Clash of the Titans: Economic and Sporting Dimensions in the Saudi Clasico
On Monday evening, all eyes of Saudi and Arab football fans will be on the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where league leaders Al-Hilal host Al-Ahli in the highlight match of the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. The importance of the match extends beyond the three crucial points at stake in the title race; it also showcases the immense financial power that has come to characterize the Saudi league, with both teams standing as prime examples of the recent investment boom.
Background to the major transformation in Saudi football
The summer of 2023 marked a historic turning point for the Saudi Professional League, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announcing its acquisition of Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad. This decision injected unprecedented financial liquidity, enabling these clubs to attract a constellation of the world's brightest football stars. The league was no longer merely a local competition, but transformed into a global sporting product that attracts attention and followers from all corners of the world, and the market value of the clubs and players became a key indicator of this development.
Al-Hilal: Financial superiority reflected in their top ranking
Al-Hilal, nicknamed "The Leader," enters this match boasting the highest market value in the league, exceeding €242 million according to the specialized platform Transfermarkt. This enormous value is a direct result of their star-studded squad, spearheaded by Brazilian superstar Neymar da Silva, in addition to other top-class players such as Serbian Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (€35 million), Portuguese Ruben Neves (€40 million), Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic (€28 million), and Brazilian winger Malcom (€30 million). This financial dominance translates clearly onto the pitch, where the team sits comfortably atop the league table and delivers impressive performances.
Al Ahly: A strong comeback with high ambitions
In contrast, Al-Ahli, the prestigious club, stands out as one of the main contenders, boasting a total market value of approximately €182 million. Following its swift return to the top flight, Al-Ahli has built a strong squad that blends experience and youth. Its roster includes prominent international names such as Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino, Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié (€18 million), Turkish defender Merih Demiral (€18 million), and the young Spanish talent Gabri Vega, the team's most valuable player with a market value of €30 million. This investment has placed Al-Ahli squarely in the title race, currently sitting in third place, just a short distance from the runner-up.
The impact of market value on the pitch
Despite Al-Hilal's market value advantage, the Clasico matches often have their own dynamics that transcend mere numbers and finances. This match represents a true test of the impact of investments on collective performance, and its outcome is crucial to the league title race. An Al-Hilal victory would solidify their lead and widen the gap, while an Al-Ahli win would ignite the title race and confirm their status as a formidable competitor. Globally, the match holds immense significance as it showcases the new and promising face of Saudi football and its ability to host high-caliber matches comparable to the top European leagues.
