From the sidelines to the spotlight, Saudi women’s football is making history. Inspired by global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and backed by unprecedented government support, a new era has begun — one where Saudi girls dream, play, and win.
A Rapid Transformation
A few years ago, the idea of Saudi women playing competitive football seemed far-fetched. Today, it’s a fast-growing reality. The number of registered female players is surging, training centres are thriving, and the Saudi Women’s Premier League is gaining international recognition.
The recent visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Riyadh Regional Training Centre underscored this remarkable progress. Expressing his admiration for the Kingdom’s commitment to sports, he highlighted the rapid development of women’s football as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape.
Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup signals not just a sporting revolution but a broader cultural shift. The transformation of women’s football is at the heart of this change, proving that sport is a powerful tool for empowerment and progress.
Training the Next Generation
Since launching in 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Regional Training Centres for girls have been instrumental in developing young talent. Located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Mecca, these centres provide structured coaching for girls aged 8 to 15. The impact is clear: 60% of the national under-17 women’s team comprises players who trained in these centres.
The Saudi Women’s Premier League, introduced in the 2022-23 season, has further fueled this momentum. Clubs are investing in women’s teams, competition is intensifying, and young girls now have role models to look up to.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Effect
Few figures in world football command as much influence as Cristiano Ronaldo. His presence at Al-Nassr has been more than just a boost for the men’s game — it has uplifted women’s football as well.
Ronaldo’s repeated visits to the Al-Nassr women’s team training sessions and his vocal support have inspired female players to push their limits. His presence has contributed to a surge in interest, motivating clubs to invest more in their women’s squads.
The results speak for themselves. The Al-Nassr women’s team has dominated the Saudi Women’s Premier League, winning back-to-back titles and making history as the first Saudi club to qualify for the AFC Women’s Champions League. Saudi coach Abdulaziz Al-Alouni, who led the team to victory, believes the league will only get stronger, with young talents emerging each season.
A Future Without Limits
Al-Nassr captain Maysa Jabara sees a bright future for Saudi women’s football.
Winning the league title twice and qualifying for the AFC Women’s Champions League is just the beginning. The level of competition is rising, and the infrastructure is improving. Saudi Arabia is ready to host major women’s tournaments.
Player Shahinaz Jabreen echoes this optimism, stating that the ‘growing professionalism’ in the league will elevate the game across the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s Hessa Al-Essa believes that the ‘increasing competitiveness’ will shape a new generation of Saudi football stars.
With strong investment, government backing, and the influence of global football icons, Saudi women’s football is not just evolving — it is rewriting history. The dreams of young Saudi girls are no longer confined to the sidelines. They are now stepping onto the pitch, ready to compete, win, and inspire the next generation.
