Al-Ahli's sporting director, Portuguese Rui Pedro, praised the historic role played by his compatriot, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, in the radical transformation witnessed by the Saudi Professional League, stressing that his transfer was the "first spark" that drew the world's attention to football in the Kingdom.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Pedro stated, “The primary reason we are here today is Cristiano Ronaldo. He opened the doors of Saudi Arabia to the world, and that is the greatest honor we can give him.” He added that Ronaldo’s on-field performances remain astonishing, as he continues to score goals and break records, proving that his influence extends beyond mere marketing to include exceptional technical skill.
General context: An ambitious sports project
Pedro's comments come amidst the unprecedented boom the Saudi league is experiencing, a pivotal component of Saudi Vision 2030. Before Ronaldo's arrival in January 2023, the Saudi league was considered one of the strongest in Asia, but lacked widespread global viewership. Ronaldo's transfer to Al-Nassr marked a strategic turning point, representing the first major step in the Public Investment Fund's declared intention to transform the league into a destination for the world's top football stars.
Ronaldo's impact: From local to global
Ronaldo's impact wasn't just about a player transfer; it was a domino effect that attracted a wave of global stars in the summer transfer window that followed his arrival. The summer of 2023 saw the arrival of big names like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté to Al-Ittihad, Neymar and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino to Al-Ahli, Sadio Mané to Al-Nassr, and many more. This influx of stars led to immediate results on several levels:
- Broadcasting rights: Global television networks rushed to acquire the broadcasting rights for the Saudi League matches, which are now shown in more than 170 countries around the world.
- Market value: The market value of the league has increased enormously, making it one of the 10 most expensive football leagues in the world.
- Public engagement: Stadium attendance rates have increased significantly, and engagement on social media platforms has risen to unprecedented levels.
Despite the recent controversy surrounding Ronaldo's absence from some matches, Pedro wisely commented, "It's not for me to judge how he expressed his position, but he has his reasons." This statement underscores the high regard in which Ronaldo is held, and that the primary focus remains on his positive contribution that has forever changed the face of Saudi football.
