As I sit here watching the latest Saudi Pro League highlights, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically this competition has transformed in recent years. Having followed global football for over two decades, I've witnessed many leagues rise in prominence, but what's happening in Saudi Arabia feels particularly special. The quote from Gavina about building players who are "humble, but also display a level of confidence" perfectly captures the mentality I'm seeing among the top Saudi players today. They're not showboating or trying to be "all mayabang" as the saying goes - instead, they're demonstrating a quiet confidence that comes from knowing they belong among the world's best.
When Cristiano Ronaldo made his shocking move to Al Nassr in December 2022, many dismissed it as a retirement league transfer. Boy, were they wrong. What followed was nothing short of revolutionary for Saudi football. The 38-year-old Portuguese superstar didn't just bring his legendary skills - he brought an entirely new level of global attention and credibility. In his first full season, Ronaldo netted an astonishing 14 goals in just 16 appearances, immediately establishing himself as the league's headline act. But what's impressed me most isn't just his goal-scoring prowess; it's how he's elevated the entire league's profile while maintaining that perfect balance of humility and confidence that Gavina described.
The transformation continued when Karim Benzema shocked the football world by leaving Real Madrid for Al Ittihad. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner brought a different kind of elegance to the league. At 35, he's demonstrated that technical brilliance transcends age, contributing 8 goals and 5 assists in his debut half-season. Watching Benzema play in Saudi Arabia feels like attending a masterclass in positioning and football intelligence. His presence, along with Ronaldo's, has created what I like to call the "galaxy effect" - attracting other world-class talents while simultaneously pushing local Saudi players to elevate their game.
Speaking of local talent, we cannot overlook Salem Al-Dawsari, who's become the face of Saudi domestic football. The 31-year-old Al Hilal winger has been absolutely sensational, scoring 17 goals last season and becoming the first Saudi player to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or since 1996. I've followed Al-Dawsari's career since his early days, and what strikes me most is his incredible work ethic. He embodies that humble confidence we discussed earlier - never flashy, but always effective. His memorable goal against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup wasn't just a moment of individual brilliance; it announced to the world that Saudi players could compete with the very best.
Then there's the midfield maestro, Abdullah Otayf. At 30, he might not grab headlines like some of his flashier teammates, but having watched countless Al Hilal matches, I can confidently say he's the engine that makes everything tick. His passing accuracy consistently hovers around 92%, and he averages 12.3 kilometers covered per match - numbers that would be impressive in any top European league. Otayf represents what I love most about football: the unsung heroes who do the dirty work without seeking recognition.
The goalkeeping position has seen remarkable development too, with Mohammed Al-Owais establishing himself as one of Asia's finest shot-stoppers. The 31-year-old Al Hilal keeper maintained 15 clean sheets last season with a save percentage of 78.4%. I've had the privilege of watching him develop from a promising youngster into a genuine leader between the posts. His performances during Saudi Arabia's World Cup campaign, particularly that incredible double-save against Mexico, demonstrated that Saudi goalkeepers can compete on the global stage.
What's particularly exciting for me as a long-time observer is seeing younger talents like Firas Al-Buraikan coming through the ranks. The 23-year-old Al Fateh striker netted 15 goals last season, showing a maturity beyond his years. I remember watching him two seasons ago and thinking he had potential, but his development has exceeded even my optimistic expectations. He represents the new generation of Saudi players who are benefiting from playing alongside and against world-class competition week in, week out.
The defensive side of the game has seen massive improvements too, with Ali Al-Bulaihi emerging as one of the league's most reliable center-backs. The 34-year-old Al Hilal defender might be getting older, but his reading of the game has never been sharper. He averages 4.1 clearances per game and wins 68% of his aerial duels - crucial statistics that often go unnoticed but are vital to team success. Having watched him marshal defenses against some of the world's best attackers now playing in Saudi Arabia, I can attest to his growing confidence and leadership qualities.
Midfield creativity shines through players like Salman Al-Faraj, whose vision and passing range continue to impress me season after season. The 33-year-old Al Hilal captain has adapted beautifully to the increased competition, registering 9 assists last season while maintaining an 88% pass completion rate. What I admire most about Al-Faraj is his ability to control the tempo of matches - a skill that has only improved with experience and exposure to higher-level competition.
The league's transformation isn't just about the big names from Europe though. Saudi players like Sultan Al-Ghannam have used this opportunity to take their game to new heights. The 29-year-old Al Nassr right-back has developed into one of Asia's most complete defenders, contributing 5 assists last season while maintaining defensive solidity. Watching him develop his partnership with Ronaldo has been particularly fascinating - it's a perfect example of how local and international talents can elevate each other.
As we look at the current landscape, players like Mukhtar Ali are showing that the league's depth is improving dramatically. The 25-year-old Al Nassr midfielder, though less heralded than some teammates, has become crucial to his team's structure, completing 91% of his passes and averaging 2.3 tackles per game. These might not be flashy statistics, but they're the building blocks of successful teams.
What we're witnessing in Saudi football is more than just expensive imports - it's the creation of a competitive ecosystem where local talents are thriving alongside global stars. The league's average attendance has jumped from 8,742 in 2021 to over 28,000 this season, while television rights have been sold to 130 countries. These numbers tell only part of the story though. Having attended matches both before and after this transformation, I can personally attest to the electric atmosphere and improved quality throughout the league.
The true success story, in my view, isn't just about the famous names we all recognize. It's about how these players, both international and domestic, have bought into that mentality of humble confidence. They're not here for a vacation - they're here to compete, to improve, and to be part of something special. As Gavina wisely noted, they walk onto the pitch with the mindset that they're the best, but they do so with the humility to keep working, keep improving, and keep surprising the football world. Having watched this league evolve over the years, I genuinely believe we're only seeing the beginning of Saudi football's global emergence.
