The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a destination domestic league in recent years, with the nation’s Public Investment Fund pouring in millions to attract marquee names to the Middle East.Ballon d��...
The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a destination domestic league in recent years, with the nation’s Public Investment Fund pouring in millions to attract marquee names to the Middle East.
Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are among the big names to move to the SPL, joining foundation clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad respectively.
Neom SC are taking a different approach in their bid to compete with the league’s biggest-spending sides. The newly-promoted side lost their opening fixture to Al-Ahli but have since bounced back with three consecutive wins to sit fourth in the table.
Neom have achieved this despite boasting the youngest squad in the Saudi Pro League in terms of minutes played. In addition, head coach Christophe Galtier has handed more minutes to u23 and u21 players than any other side.
The average age of the Neom side in 2025/26 has been just 25.99. That figure that would be even more impressive had it not been largely skewed by the additions of an experienced core of former Premier League names including Alexandre Lacazette, Said Benrahma and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
However, Neom have also targeted a longer-term project with France u21 internationals Nathan Zere and Saimon Boubare joining as part of their recruitment after promotion. 22-year-old Uruguay international Luciano Rodriguez has also joined the ranks despite interest from Europe.
NEOM have officially announced the signing of Uruguayan winger Luciano Rodríguez.#yallaRSL | #RoshnSaudiLeague | @SPL_EN
— Arab News | Sport (@ArabNewsSport) September 10, 2025
pic.twitter.com/dmlxf3EVuY
By comparison, the average age of champions Al-Ittihad is 28.04, while Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr average out at 29.08, the third-oldest squad in the division.
Saudi have certainly made a splash with expensive imports, but Neom are seeking a sustainable future.
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Category: General Sports
