Are you curious to know all about the teams in the Saudi Pro League?
Unless you have been living under a rock, most fans have heard about the rise of the Saudi Pro League, with all of its ambition and endless riches. With the league growing, many fans will be looking for a team to support. Let us help you.
Before we get started, if you want to know more about the fundamentals of the Saudi Pro League, read our article on how the Saudi Pro League works.
Here is a breakdown of all the teams that currently compete in the league, a map showing where they are located, and some key stats and facts.
What is the Saudi Pro League?
The Saudi Professional League (SPL) in Saudi Arabia comprises 18 clubs. Running from August to May, each club competes in a double round-robin format, earning three points for a victory and one point for a draw. The Saudi Pro League (SPL) first emerged in 1976.
Beyond its local reach, the SPL stretches its influence to global football. The top four contenders secure a golden ticket to the esteemed AFC Champions League, an elite competition where the crème de la crème of Asian football go head to head. Simultaneously, the bottom two clubs confront the daunting prospect of relegation to the Saudi First Division League.
The Saudi Pro League serves as a gateway for aspiring players harboring dreams of making their mark in European football. However, with the rising trend of astonishing investments and exhilarating deals, the league’s stature has steadily begun to grow, enticing talented, big-name foreign players and has propelled Saudi football onto the world stage.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the teams!
Saudi Professional League Map
Key Information
| Team | Founded | Location | Stadium | Stadium Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abha | 1937 | Jeddah | King Abdullah Sports City | 62,242 |
| Al-Ahli | 1957 | Riyadh | King Fahd International Stadium | 68,752 |
| Al-Ettifaq | 1938 | Jeddah | King Abdullah Sports City | 62,241 |
| Al-Fateh | 1955 | Riyadh | Al-Nassr Club Stadium | 25,000 |
| Al-Fayha | 1947 | Riyadh | Al-Shabab Club Stadium | 15,000 |
| Al-Hazem | 1960 | Buraidah | King Abdullah Sport City Stadium | 25,000 |
| Al-Hilal | 1945 | Mecca | King Abdul Aziz Stadium | 38,000 |
| Al-Ittihad | 2011 | Khamis Mushait | Damac Club Stadium | 5,000 |
| Al-Khaleej | 1966 | Saihat | Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Stadium | 12,000 |
| Al-Nassr | 1958 | Al-Hassa | Al-Fateh Club Stadium | 10,000 |
| Al-Okhdood | 1976 | Najran | Prince Hathloul Stadium | 2,800 |
| Al-Riyadh | 1965 | Ar Rass | Al-Hazem Club Stadium | 8,000 |
| Al-Shabab | 1954 | Al-Majma'ah | Al-Majma'ah Sports City | 7,000 |
| Al-Taawoun | 1966 | Saihat | Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium | 20,000 |
| Al-Wehda | 1966 | Abha | Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium | 20,000 |
| Damac | 1945 | Dammam | Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium | 15,000 |
| Khaleej | 1953 | Riyadh | Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium | 15,000 |
Abha FC
Starting with Abha, established in 1966, this relatively new addition to Saudi football has already shown promise with its King’s Cup triumph in 2016. Playing from their home base in Abha, their fans create an electrifying atmosphere at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium.
Al-Ahli FC
Next up is Al-Ahli, a club founded back in 1937 and boasting an impressive 16 league titles. Based in Jeddah, their home stadium, the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, has seen many triumphs. Notable players like Sami Al-Jaber, Talal El-Kawari, and Yahya Al-Shehri have made their mark in the club’s history.
Al-Ettifaq FC
Then we have Al-Ettifaq, established in 1938, with 13 league titles under their belt. Located in Dammam, their focus on youth development has earned them accolades, including two AFC Cup victories in 2004 and 2012.
Al-Fateh SC
Al-Fateh, founded in 1955, secured the league title once in 2013. Known for their strong defense, they have claimed multiple King’s Cup victories. The club’s home stadium is the Al-Fateh Club Stadium, with a capacity of 10,000 seating capacity.
