There’s no getting away from it, the Saudi Pro League is set to enjoy its most exciting season of all-time this year, thanks to the influx of huge stars from Europe’s elite leagues. While the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia’s aggressive transfer strategy has made global noise, the big question is this: If you’re watching from outside the Kingdom, who should you support?
Maybe you want big name excitement? Perhaps you like to follow a plucky underdog? Possibly it’s far simpler than that, and you just want to win? Whether you’ve been seduced by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and former Esquire Middle East cover star Karim Benzema heading to Saudi, or are just fascinated by how this whole thing’s is all going to turn out, there’s a team in the Kingdom for everybody.
Thankfully, Esquire Middle East has done the hard work for you, scouring Saudi Pro League sides and drawing tasty comparisons that you might be able to get on board with. It’s time to make your pick, but remember one thing. A football team is for life, not just until they sell your favourite player to Real.
Support Al-Hilal SFC…
If you’re a fan of: Bayern Munich, PSG, Barcelona or Manchester City.
City: Riyadh
Club Colours: Blue
Nickname: ‘Al-Za’eem’ (The Bosses)
Notable: Won the domestic league a record 18 times
Key players: Salem Al Dawsari, Kalidou Koulibali, Ruben Nevez, Salman Al-Faraj
Why: You want a club that’s vitally connected to its city and, more importantly, wins silverware every single year. You want to see big names through the door, a raucous stadium support, and AFC Champions League success. And, to be honest, you’re not really prepared to settle for anything less.
Support Al-Ittihad…
If you’re a fan of: Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund or Inter Milan
City: Jeddah
Club Colours: Yellow and Black
Nickname: The Tigers
Notable: Current league champions
Key Players: Karim Benzema, Abderrazak Hamdallah, N’Golo Kante
Why: You’ve enjoyed recent trophy wins and love the passion that supporting a ‘second-city’ club brings. But you want to see elite players added to the squad and a return to the days of old, when you won the league all the time instead of toiling away to bring it home once a decade (if you’re lucky).
Support Al-Nassr…
If you’re a fan of: Arsenal, Juventus or Chelsea
City: Riyadh
Club Colours: Yellow and Blue
Nickname: ‘Al-Alami’ (The global club)
Notable: Broke the Internet when it signed 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, Abdulrahman Ghareeb
Why: You’re still smarting from the problems of last season where, for a variety of reasons, you didn’t quite get the success you felt you really deserved. But you’re used to the finer things in life that big city living brings you, and last year has fuelled your desire for success even more. You expect a big year in what’s shaping up to be the greatest Saudi Pro League season ever.
Support Al-Ahli…
If you’re a fan of: Napoli or Newcastle United
City: Jeddah
Club Colours: Green and White
Nickname: ‘Al Malaki’ (The Royal)
Notable: Al-Ahli hold the record for the longest unbeaten league run with 51-match streak
Key Players: Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Omar Al Somah, Edoardo Mendy
Why: You want to enjoy the fresh excitement of following a team that’s on the up, and that has a fast-running style and attacking flair. You want tricky wingers and stylish centre-forwards like Roberto Firmino (above), and you want to be part of a fanatical support that takes a huge pride in its roots.
Support Al-Ettifaq…
If you’re a fan of: Atletico Madrid or Aston Villa
City: Dammam
Club Colours: Green and Red
Nickname: The Commandos
Notable: Al Ettifaq were the first Saudi team to win an international title – the 1984 Arab Club Champions Cup
Key Players: Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Moussa Dembele
Why: You enjoy a good European pedigree and know that your side, on its day, can beat anyone. While you might not see too much league-winning silverware right now, you have no interest in joining the big boys clique, preferring to support a team that fights its way to success on its own terms.
Support Al-Shabab…
If you’re a fan of: Manchester United or Fenerbahçe
City: Riyadh
Club Colours: White
Nickname: ‘Al Leith’ (White Lion)
Notable: First Saudi club to win three Saudi Premier League in a row (1991, 1992, and 1993)
Key Players: Hattan Bahebri, Éver Banega
Why:You’re used to a club with a glorious habit of winning, but have had some time away from the serious silverware and now feel ready to come back and savour victory all the more. You might not be the biggest fish in your own city these days, but you know that your return to power is coming, and it shall be glorious.
Support Abha Club…
If you’re a fan of: Bournemouth or Crystal Palace
City: Abha
Club Colours: White
Nickname: The Leaders of the South
Notable: The club has changed its name three times. From Al-Farouk in 1966 to Al-Wadiea in 1972, and then finally Abha in 1999
Key Players: Saad Bguir, Grzegorz Krychowiak
Why: The odd cup run aside, it’s unlikely that you’ll be troubling the top five any time soon. However, you enjoy following a side with an interesting backstory, you’re passionate but easy going—happy to share your ground with other teams, for example—and will get your kicks via the occasional fight against relegation and inevitable next season push for promotion thank-you-very-much.