Steve Calzada, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal club, sparked widespread controversy in international sports circles after revealing the club’s ambition to participate in the UEFA Champions League, asserting that “Al-Za’eem” (The Leader) is capable of strongly competing for the most prestigious title in the world of clubs.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, Calzada did not rule out the possibility of Al-Hilal participating in the European championship in the future, saying: “The idea of Al-Hilal participating in the Champions League cannot be completely ruled out. We want to participate strongly, it would be a great addition, and we will compete for the title.” He added confidently: “I am certain that we will be strong contenders if we participate. Look at our squad, player by player; it is more than enough to compete in the Champions League, without a doubt.”.
General context: The Saudi football revolution
These bold statements come in the context of a historic transformation taking place in Saudi football, driven by huge investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Saudi Professional League has become a destination for the world's top stars, starting with the arrival of the legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr, followed by top-class stars such as Neymar Jr. (Al-Hilal), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), which has raised the level of competition and the marketing value of the league to unprecedented levels.
This global attraction wasn't limited to players; it also included world-class coaches and advanced infrastructure, all with the aim of making the Saudi league one of the top 10 leagues in the world. In this context, the ambition to participate in the UEFA Champions League is a logical next step, reflecting the scale of Saudi ambition and its desire to transcend the traditional geographical boundaries of football competitions.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
On both the local and regional levels, Al-Hilal's potential participation in the UEFA Champions League would represent a significant leap forward for Saudi and Asian football. It would serve as global recognition of the Saudi league's strength and its ability to compete with elite European clubs. Furthermore, it would enhance Al-Hilal's status as the historic Asian champions, positioning them as a global club, and would open up tremendous commercial and media opportunities for the entire region.
Internationally, this move, if realized, would set a historic precedent that could reshape global football. UEFA would face logistical and legal challenges regarding qualification and scheduling, but it could also present a tremendous economic opportunity to expand the tournament's fan base and revenue. The mere suggestion of this idea opens the door to future discussions about the possibility of creating more integrated global club competitions that transcend continental boundaries, potentially redrawing the power dynamics in the world of football.
