The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has dropped its full 2025-26 fixture list, setting up a season that looks packed with drama, star power, and intense rivalries. Kicking off on August 28, fans can expect fireworks from the first whistle, with headline matches and fresh narratives already shaping up.
Title race ignites early with key battles and fresh faces
Al Ittihad, the defending champs, don’t waste any time showing their ambition. Their opening match sends them on the road against Al Okhdood, a tough test right off the bat. Then, just a couple of games later, they host a juicy clash against Al Fateh before facing old foes Al Nassr in the third week. These early matches will be crucial in setting the tone for their title defense.
Their schedule is loaded with eye-catching trips, including a visit to newly promoted Al Najmah. The real headline, though, arrives in Matchweek 6 when Al Ittihad lock horns with Al Hilal in a Jeddah showdown dubbed the Saudi Clasico — a fixture that fans circle in red months in advance.
Over at Al Nassr, the spotlight stays on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to keep fans on their toes. They start away to Al Taawoun, a surprise package last season that looks eager to build on their momentum. The clash against Al Ittihad in Jeddah during Matchweek 4 is one to watch. Then, in Matchweek 8, Al Nassr meets the ambitious NEOM SC for the first time at home — a debut that already carries big expectations.
Al Hilal’s story is just as compelling. After making waves by reaching the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, the Riyadh giants open with a city derby against Al Riyadh, followed by home and away games against Al Qadsiah and Al Ahli. Their big trip to Jeddah for the Saudi Clasico versus Al Ittihad in Matchweek 6 will likely define much of their season.
NEOM SC steps into the limelight with star signings and fresh ambition
The newly promoted NEOM SC have caused a stir already. Their first top-flight match pits them against Al Ahli in Jeddah — no easy introduction. Yet, they come armed with impressive transfers: former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette adds serious firepower up front, Marcin Bulka commands the goal, and young midfield talent Amadou Kone injects energy. All this under the experienced eye of Christophe Galtier, the new coach with a reputation for getting results.
This team’s rise is one of the most fascinating storylines. Will their blend of experienced stars and fresh talent shake up the league? Early results could set the tone for what many hope will be a competitive and unpredictable season.
Fierce rivalries and derbies promise unforgettable moments
Derby days always bring a special kind of electric atmosphere to the SPL, and this season is no different. Here’s a quick rundown of the must-watch clashes:
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Capital Derby: Al Hilal vs Al Nassr in Matchweek 15 (Hilal’s home) and Matchweek 32 (Nassr’s turf)
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Sea Derby: Al Ittihad vs Al Ahli in Matchweek 8 (Ittihad’s home) and Matchweek 25 (Ahli’s stadium)
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Eastern Province Derby: Al Qadsiah vs Al Ettifaq in Matchweek 9 (Qadsiah’s ground) and Matchweek 26 (Ettifaq’s venue)
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Saudi Clasico: Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal in Matchweek 6 (Ittihad’s stadium) and Matchweek 23 (Hilal’s home)
These fixtures often decide the mood of the entire season. Fans live for them, players step up, and history gets made.
Players and coaches to keep an eye on amid a growing league
Al Shabab is aiming to lift spirits early with their star striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, who is tantalizingly close to matching Omar Al Somah’s all-time RSL scoring record of 155 goals — just five goals shy. If he hits that milestone this season, it’ll be a moment to remember.
Meanwhile, Pericles Chamusca’s return to Al Taawoun is a storyline loaded with potential. Having led NEOM SC to promotion last season, his coaching savvy might turn Al Taawoun into one of the season’s dark horses, especially with a favorable start.
The Saudi Pro League continues to ride a wave of rapid expansion. Last year saw the league sign broadcast deals in 183 countries and territories. Over 2.5 million fans turned out to stadiums, and international sponsorship revenues shot up by 200 percent. This growth is making the SPL not just a regional powerhouse but a global football attraction.
Here’s a quick look at the SPL’s recent growth stats:
| Metric | 2024-25 Season | % Change YoY |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Territories | 183 | +15% |
| Average Match Attendance | 2.5 million | +8% |
| International Sponsorship | $150 million approx. | +200% |
That’s some serious momentum.
The stage is set. The stars are aligned. Now, the only question left: who’ll rise to the top when the final whistle blows? Fans across the kingdom are already counting down the days.
