Netflix series on Saudi Pro League shows a sports transformation

Camera crews go behind the scenes at the Kingdom’s top clubs to reveal the impact of global football superstars joining the league, starting with Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of 2022

Netflix

Netflix series on Saudi Pro League shows a sports transformation

Turki Harbi

last update on 17 Dec 2024

Over the past three years, Saudi Arabia’s ambition to create world-leading experiences in sports such as golf and boxing has drawn global attention, attracting some of the biggest stars and the biggest audiences.

Yet of all the sports in which the Kingdom has invested, few has experienced such a rapid and radical transformation as Saudi football. With the focus on its top league, it has become one of the most desirable destinations for players worldwide.

This wave of accelerated developments is the talk of the town among fans, coaches, players, and investors, and is explored in more detail in a new Netflix documentary series, The Saudi League, that first aired late last month.

Produced by Whisper Network, it takes viewers on a journey behind the scenes across five episodes, shedding light on the state of Saudi clubs in the Saudi Professional League (Roshn League) during the 2023-24 season in its revamped format.

Moving from one team to another, the cameras traverse the capital, Riyadh, and the western coastal city of Jeddah, exploring the dynamics between coaches and players in locker rooms, during training sessions, and before some of the more pivotal matches.

It began with Ronaldo

The documentary begins at the end of 2022, when Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo joined Riyadh-based Al-Nassr, signing a contract until 2025 for a whopping €200m per year, the highest footballing salary ever paid.

Al-Nassr is one of the ‘big four’ Saudi clubs, along with bitter Riyadh rival Al-Hilal, plus Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli from Jeddah. Between them, they have attracted other stars such as Brazilian footballer Neymar and French striker Karim Benzema, the latter having played at Real Madrid and won the prestigious Ballon d’Or, like Ronaldo.

The documentary covers the reaction of Al-Nassr fans (and the entire sporting world) when Ronaldo—widely acknowledged as one of the world’s best players over the past two decades—agrees to play in the Kingdom for the twilight of his career.

His achievements and media impact made his move to Saudi Arabia a key moment for the country in its quest to put the Saudi Pro League on the sporting map, with knock-on benefits felt in sectors such as tourism and entertainment.

Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia was a key moment for the country in its quest to put the Saudi Pro League on the global sporting map

The documentary shows how Ronaldo's arrival increased the league's market value, elevated its quality and standards, helped it to attract other elite players from the world's top leagues, and boosted the league's status. Saudi football matches are now broadcast in 180 countries.

This aligns with Saudi Arabia's vision of hosting global tournaments, most notably the 2034 FIFA World Cup. A similar scenario played out in the United States, with the world's top player, Lionel Messi, playing in Miami ahead of America co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

Not just a game

In Saudi Arabia, football is rooted in the culture and the daily lives of citizens. Discussions and debates about football often dominate social gatherings and talk on social media platforms. Its importance transcends demographics.

Support for a particular football club is often based on a family's tradition of following one team or another, a loyalty that is passed down from generation to generation, with the children inheriting it from their parents. Saudis' passion for football is equal to the fervour of the English, the dedication of the Italians, the obsession of the Brazilians, and the enthusiasm of the Spaniards.

The Saudi League shows this deep connection to football in its opening scenes, with stadiums filled with roaring fans during one of the country's most significant matches between Riyadh-based rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

AFP — Brazilian star Neymar enters King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh

Saudis' passion for football is equal to the fervour of the English, the dedication of Italians, the obsession of Brazilians, and the enthusiasm of Spaniards

Over five episodes, viewers learn about the historical context of the clubs, their rivalries, the significance of the matches, why certain decisions were made, the details of the strategies, and the vision behind the clubs' evolution. In short, this is required viewing for anyone interested in Saudi football.

The impact of football is seen hours before a major match. Riyadh, for instance, home to around eight million people and usually bustling, transforms into an eerie calm as kick-off approaches, with workers and commuters rushing to their preferred screen to watch the game. It can feel as if the entire metropolis is waiting for the whistle to blow.

AFP — Al Nasr fans cheer in the stands under a large banner featuring Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

The documentary is particularly useful to non-Arabs who may be unfamiliar with certain aspects of Saudi culture or its diverse regions, which are rich with unique traditions and customs. Understanding these nuances is essential for players coming to play in the Kingdom, and for their families who also make it their home.

The series gives a more accurate portrayal than some Western media outlets. Through interviews, it offers insights into the experiences of players and coaches who make the move, and gives a comprehensive view of life in Saudi Arabia. Finally, it shows how newcomers can adapt to the climate and cultural practices of the Kingdom's various regions.

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