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Well.. after Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud became the ruler of Saudi Arabia (formally he is still the crown prince, and his father Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the king), there was a concerted effort to make Saudi Arabia a global hub for sports. A lot of investment was done not just in football, but also in other sports disciplines such as boxing, golf and cricket. But signing Cristiano Ronaldo was a master-stroke. That one decision propelled the Saudi Professional League from a little-known football league outside the country to one of the most popular leagues around the world.
I have mentioned this scenario, in the early posts of this season's league. if PIF has acquired 4 clubs, namely, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In the initial scenario, Al Nassr tried to bring in Ronaldo with the promise of a high salary. In the end, this player from Portugal joined Al Nassr and previously terminated his contract with United. In this scenario, Ronaldo becomes the World Cup ambassador for Saudi Arabia and also becomes the entry point for other top European players to join and compete in the Saudi Pro League. and apparently, what they planned in their project went according to plan even though their target was players aged 30+.
Apart from that, PiF operates in other sports in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian ministry. and as we know, the person behind PIF is Prince Mohammed bin Salman and also the crown prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. the point is, it's not just football that is the target in their big project. However, it was from football that it all started. because this type of sport is the most popular throughout the world. and they are well aware of how to develop a scenario in the large project plan promoted by the Saudi Kingdom through its crown prince and managed by one of its companies, namely PIF.
From football, Ronaldo and other top European stars have come, attracting the eyes of the whole world to look at Saudi Arabia. plus, if they are successful in hosting the 2030 World Cup. meaning, Saudi is starting to open itself to the world. and isn't this the difference, in the steps taken by the Chinese Super League.
By the way, this is just my personal point of view, if I'm wrong, please understand.
What is certain is that Al Nassr will play their match against Al Ittifaq, coached by Steven Gerrard. So, let's see how Al Nassr will carry out their match against Al Ittifaq this week.