ronaldo’s assertion that the Saudi league surpasses the MLS in quality seems substantiated. The abundance and popularity of recently joined stars in the Saudi Pro League eclipse those of the American Major League Soccer. The enduring influence of Cristiano Ronaldo remains undeniable, magnifying the allure of world football. Even after major tournaments, his fame and impact continue to foster compelling environments.

SPL is more attractive than MLS?

As Europe’s 2023 summer transfer window unfolds, the flight of stars from the continent to Saudi Arabia anticipates more high-profile arrivals. Aymeric Laporte, a Champions League victor with Man City, is speculated to be the next addition to Ronaldo’s team.