Revealed: Schedule for Saudi Pro League's 2025-26 Football Season
2025-26 Roshn Saudi League Season Sets Stage for Exciting Contests
The 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League (RSL) season is shaping up to be an enthralling one, with several high-stakes matches, emerging contenders, and intense rivalries on the horizon.
Title Defense by Al Ittihad
Defending champions Al Ittihad start their campaign away against Al Okhdood and face important early tests, including home matches versus Al Fateh, bitter rivals Al Nassr in Matchweek 3, and a major Saudi Clasico showdown at home against Al Hilal in Matchweek 6.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr
Al Nassr, led by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, begin their journey away at Al Taawoun. Their high-profile clash with Al Ittihad in Jeddah occurs in Matchweek 4. They also host ambitious newcomers NEOM SC in Matchweek 8.
Al Hilal’s Campaign Post-Club World Cup
Al Hilal, having recently reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, kick off with a city derby clash against Al Riyadh. Following matches include games against Al Qadsiah at home, away at Al Ahli in Matchweek 3, and the key Clasico against Al Ittihad in Matchweek 6.
Newcomers and Rising Contenders
NEOM SC, recently promoted and bolstered by signings such as former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette and goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, is poised to make an impact. Their matches against established clubs like Al Ahli and Al Nassr will be closely watched.
Rivalries and Big Matchups Early in the Season
The league features a packed calendar with heavyweight clashes and rivalry games from the outset—including the Saudi Clasico between Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, city derbies, and other key fixtures promising exciting and competitive football.
League Growth and Popularity
The 2025-26 season builds on record broadcast deals across 183 territories, a large increase in stadium attendance, and a surge in international sponsorships, underlining the league’s rising global stature and competitiveness.
Notable Fixtures
- Derby days to mark on the calendar: Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr (Capital Derby) on Matchday 15 (Al-Hilal home) and Matchday 32 (Al-Nassr home); Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ahli (Sea Derby) on Matchday 8 (Al-Ittihad home) and Matchday 25 (Al-Ahli home); Al-Qadsiah vs Al-Ettifaq (Eastern Province derby) on Matchday 9 (Al-Qadsiah home) and Matchday 26 (Al-Ettifaq home); Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad (Saudi Clasico) on Matchday 6 (Al-Ittihad home) and Matchday 23 (Al-Hilal home).
Record Chaser Abderrazak Hamdallah
Abderrazak Hamdallah, Moroccan striker for Al-Shabab, is five goals shy of equaling the RSL's all-time scoring record. His pursuit of this milestone will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the season.
AFC Champions League Winners Al-Ahli
AFC Champions League winners Al-Ahli host promoted NEOM in the opening round, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter between the two teams.
Pericles Chamusca at NEOM
Pericles Chamusca, former Al-Taawoun manager, is now leading NEOM. His experience and tactical acumen will be crucial as they aim to make their mark in the league.
Al-Taawoun’s Early Opportunity
Al-Taawoun finished 8th in the RSL during the 2024-25 season but reached the semifinals of the AFC Champions League 2. With a favorable early fixture list, they have an opportunity to build early momentum and challenge for a higher position this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Taawoun
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will play Al-Taawoun in their opening match, a clash that promises to be a thrilling start to the season.
The RSL’s Continued Growth
The RSL aims to build on its remarkable progress in recent years, including a record 183 broadcast partners worldwide and over 2.5 million fans attending matches in the 2024-25 season. Global interest in Saudi football has increased, with a 200 percent increase in international sponsorship revenue.
The 2025-26 RSL season is expected to deliver another memorable chapter in the league's rise, with heavyweight clashes, fierce derbies, and new challengers. The early fixtures alone promise drama and marquee matchups that will be critical in shaping the title race and league narrative. The season begins on Thursday, Aug. 28.
- The RSL season is set to witness interesting matches in the world of sport, including the Saudi Clasico between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, and the Capital Derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
- Emerging teams like NEOM SC, led by Pericles Chamusca, will make their mark in the art of football as they face off against established teams such as Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr.
- Scores and records are at stake, with Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al-Shabab aiming to break the all-time scoring record in the RSL.
- travel enthusiasts and football fans across Europe will have the opportunity to follow the news and action of the RSL, thanks to record broadcast deals in 183 territories.
- Al Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo on board, will embark on their journey in the RSL, starting with a match against Al-Taawoun, an encounter that promises excitement early in the season.
