The Saudi Pro League finds itself at a crucial juncture as it contemplates the future of its two biggest stars. League CEO Omar Mugharbel has addressed the mounting speculation surrounding the contract situations of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, both of whom are set to become free agents in the summer of 2025.
Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has been the crown jewel of Saudi football’s ambitious expansion, consistently delivering performances that have justified his status as the league’s flagship signing. The Portuguese superstar’s impact has transcended the pitch, transforming the Saudi Pro League from a regional competition into a globally recognized entity. Meanwhile, Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal, despite being hampered by a long-term injury that has kept him sidelined for nearly a year, has added another layer of international prestige to the growing league.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Mugharbel acknowledged the transformative effect these signings have had on Saudi football, particularly highlighting Ronaldo’s contribution. “It’s no secret that Ronaldo has created a massive impact on the league, both domestically and internationally. It creates a lot of value and continues to do so,” the CEO remarked. However, he was quick to establish boundaries regarding contract negotiations, emphasizing that such discussions remain strictly between the players and their respective clubs.
The situation with Neymar presents a unique challenge. Despite his limited on-field contribution due to injury, Mugharbel praised the Brazilian’s off-field impact, noting his significant global following and community engagement. Having Neymar in the league, even though he hasn’t been playing, he has a massive following globally and he’s quite active from a community perspective, so it creates a lot of value for the league,” he explained.
The Saudi Pro League‘s position in these negotiations appears to be that of a facilitator rather than a direct participant. Mugharbel clarified that while the league can support discussions, the primary decision-making power lies with the clubs and players. “We play a facilitating job, but the club has to be at the forefront of the decision-making. There are definitely discussions that happen, but it starts by the club and the player saying: ‘We want this to happen. That’s 90 per cent of the whole process,” he stated.
The stakes for the Saudi Pro League couldn’t be higher. The presence of Ronaldo and Neymar has been instrumental in attracting other high-profile players to the league, creating a snowball effect that has seen numerous European stars make the move to Saudi Arabia. The departure of either player could potentially slow this momentum and impact the league’s growing global appeal.
The timing of these contract situations comes at a critical phase in the Saudi Pro League’s development. What began as a bold experiment in football investment has evolved into a serious project that has disrupted traditional football power structures. The retention of marquee players like Ronaldo and Neymar could be vital in cementing the league’s position as a legitimate destination for world-class talent.
As the season progresses, both players will have opportunities to showcase their value to their respective clubs. Al-Nassr, with Ronaldo leading the line, is set to host Al-Qadisiyah in their next fixture, while Neymar’s Al-Hilal will travel to face Al-Khaleej, though the Brazilian’s participation remains uncertain due to his ongoing recovery.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these soccer superstars will continue their Arabian adventure or seek new challenges elsewhere. Whatever the outcome, their impact on Saudi football’s ambitious project has already left an indelible mark on the sport’s landscape, setting a precedent for future developments in global football.
