Cristiano Ronaldo’s Star Power Fails to Make Al Nassr Most-Watched in Saudi Pro League

June 8, 2023

The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo by Al Nassr in January has been a significant contributor to the rise in average attendance at Saudi Pro League matches.

The Portuguese’s arrival in the Middle East has spurred unprecedented interest in the region’s football, making Saudi Arabia a major talking point in international football conversations.

Despite this, Al Nassr has not yet taken the crown as the most-watched team in the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or holder, chose to make an early exit from his tenure at Manchester United to join Al Nassr.

The Portuguese superstar’s presence has not only boosted the average attendance at Al Nassr’s matches but has also sparked wider interest in Saudi football.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Al Nassr’s 25,000-seater stadium saw an average of 8,121 fans per match. Fast forward to a year later, and this average surged to 17,638, undoubtedly due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing.

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However, Al Nassr’s remarkable increase in spectator numbers has not elevated them to the top spot for audience attendance. They remain second, trailing behind Al Ittihad, the team that claimed the league title.

Most-Watched Teams in Saudi Pro League

  1. Al Ittihad – Capacity: 62,241. Average: 40,453
  2. Al Nassr – Capacity: 25,000. Average: 17,638
  3. Al Adalah – Capacity: 26,000. Average: 12,912
  4. Al Fateh – Capacity: 20,000. Average: 10,804
  5. Al Hilal – Capacity: 56,453. Average: 9,854
  6. Al Tai – Capacity: 12,250. Average: 7,330
  7. Al Taawoun – Capacity: 25,000 Average: 6,843
  8. Al Raed – Capacity: 25,000. Average: 6,429
  9. Khaleej – Capacity: 20,000. Average: 6,073
  10. Ettifaq – Capacity: 26,000. Average: 6,000
  11. Al Wehda – Capacity: 38,000. Average: 5,725
  12. Al Shabab – Capacity: 15,000. Average: 5,400
  13. Damac – Capacity: 5,000. Average: 4,611
  14. Abha Club – Capacity: 20,000. Average: 4,596
  15. Al Fayha – Capacity: 7,000. Average: 3,588
  16. Al Batin – Capacity: 6,000. Average Attendance: 3,467

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Competition Heating Up in the Saudi Pro League

Benzema to leave Real Madrid

IMAGO / Alterphotos

As Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on the Saudi Pro League becomes increasingly evident, further interest is being fueled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s determined efforts to infuse the league with high-profile talent.

Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid strike partner, Karim Benzema, is set to join Al Ittihad in the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exciting showdown when Al Nassr and Al Ittihad meet.

This injection of top-tier talent into the Saudi Pro League promises to create an even larger buzz around Saudi football, potentially driving further increases in match attendance.

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