The father of Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye has firmly denied claims that the Senegal international has agreed to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. Despite intense interest and lucrative wage offers from the Middle East, his father insists the 26-year-old remains fully focused on his European career and international ambitions.
Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot has emerged as a target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli as Matthias Jaissle prepares to take over at Newcastle United. The Dutchman has been out of work since leaving Anfield in May, but the Middle Eastern giants are now considering him alongside Vitor Pereira to succeed the Newcastle-bound German manager.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has expressed his deep shock following the news that Eddie Howe is set to leave St James' Park. The former England striker admitted he was baffled by the timing of the decision, which comes just weeks before the new Premier League campaign begins.
Eddie Howe is set to step down as Newcastle head coach after nearly five years in charge at St James' Park. Former Red Bull Salzburg and current Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle is reportedly poised to take over at the Magpies.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of footballing history has received significant public backing from his long-time former team-mate Nacho Fernandez. The veteran defender, who also plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, believes the Portuguese superstar is destined to reach the elusive 1,000-goal milestone.
Robert Lewandowski sensationally turned down a staggering €200 million contract offer from Saudi Arabia to remain at Barcelona, according to his agent. The veteran striker eventually opted for a move to Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire this summer rather than taking the life-changing riches on offer in the Middle East.
Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi Pro League side ever, having won an astonishing 19 league titles. Their first-ever league title came at the end of the 1976-77 campaign. Currently, they are also the defending champions, having gone all the way in the 2023-24 season.
How many teams are in the Saudi Pro League?
Currently, there are 18 teams in the Saudi Pro League. In the first season ever, which took place in 1976-77, there were just eight teams. The number increased to 10 in the following season. Ahead of the 1981-82, Saudi Premier League and Saudi First Division merged to form one single league for the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification process. However, from the 1984-85 season, the number teams reverted to 12.
Who has made the most Saudi Pro League appearances ever?
Legendary Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea holds the record for most appearances in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Deayea played for Al-Taee and Al-Hilal and managed 406 appearances inthe league.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Saudi Pro League?
Majed Abdullah, also known as the Arabian Pele, is the league's all-time leading topscorer with 189 goals in 194 league games, all of them coming with Al-Nassr in a 21-year span. He is Al-Nassr's record goalscorer, with 259 goals in just 266 games.
Who has the most assists in the history of the Saudi Pro League?
Former Syrian midfielder Jehad Al-Hussain has registered the most assists in Saudi Pro League history, setting up 50 goals for his teammates in 208 games.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Saudi Pro League and how old was he?
Former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to ever feature in Saudi Pro League. El Hadary was 45 years and 81 days old when he featured for Al-Taawoun in April 2018.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Saudi Pro League and how old was he?
Teenage sensation Talal Haji, who plays for Al-Ittihad, is the youngest player to ever play in Saudi Pro League. Haji achieved this feat at the age of 16 years and five days when he came on as a substitute for Romarinho in Al-Ittihad's 2-1 win over Al-Fateh in September 2023.
Which famous players have played in the Saudi Pro League?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Yassine Bounou, Nacho, Aymeric Laporte, and Fabinho are among the most famous players to have played in the Saudi Pro League.
Which famous managers have managed in the Saudi Pro League?
Steven Gerrard, Laurent Blanc, and Stefano Pioli are some of Saudi Pro League's most prominent managers in history.
What is the biggest stadium in the Saudi Pro League?
The King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, which is home to Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh, is the biggest stadium in Saudi Pro League. It has a capacity of 68,752.
Who is the most expensive player in the history of the Saudi Pro League?
Neymar is the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history, costing a whopping £77.6 million when Al-Hilal bought him from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.