Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reportedly put Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and three other major clubs—Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal—up for sale, signaling a major shift in strategy for the Saudi Pro League.

The four giants were placed under the ownership of the PIF in 2023, with the sovereign wealth fund taking 75% control while the remaining 25% stake was managed by the Ministry of Sport.

That takeover ushered in a historic spending spree, which transformed the Saudi league into one of world football’s biggest talking points. High-profile players such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, and N’Golo Kanté joined Ronaldo in the Middle East, raising both the profile and competitiveness of the league.

However, Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan has now claimed that the PIF intends to sell all four clubs to private investors, with the Ministry of Sport’s 25% stake also included in the deal. The move suggests a recalibration of the Kingdom’s football project, shifting from state-backed spending to privatized investment models.

Opinion

This development feels like a pivotal moment for Saudi football. On one hand, the PIF’s aggressive spending strategy undeniably put the Saudi Pro League on the global map. In just two years, the league went from relative obscurity to regularly dominating headlines—thanks to superstar arrivals and jaw-dropping transfer fees.

But football is not just about headline signings; it’s about sustainability. The decision to put Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli up for sale could be viewed as a smart correction. By handing ownership to investors, Saudi Arabia may be trying to ensure the league grows beyond state-backed glamour, fostering a more competitive and financially balanced ecosystem.

For fans, however, this raises big questions: will investors have the same ambition as the PIF? Will the flood of superstar names slow down, or will private money keep the momentum going? More importantly, what does this mean for Cristiano Ronaldo and other global stars who signed up for a project that was fueled by state-level backing?

Ultimately, this shift could define whether Saudi Arabia’s football revolution was just a flashy era of spending or the foundation of a truly global football powerhouse. If handled well, it might mark the beginning of a self-sustaining league that blends entertainment with serious competition. If mishandled, it risks fizzling out as another football experiment fueled by money but lacking long-term vision.