The Saudi Pro League has unveiled the lineup for the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, promising what could be the most competitive season yet. A total of 306 matches will be played across 34 rounds, with the campaign kicking off on August 28 and the opening-round fixtures spread over August 29-31.
Opening-round standout fixtures
– Friday, August 29: Al Hilal vs Al Riyadh in a Riyadh city derby at Kingdom Arena.
– Friday, August 29: Al Ahli vs Neom in Jeddah at Alinma Stadium, a clash that pits the AFC Champions League winners against the promoted Neom side.
– Saturday, August 30: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr travel to Al Taawoun at King Abdullah Sport City, Buraydah.
– Sunday, August 31: Reigning champions Al Ittihad begin their title defense away to Al Okhdood at Prince Hathloul Bin Abdulaziz Stadium, Najran.
Big four in action from the start
– Al Ahli: After welcoming Neom on opening day, Al Ahli will face Al Hilal in Matchweek 3 (Sept 20) in Jeddah, and later meet Al Ittihad in the Sea Derby during Matchweek 8 (Nov 6). The reverse derby is scheduled for Matchweek 25 (Mar 5, 2026).
– Al Hilal: The title contenders begin with a home game against Al Qadsiah (Sept 13) in Riyadh, then visit Al Ahli in Matchweek 3. The early schedule also includes a Clasico against Al Ittihad in Jeddah in Matchweek 6 (Oct 25), ahead of a potential early-season test against several rivals.
– Al Ittihad: After opening at Al Okhdood, they host Al Fateh (Matchweek 2, Sept 14) and Al Nassr (Matchweek 4, Sept 27). A mid-October trip to Buraydah to face Al Najmah precedes the big Jeddah derby with Al Hilal in Matchweek 6. The season concludes with a rematch of last season’s King’s Cup final against Al Qadsiah in Jeddah (Matchweek 34, May 21, 2026).
– Al Nassr: Their opening run includes a trip to Al Taawoun, then a high-profile visit to Al Ittihad in Matchweek 4 (Sept 27) in Jeddah, followed by a home tie with Neom (Matchweek 8, Nov 6) in Tabuk. The winter schedule features clashes with Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah, Al Hilal, and Al Shabab, shaping a demanding mid-season spell.
Derby days to watch
– Capital Derby: Al Hilal vs Al Nassr
– Matchweek 15: Jan 12, 2026, in Riyadh
– Matchweek 32: May 7, 2026, in Riyadh
– Sea Derby: Al Ittihad vs Al Ahli
– Matchweek 8: Nov 6, 2025, in Jeddah
– Matchweek 25: Mar 5, 2026, in Jeddah
– Eastern Province Derby: Al Qadsiah vs Al Ettifaq
– Matchweek 10: Dec 19, 2025, in Dammam
– Matchweek 27: Apr 3, 2026, in Dammam
– Saudi Clasico: Al Hilal vs Al Ittihad
– Matchweek 6: Oct 25, 2025, in Jeddah
– Matchweek 23: Feb 19, 2026, in Riyadh
Key context for the season
– Neom have added high-profile signings, including former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette, goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, and rising midfielder Amadou Koné, under manager Christophe Galtier. These moves underline Neom’s intent to challenge at the very top of the table.
– The schedule features a heavy early-year slate of heavyweight clashes and multiple derbies, suggesting a tight title race and significant opportunities for mid-table teams to upset the front-runners.
What to watch this season
– The opening weeks will set the tone for the title race, with defending champions Al Ittihad, along with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr, all aiming to stake early claims.
– The presence of star signings at Neom adds extra intrigue to the league’s balance of power and could accelerate the league’s development and competitiveness.
– Travel-heavy rounds and the tight derby calendar will test squad depth and tactical flexibility across teams.
Summary
The 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League season is positioned to be a landmark campaign, with a dense schedule, high-stakes early clashes, and ambitious transfer activity that could reshape the league’s hierarchy. Fans can look forward to a mix of classic rivalries, new challenges for promoted sides, and a title battle that may go down to the final weeks of the season.
Note: If you’re covering the season, consider highlighting the most compelling derbies and the impact of Neom’s acquisitions as the campaign unfolds. Positive outlook: this mix of seasoned rivals and ambitious newcomers could deliver a thrilling, fast-paced title chase and a fresh wave of exciting matchups for fans.