In just a decade, Saudi Arabia has transformed from a football underdog to a global powerhouse, achieving a remarkable third place in the FIFA rankings.
This article explores the strategies behind this meteoric rise, including heavy investment in the league, a successful naturalization program, and the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance performance.
1. FIFA Ranking Breakthrough: From Bottom to Top Three
Saudi Arabia's football revolution began in 2016 with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "Vision 2030". After investing over $50 billion in the league, the Saudi Professional League's ranking soared from 13th to 5th, with average attendance reaching 23,000 spectators per match.
In 2019, the national team won the AFC Asian Cup, defeating Japan 1-0 in the final, marking their first Asian Cup title since 1960.
FIFA Technical Director Fernandez revealed that Saudi players now cover an average of 11.8 kilometers per match, surpassing the Premier League average. Goalkeepers boast a save success rate of 86.7%, higher than Germany's national team.
In the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Arabia recorded five consecutive clean sheets, with goalkeeper Al-Owais making seven spectacular saves in a match against South Korea.
2. Naturalization Strategy: Building a "Golden Generation"
The Saudi Football Federation's naturalization policy has been a game-changer. Since 2017, Saudi Arabia has naturalized 37 international stars, including Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Eden Hazard (Wales), and Bakyau Yorg (Ghana). Lewandowski, after joining Al-Hilal, contributed 25 goals and 13 assists in a single season, propelling the club into the Champions League round of 16.
The federation's "Technical Director + Foreign Coach + Local Youth Training" model has also been pivotal. During Jürgen Klopp's tenure as national team coach, the tactical approach shifted from traditional defensive counter-attacks to a high-pressing system. In a 2023 friendly match against Argentina, Saudi Arabia achieved a historic 3-0 victory with a record 61% possession and a 40% shooting conversion rate.
3. League Revolution: From Flashy Spending to Systematic Management
The transformation of the Saudi league is a model for the industry. While other Middle Eastern leagues faced financial crises, Saudi Arabia established the world's first football financial model.
The total prize money for the 2023 season reached $120 million, with clubs maintaining an average debt ratio of under 5%. Top clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal achieved financial stability through equity crowdfunding and commercial sponsorships.
The youth training system is equally impressive, with 127,000 registered young players and the largest football training center in the Middle East (870 acres). In the 2023 AFC U23 Championship, the Saudi youth team defeated Uzbekistan 8-0, with three 16-year-olds scoring hat-tricks.
4. Future Challenges: The Pressures Behind the Top Three Ranking
Despite a brief dip to 10th place due to FIFA ranking controversies, Saudi Arabia regained its credibility in 2023 by introducing a third-party data verification system. The current core challenges include maintaining the form of naturalized players, addressing talent gaps in the league, and breaking through the "glass ceiling" in international competitions.
Notably, Saudi Arabia plans to invest $300 million in a football technology lab, using AI to analyze player data and VR to simulate match scenarios. The "Football Diplomacy" initiative, launched in 2024, aims to reshape the Middle East's football image through friendly matches with 20 countries.
From oil to football, Saudi Arabia has written an epic of national revival through sports. As the stadiums in Riyadh fill to capacity and the next generation of players steps up, this football revolution has transcended sports to become a symbol of national spirit. Perhaps as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, "We want to make football the new oil."
