The inaugural season of Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League has concluded, featuring both highs and lows. Ettifaq, led by Gerrard, began strongly but then faltered with just one win in 12 games, leading to concerns regarding the job security of the Liverpool legend. Nevertheless, the team managed to recover and secure a sixth-place finish.
Challenging the established ‘Big Four’ teams, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr of Riyadh, and Jeddah giants Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, proved to be a formidable task. Last June, these four teams were acquired by the Public Investment Fund, the same group that owns Newcastle United. Subsequently, a spending spree of approximately £750 million followed, causing a stir in the football world. This marked the arrival of high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022.
Ronaldo made a significant impact in the league, setting records and making a lasting impression on the competition. Despite Al-Hilal claiming their 19th league title, extending their own record, Ronaldo was not far behind. Despite missing out on the title for a second consecutive season, Ronaldo clinched the Golden Boot and set a new goal-scoring record for the league with an impressive 35 goals in 31 games. Additionally, he also notched up 12 assists and delivered standout performances, marking a memorable season for the former Manchester United forward.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, led by Ronaldo, secured a second-place finish, supported by standout performances from other high-caliber players in their roster. Despite the absence of Neymar, who suffered an injury during a World Cup qualifier and is expected to miss the beginning of the next season, the team remained undeterred.
The league also witnessed remarkable performances by international stars such as Sadio Mane, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Marcelo Brozovic, who significantly contributed to their respective teams’ campaigns.
Amidst the success stories, there were instances of disappointment as well. Al-Ittihad, once dominant, faced a string of challenges, leading to their weakened performance and the departure of their coach. Spectator turnouts also proved to be a concern, with only the ‘Big Four’ teams crossing the five-figure mark in attendance. Several teams are working on upgrading their facilities and adding star power to their squads in an effort to improve their performances.
Looking ahead, the upcoming season promises further excitement and anticipation, with rumors already circulating about potential high-profile additions to several teams in the league.
As the dust settles on an eventful season, the Saudi Pro League will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention of the football world with its mix of star power and intense competition.