Al-Fayha FC
Al-Fayha, established in 1947, is a prominent club from Al-Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia. Their home ground, the Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, accommodates an impressive audience of 7,000. The club clinched the Saudi Second Division title in 2014, marking a significant achievement.
Al-Hazem SC
Al-Hazem, founded in 1960, already secured the King’s Cup in 2018. Hailing from Ar Rass, their strength lies in a solid defense that has led to recent successes. Their home stadium, the Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Stadium, has witnessed many memorable moments.
Al-Hilal SFC
Al-Hilal, established in 1957, stands as the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, with an astounding 18 league titles. Based in Riyadh, their home stadium, the King Fahd International Stadium, has witnessed numerous historic victories. With notable players like Mohamed Aboutrika, Luiz Adriano, and Carlos Tevez, Al-Hilal has been a dominant force.
Al-Ittihad Club
Al-Ittihad, founded in 1938, is another powerhouse in Saudi football with 16 league titles. Based in Jeddah, their attacking style of play has brought them multiple King’s Cup victories. The team’s home stadium is the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,241.
Al-Khaleej FC
Al-Khaleej, originating in 1966, showcases their skills at the Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Saihat. Although they haven’t won major trophies yet, their unwavering zeal keeps them going strong.
Al-Nassr FC
Al-Nassr, established in 1958, boasts 13 league titles and has attracted high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson Talisca, and Gonzalo Higuaín. Based in Riyadh, their home stadium is the King Fahd International Stadium. Notable players like Talal El-Kawari, Sami Al-Jaber, and Yahya Al-Shehri have left their mark in the club’s history.
Al-Okhdood Club
Al-Okhdood, dating back to 1976, is based in Najran, Saudi Arabia. While major trophies have eluded them so far, their determination continues to drive them forward. The Prince Hathloul Stadium is their home ground.
Al-Raed FC
Al-Raed, founded in 1953, has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, securing the league title in 2022. Based in Rafha, their home stadium is the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium. With a young and dynamic squad, Al-Raed shows great promise for the future.
Al – Riyadh FC
Al-Riyadh, established in 1965 and based in Riyadh, has a massive fan following cheering them on at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium. Though major glory hasn’t graced them yet, their storied past resonates in the annals of Saudi Arabian football.
Al-Shabab FC
Al-Shabab, founded in 1947, has claimed the league title 13 times. Based in Riyadh, their home ground is the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. The club’s focus on youth development has led to forming a strong team that has contributed to their journey.
Al-Taawoun FC
Al-Taawoun, established in 1956, may be relatively new in Saudi Arabia, but their 2016 King’s Cup victory has already marked their impact. Hailing from Buraidah, their home stadium is the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium. Their attacking style of play has been instrumental in the King’s Cup triumphs, making them a formidable force.
Al-Tai FC
Al-Tai, sprouting into existence in 1960, thrives in Tai’f, Saudi Arabia. Their fortress, the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium, accommodates 12,250 passionate fans. Celebrating a momentous achievement, Al-Tai twice seized the Saudi First Division title in 1984–85 and 2000–01.
Al-Wehda FC
Al-Wehda, established in 1935, calls Mecca, Saudi Arabia, its abode. The King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium stands witness to their triumphant feats, providing seating for 62,241 fans. Al-Wehda has claimed the Saudi First Division on 16 occasions, most recently in 2016.
Damac FC
Lastly, Damac, established in 2012, may be a newcomer but has swiftly gained recognition. Based in Khamis Mushait, their home stadium is the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium. The club’s ambitious project aims to make its mark in Saudi Arabian and Asian football as a whole.
Conclusion
The teams of the Saudi Pro League, with their rich histories and passionate fan bases, add a distinctive essence to one of the premier leagues in Asian football. As the league continues to gain popularity and attract investments, its undeniable impact on the global football scene is set to grow even stronger in the years to come.
