The 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season kicks off this evening with three fixtures.
Here is a quick round-up of what to expect in each match.
Damac vs Al Hazem
The action begins in Khamis Mushait, where Damac host Al Hazem. The home side narrowly avoided relegation last season and endured a turbulent summer off the pitch, having to resolve several outstanding FIFA cases to meet the league’s financial efficiency certification. As a result, they only received clearance to register their new signings days before kick-off.
Damac’s squad has undergone a near-total overhaul, with notable arrivals including Guinean winger Morlaye Sylla, who joined on a free transfer from Arouca in Portugal. They will be without their star striker Kevin N’Koudou, who has departed for second-tier Al-Diraiyah in a €3 million deal.
Al Hazem, meanwhile, return to the top flight after just one season away. They earned promotion via the play-offs, finishing third in the First Division League. The Ar Rass-based club have added experience across the pitch, bringing in Portuguese winger Fábio Martins from Al Khaleej, Algerian playmaker Amir Sayoud from Al Raed, and Syrian striker Omar Al Somah from Wydad Casablanca—all on free transfers.
Al Ahli vs Neom
Reigning Asian champions Al Ahli open their league campaign at home in Jeddah against top-flight debutants Neom. Fresh from lifting the Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong last week, they start the season full of confidence.
The Jeddah side have kept the core of last season’s squad intact, with marquee names such as Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessié still in the line-up. The major summer change came in midfield, where Gabri Veiga departed for FC Porto and was replaced by Enzo Millot from VfB Stuttgart. The French playmaker has already impressed in the Super Cup and is expected to play a central role this season.
Neom arrive in the top tier with high ambitions after winning the First Division League last season with 79 points. Over the summer, Former PSG, Lille and Al Duhail manager Christophe Galtier has replaced Péricles Chamusca, while the club made several big-name acquisitions, including former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and ex-Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, signalling their intent to compete at the highest level from the start.
Al Ettifaq vs Al Kholood
In Dammam, Al Ettifaq will be hoping to carry last season’s momentum into their opener against Al Kholood. The club finished seventh in 2024–25 under local coach Saad Al Shehri, who replaced Steven Gerrard midway through the campaign. The squad boasts a mix of local talent and international experience, with captain Georginio Wijnaldum anchoring the midfield. New additions include South African winger Mohau Nkota and Egyptian striker Ahmed Hassan Kouka.
Opponents Al Kholood begin a historic chapter as the first Saudi club to be fully foreign-owned, following a summer takeover by American investor Ben Harburg. The club, who finished ninth last season, have retained most of their squad and brought in English manager Des Buckingham to lead the new project. They will be eager to make a strong start under their new leadership.
