Ronaldo's Records, Gerrard's Woes & Saudi League Shifts: A Season in Review

Ronaldo's record, Gerrard's woes & reduced crowds - what has happened in the Saudi Pro League? The inaugural season of Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League came to a conclusion on Monday, marking a roller-coaster ride for the Liverpool legend. Beginning with promise, his Ettifaq side faced a challenging period with just one win in 12 matches, leading to concerns about Gerrard's job security. However, a late surge saw Ettifaq clinch a respectable sixth-place finish. The landscape of the league was dramatically altered in June 2023 when the 'Big Four' clubs - Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad - were taken over by the Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United. This takeover initiated a massive spending spree of around £750 million, attracting several renowned names to the league, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022. Despite the influx of star power, Al-Hilal emerged as champions for the 19th time, extending their own record. Ronaldo, who had a remarkable season individually, set a new goalscoring record for the league with 35 goals in just 31 games. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also claimed the Golden Boot, but his efforts were not enough to secure the title for Al-Nassr, who finished as runners-up. Neymar, another high-profile signing, faced a setback with a serious knee injury that is likely to sideline him for the start of the next season. In his absence, players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly shone for Al-Hilal, propelling them to the title. On the other hand, Gerrard's Ettifaq and the 'Big Four' clubs encountered varying degrees of success and challenges throughout the season. Al-Ittihad, despite bolstering their squad with notable names like Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N'Golo Kante, struggled on the field and witnessed a significant drop in attendance compared to the previous season. While the top clubs enjoyed strong support, overall league attendances fell short of expectations, averaging just over 8,000 spectators. Efforts to improve facilities and attract larger crowds were evident, with clubs like Ettifaq and Al-Shabab investing in new stadiums. However, achieving consistently high attendances remains a work in progress. Looking ahead, the prospect of further high-profile signings from the English Premier League hints at another eventful summer in the Saudi Pro League. The competition is set to intensify, with clubs eyeing a challenge for the top four spots in the upcoming season, aiming to build on the momentum and excitement generated in the league's first season under new ownership.