Joao Felix has defended his decision to leave Chelsea for Al-Nassr, insisting the move was essential for his happiness and professional growth. The Portugal international made a permanent transfer to Stamford Bridge in 2024, but struggled for consistency in London and was sold to the Saudi Pro League giants last summer. Now playing in his preferred role, the forward believes he has finally rediscovered the form that first made him a global star.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has moved to ease fears regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness after a hamstring injury sidelined the legendary forward from the March international camp. The 41-year-old remains central to the Selecao’s plans as he prepares for a record sixth World Cup campaign in North America. Martinez emphasised that the captain’s elite mentality and remarkable goalscoring record ensure his place remains secure.
A stunning move to Wrexham for Cristiano Ronaldo is being ruled out as the Portuguese superstar does not need Ryan Reynolds’ assistance in order to achieve his Hollywood dream. CR7 has stated a desire to get into the movie business, leading to surprising transfer talk being sparked, but James Chester cannot see the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend heading to North Wales.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to convince ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro to join him at Al-Nassr instead of heading to MLS to link up with Lionel Messi. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a summer move to Inter Miami as he approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford.
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.