The appointment of the 2034 World Cup has led to increased interest in the stars of the future, with both the money and the determination. Cristiano Ronaldo is leading the way and amplifying the ripple effect.
Saudi Arabia has secured hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup and the country now faces two key challenges. In the coming decade, the country wants to organize the most successful and spectacular World Cup in history, both in terms of financial return and global fame. Moreover, the country is trying to use this momentum to transform its domestic league into the best in the world – a difficult but achievable goal.
The Roshn Saudi League has already made remarkable progress. In the 2022–2023 season it ranked 19th in terms of transfer spend with just €45 million. In the following season it shot up to 4th place, with a whopping €972 million invested in player transfers.
The historic signing of Cristiano Ronaldo acted as a catalyst, attracting a wave of high-profile players to Saudi Arabia. These include stars like Benzema, Neymar, Malcom, Otávio, Rúben Neves, Mitrović, Fabinho, Mahrez, Kanté, Gabri Veiga, Mané, Laporte, Bono, Brozović, Carrasco, Kessié, Wijnaldum, Cancelo, Simakan, Toney and others – players who have been crucial for their teams or who still have a lot to offer.
World Cup attempt to fuel Saudi transfer policy
The momentum continued into the 2024-2025 campaign, with almost €500 million additional investment, supported by the Public Investment Fund. Saudi Arabia has now firmly established itself as one of the most influential football markets in the world, behind powerhouses such as the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and LaLiga.
Winning the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup has further fueled Saudi Arabia's growth ambitions. The appointment will undoubtedly have implications for the domestic league and transfer market, although details remain uncertain. What is clear is the enormous financial power of the country's petrodollars, which will likely allow them to attract some of the best players in the world, both current and emerging stars.
Recently, Saudi Arabia has tried to sign players like Vinicius Jr. and set his sights on emerging talent like Lamine Yamal, who could become the face of their ambitious project. Despite being rejected by the likes of Lionel Messi and Luka Modrić, the league has successfully brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, Kanté, Fabinho and others. Saudi clubs are willing to spare no effort in building their reputation as a football powerhouse.
Cristiano Ronaldo's influence is central to this plan. As the first signing, his presence has laid the foundation for the transformation of the competition, with 2034 as the ultimate milestone. “It's incredible – the infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans – everything,” Ronaldo said after announcing Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup. “After what I've seen, I'm even more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup of all time.”
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