The History of Football in Saudi Arabia

30 July 2024

From breaking headlines, bringing one of the biggest and most successful footballers in the world—Cristiano Ronaldo—to defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, football, the most beloved sport in Saudi Arabia, has a storied history and profound cultural significance. Since 1956, it has been governed by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF), overseeing both domestic leagues and national team competitions. Over the decades, football in Saudi Arabia has seen remarkable growth, marked by significant achievements by the national team, the evolution of the professional league, the establishment of football academies, and recent efforts toward privatization. 

Founding of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation 

The Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) was established in 1956 by Prince Abdullah bin Faisal al Saud. As the governing body for football in Saudi Arabia, SAFF is responsible for overseeing both club competitions and the national teams. Its founding marked the beginning of organized football in the country and laid the foundation for its future growth. 

The National Team’s Rise to Prominence 

Known as Al-Saqour (The Falcons), the Saudi Arabian national football team has become one of Asia’s most successful teams. They have clinched the Asian Championship three times and have participated in six FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022). A notable achievement was their historic victory against Argentina in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, a tournament in which Argentina ultimately emerged as champions. The team’s impressive track record has cemented Saudi Arabia’s status on the international football stage. 

Development of the Saudi Professional League 

Early Beginnings and National Expansion 

Football in Saudi Arabia initially had a regional focus, but the launch of the Saudi Professional League in 1976 marked a significant shift. The league began with eight clubs and quickly became the highest level of competition in the country. Improved transportation and local football infrastructure played crucial roles in this national expansion. 

League Growth and New Competitions 

The league expanded to 18 clubs in 1981, with the first league hosting eight and the second league ten. By 1985, the number of first league clubs increased to 12. In 1990, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques League Cup was introduced, featuring a round-robin and knockout phase. The top four teams, known as the Golden Square, competed for the championship. 

Modern Era and Global Influence 

In the 2007–08 season, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Champions Cup was introduced, allowing elite teams to compete for a prestigious title. Recent investments by the Public Investment Fund have brought global football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the league, significantly boosting its international profile and popularity. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia was awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing its capability to host large-scale international events. 

Structure of the Football League System 

Saudi Arabia’s football league system is pyramid-shaped, similar to many other countries, and features promotion and relegation. The structure includes: 

  • Saudi Professional League – 18 clubs 
  • First Division – 20 clubs 
  • Second Division – 28 clubs 
  • Third Division – 32 clubs 

In February 2020, Saudi Arabia launched a women’s football league, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusivity and the development of the sport. 

Nurturing Talent through Football Academies 

In July 2020, the Saudi Ministry of Sport announced the creation of Mahd Sports Academy. This initiative aims to identify, support, and train Saudi talent across various sports, including football. Upon completion, Mahd will be one of the world’s largest sports academies, playing a pivotal role in developing future football talent in Saudi Arabia. 

Privatization and Economic Reforms 

In November 2016, Saudi Arabia approved plans to privatize state-owned sports clubs, transforming them into private enterprises. This move is part of broader economic reforms designed to reduce the country’s reliance on oil exports and alleviate financial pressures on the government. The privatization initiative is expected to foster a more competitive and professional football environment. 

 The history of football in Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant milestones and continuous progress. From the establishment of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation to the achievements of the national team and the evolution of the professional league, football remains a vital part of Saudi culture. With ongoing investments and reforms, the future of football in Saudi Arabia is poised for further growth and international acclaim.