The beautiful game is undergoing a seismic shift. At the epicenter of this transformation lies Saudi Arabia, a catalyst that not too long ago was not in the football map. The Kingdom isn’t just joining the global football conversation; it’s redefining it.

The Saudi Pro League: A League Reborn

The Saudi Pro League’s meteoric rise has captured global attention. But as Carlo Nora, Chief Operating Officer of the Saudi Pro League, emphasizes, this is about more than just star power:

“We’re not conditioned by football history or tradition, virtually a clean canvas that we can paint whatever we would like on. Hopefully, we can be as innovative as we should be, because we have to recognize that to really deliver on the objectives that have been set for us commercially especially, we have to accept that we are no longer an organizer of a competition, but we are more a content production, almost a media company.”

This shift in perspective is crucial. The Saudi Pro League isn’t just competing with established leagues; it’s reimagining what a football league can be in the digital age.

Beyond the 90 Minutes.

The traditional model of football consumption is evolving. As Nora points out:

“The days of 90 minutes of football on a weekend are gone, we’ve got to fill in the gap between with content that appeals to a huge cross-section of demographics.” 

Indeed, some fans prefer 90 seconds to 90 minutes

This insight reflects a deeper understanding of modern fan engagement. It’s no longer just about the match; it’s about creating a 24/7 football ecosystem that engages audiences on and off the pitch.

Nurturing Homegrown Football Talent

While the influx of international stars has grabbed headlines, Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision is firmly rooted in developing local talent. Romeo Jozak, Technical Director of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Future Falcons program, outlines the ambitious roadmap:

“Next year we’re going to bring to Europe, to our training camp in Spain, we bring the U16, 2009 players that are going to be 27-26 in 2034. We’re going to use the partnerships we have with clubs in Europe… to raise the level and push it towards them.”

This forward-thinking approach demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a sustainable football ecosystem, not just a temporary spectacle.

Women’s Football: The Next Frontier in Saudi Arabia

The rapid growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia is perhaps one of the most exciting developments. As Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, proudly states:

“Within only the recent two years, we were able to increase the player’s number from 300 to over 1000. We used to have 16 clubs two years ago, and now we have 34 clubs registered under the Federation.”

This explosive growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about changing perceptions and opening new opportunities for women in Saudi society.

Technology: The Great Equalizer

The role of technology in Saudi Arabia’s football revolution cannot be overstated. From AI-powered analytics to immersive fan experiences, technology is the backbone of this transformation. As Talal Al-Bakr from SCCC Alibaba Cloud explains:

“We have AI, we have VR. VR with Apple and with what we’re seeing with Oculus, is going to explode in the next few years. All of these technologies converge together, will give people an ultimate experience as spectators, as season ticket holders.”

This convergence of sports and technology is creating new paradigms for fan engagement, player development, and league operations.

The 2034 World Cup: A Catalyst for Transformation in Saudi Arabia

While the Saudi Pro League’s rapid ascent has captured global headlines, it’s just one piece of a much larger vision. The Kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup serves as both a culmination and a launching point for its football ambitions.

As Hammad Albalawi from the Ministry of Sports eloquently put it:

“I think in the last eight years, ever since the launch of Vision 2030, we’ve seen a measure of development unparalleled anywhere. And if we want to use that metric, to measure what’s next as we aspire and dream to host the World Cup, I don’t think even us can start explaining what it will do. It will be a magnificent showcase of a footballing nation participating in the occasional festival to celebrate.”

This perspective underscores a crucial point: the World Cup isn’t just an end goal, but a powerful driver for comprehensive development across Saudi Arabia’s football ecosystem and its overall economic development, seeing it as a key pillar of Vision 2030.

The Road to 2034: More Than Just Infrastructure

While stadiums and facilities are undoubtedly part of the equation, Saudi Arabia’s World Cup preparations encompass a holistic approach to football development. Michael Emenalo, from the Saudi Pro League, highlights this comprehensive strategy:

“We anticipate an avalanche of pitches all around the kingdom so that the kind of story that Madam Lamia told will multiply and young boys and girls in this country will have an opportunity to go out and express their great love for the game with ease and admiration.”

This focus on grassroots development, coupled with the influx of international talent in the Saudi Pro League, creates a unique environment where the next generation of Saudi players can flourish alongside global stars.

The Broader Impact: How football influences culture and development

Mohammed Awlia from the Ministry of Sports reminds us that this isn’t just about football; it’s about national transformation:

“We look at it from a socio-economic lens. It’s a job generator. We have big targets to unlock a large number of jobs by 2030. On top of that, there is a clear link to commercial revenues and GDP contribution.”

This holistic approach underscores how sports, particularly football, can be a driver of economic diversification and social progress.

Lessons for the Global Football Community from Saudi Arabia

The overall picture enables the global football community to extract lessons from the efforts Saudi Arabia is placing around football.

1. Innovation Requires a Clean Slate: Saudi Arabia’s “blank canvas” approach allows for reimagining football from the ground up.
2. Content is King: The future of football engagement extends far beyond match day. Powerful stories, delivered in the right context and content form, will attract new fans to the game.
3. Local Roots, Global Ambitions: Balancing international star power with homegrown talent development is crucial for long-term success.
4. Technology as a Cornerstone: Embracing cutting-edge tech is non-negotiable for future football success.
5. Inclusive Growth: The rapid rise of women’s football demonstrates the untapped potential in promoting inclusivity.
6. Economic Catalyst: Football can be a powerful driver of economic diversification and job creation.

The Road Ahead for Football in The Kingdom

As Saudi Arabia sprints toward its vision of becoming a global football hub, the rest of the world watches with a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and admiration. The Kingdom’s bold approach challenges established norms and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of football.

The success of this venture isn’t guaranteed, but its ambition is undeniable. As the center of gravity in the football world shifts, new opportunities emerge for players, coaches, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

World Football Summit 2024 in Riyadh: Where Vision Meets Opportunity

The 2023 World Football Summit Asia in Saudi Arabia wasn’t merely an event. It was a declaration of intent, a gathering of stakeholders at the frontier of football’s future. Through a series of illuminating panel discussions, industry leaders unveiled the blueprint for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey to become a leading football hub.

If you missed the action, the WFS Asia 2023 Aftermovie is a good place to start:

And as Saudi Arabia continues to reshape the football landscape, there’s one event that seeks to stands as the epicenter of this transformation: World Football Summit 2024.

Mark your calendars for December 2nd and 3rd, as Riyadh becomes the global capital of football’s future. We are proud to return to the Kingdom to continue with the conversations and opportunities that were started.

This isn’t just another conference – it’s a crucial nexus point where the architects of football’s future converge.

Why is World Football Summit 2024 a must-attend event for industry professionals?

1. Unparalleled Networking: Connect with decision-makers, innovators, and thought leaders who are actively shaping the future of football.
2. Cutting-Edge Insights: Gain exclusive access to strategies and technologies that are revolutionizing the sport.
3. Business Opportunities: In a rapidly evolving market, WFSAsia 2024 is where partnerships are forged and deals are made.
4. Witness History: Be part of the dialogue that’s defining the next era of global football.
5. Experience the Transformation: See firsthand how Saudi Arabia is bringing its football vision to life.

Whether you’re a club executive, tech entrepreneur, media professional, or any stakeholder in the football ecosystem, your presence at World Football Summit 2024 isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential.

In a world where the rules of football business are being rewritten, can you afford to be on the sidelines?

The future of football awaits. Will you answer the call?