Saudi Pro League prepares major rule change that could transform global soccer
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023 was the signal that ignited Saudi Arabia’s football boom. His move to Al Nassr set off a wave of star one-way arrivals to the Saudi Pro League.
Since then, the league has attracted world-class talent such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kanté, and recognized stars like Rúben Neves, Houssem Aouar, Gelson Martins, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, Matías Viña, and Nacho, as well as emerging youngsters like Renato Veiga, Marcos Leonardo, Mitaj, Angelo, and Renan.
When Cristiano landed in Saudi Arabia, the league was ready for a makeover—and it delivered. Initially, clubs were limited to 7 foreign players, later expanding to 8 to facilitate the arrival of elite talent. The impact was immediate. This past season, the rules evolved again, allowing 8 non-Asian foreign players plus a bonus of two U‑23 foreigners per team.
Now, according to a leading Saudi soccer program hosted by journalist Alshenaif, the Saudi Pro League is planning another seismic change. They plan to increase the foreign-player cap to 10 with no age restrictions, set to be approved by early August.
Each matchday, teams could field up to 8 foreign players, with 2 more allowed on the bench. This change aims to attract even more global stars as the transfer window opens July 20 and closes September 10.
This shift coincides with the rise of NEOM SC, a newly promoted club backed by funding from the futuristic NEOM city project on the Red Sea coast. Like Al Qadsiah last season, NEOM SC wants to be competitive from day one. They’ve already signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon and goalkeeper Theo Bulka, and a busy, star-studded summer is expected in the region.