Since Saudi Arabia signed the agreement to host the Spanish Super Cup, this prestigious competition has transformed from a mere opening event for the Spanish football season into a global spectacle attracting millions of viewers. Saudi stadiums have become the stage for some of the fiercest football rivalries, most notably "El Clásico," the match between arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, further cementing the Kingdom's position as a leading global sporting destination.
A qualitative leap and a new history for the tournament
The Kingdom's hosting of the tournament was not merely a change of venue; it coincided with a radical transformation of the competition format, which in 2020 shifted to the "Final Four" system, intensifying the competition and increasing the chances of the giants clashing. This move aligns with the Kingdom's sports strategy and Vision 2030, which aims to enhance quality of life and attract major international events, making Riyadh and Jeddah the focal points for football fans worldwide.
The Clasico hat trick... non-stop excitement
During the five editions hosted by the Kingdom (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), football fans had the lion's share of enjoyment watching El Clásico in three unforgettable finals, all of which were characterized by high-scoring matches and dramatic scenarios:
- 2023 Final (Riyadh): This final witnessed a strong return for Barcelona, as the Catalan team was able to impose its control and win the title after defeating Real Madrid 3-1, in a match that confirmed the ability of "Blaugrana" to return to the podiums of victory.
- 2024 Final (Riyadh): Real Madrid's response was swift and decisive in the following edition, as they thrashed their rivals 4-1. It was a historic night for Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, who scored a hat-trick, leading Los Blancos to the title with a relentless attacking display.
- 2025 Final (Jeddah): In one of the most thrilling matches in the tournament's history, the two teams delivered a footballing epic that ended with Barcelona winning 5-2. The match was characterized by open play and constant twists and turns until the final minutes, further cementing the reputation of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia as a tournament of high-scoring goals.
Stars who made their mark on Saudi football fields
On an individual level, Saudi stadiums have become a lucky charm for a number of top stars. Leading the list is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who has proven his prowess by scoring three goals across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 finals. He shares this record with Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, thanks to his historic hat-trick in the 2024 final. The 2025 edition also saw Brazilian Rafinha shine with two goals, while his compatriot Rodrygo made a significant scoring impact on several occasions.
Dimensions that extend beyond the green rectangle
The success of these finals is not measured solely by goals and results, but also by the significant economic and media impact they generated. These matches contributed to boosting sports tourism, attracting thousands of fans from outside the Kingdom, in addition to the global media coverage that highlighted the advanced infrastructure of Saudi sports facilities, such as King Fahd International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (The Jewel).
While the two Spanish football giants continue to write new chapters of competition, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains the fertile ground that embraces this creativity, presenting the world with an ideal model in organizing and managing major sporting events, awaiting the excitement and suspense that the upcoming matches will bring.
