Ronaldo's Influence in Boosting Saudi Soccer

Riyadh, Aug 29 (AP) The spotlight is still firmly set on Ronaldo as the Saudi soccer league commences its opening round, just as it was earlier this month when over 30,000 fans gathered in Hong Kong to witness Al-Nassr's 2-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal on August 19. The Portuguese star is a central figure in the league's growth and promotional strategies.

Chris KL Lau, a Hong Kong resident and fan, emphasized Ronaldo's impact, stating, "The majority were undeniably Cristiano Ronaldo fans." The match buzzed with excitement whenever Ronaldo touched the ball, creating an electric atmosphere. The following day, Ronaldo was met by fans from across China, Saudi Arabia, and the Asia-Pacific, who flocked to the city's official Cristiano Ronaldo museum. After departing from Manchester United to join the Saudi Pro League in December 2022, Ronaldo paved the way for other prominent names like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Riyad Mahrez to arrive in Saudi Arabia's cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

The Big Four — Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli — are now under the ownership of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, bolstering their budgets as large as their aspirations. The league's season kicked off last Thursday with three games, with Ronaldo's Al Nassr beginning their campaign on Friday against Al Taawoun.

Despite Ronaldo maintaining his position as the league's international face, efforts are underway to broaden the league's reach. The significance of Ronaldo's presence was evident during the second match at Hong Kong Stadium between Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, where organizers announced a crowd of 16,000, though some doubt that figure.

Lau noted, "Those present estimate the actual attendance at around 5,000 to 6,000." Fans were eager to spend on Ronaldo but showed less enthusiasm for Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, resulting in many empty seats. Simon Chadwick, a specialist in sports, geopolitics, and economics, remarked on the awareness Ronaldo brings to Saudi football, but stressed the need for deeper, more sustainable fan engagement.

Wael Al Fayez, the league's chief commercial officer, indicated progress is being made. "Last season, we reached a record 180 countries worldwide, up from 150 the previous year," Al Fayez said. On sponsorship, international deals surged by 200%, reflecting tangible growth. Social media followings rose from 11 million to 15 million, with a 60% increase in engagement. Hosting overseas games is part of a broader strategy, with media in Hong Kong ensuring awareness of these matches.

Attracting a global fanbase akin to European giants like Real Madrid and Liverpool is a lengthy endeavor. Chadwick stated, "For Saudi clubs to compete on the same level, it will take decades to develop a global fan base. They need to offer something unique to fans that they can't find elsewhere." A potential next step is establishing a Saudi club as Asia's premier team. "There's no current standout club or brand in Asia, so why not a Saudi club?" Chadwick proposed. Domination in Asian continental competitions would support this.

The influx of high-profile players has indubitably raised the league's standards. Three of the four semifinalists in the previous season's Asian Champions League were Saudi teams, with Al-Ahli eventually clinching the title. Al-Hilal made a notable impression during the Club World Cup in August, drawing with Real Madrid and defeating Manchester City in the round of 16. Al-Fayez concluded, "The global passion for football is escalating, with the Saudi Pro League poised to become football's focal point outside Europe. It's been a remarkable inception to our journey, with undeniable momentum." (AP)

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