The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has rapidly become one of the most exciting and competitive football leagues in the Middle East, drawing attention from both regional and international fans. With the influx of high-profile players and a growing global presence, the league has gained significant momentum in recent years. As of April 2025, the Saudi Pro League standings are shaping up with fierce competition at both the top and the bottom of the table. This article will explore the latest developments in the SPL, covering the teams at the top, those battling relegation, standout players, and key fixtures that could define the rest of the season.
Understanding the Saudi Pro League Format
The Saudi Pro League is the top-tier professional football competition in Saudi Arabia. The league consists of 16 teams that compete in a double round-robin format, with each team playing 30 matches 15 home and 15 away. The competition typically runs from August to May, with the season being split into two halves. At the end of the season, the top four teams qualify for the AFC Champions League, while the bottom two are relegated to the Saudi First Division League.
Promotion and Relegation System
The relegation battle in the SPL is always intense. The bottom two teams at the end of the season are relegated to the Saudi First Division, and the third-last team enters a relegation playoff with the third-place team from the First Division. This adds another layer of competition and drama, especially for teams struggling to avoid the drop.
Current Saudi Pro League Standings (As of April 2025)
Al-Ittihad (1st Place)
Points: 66
Goals Scored: 64
Goals Conceded: 28
Al-Ittihad is currently leading the Saudi Pro League standings and has been in fine form this season. The club is known for its attacking play and solid defense, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. They have an array of talented players, and their ability to control matches has been pivotal in their charge for the title.
Key players like Karim Benzema (who joined from Real Madrid) and Fabinho have added world-class quality to their squad. Al-Ittihad’s recent performances show that they are in a prime position to clinch the title, especially with a strong run of form in the second half of the season.
Al-Nassr (2nd Place)
Points: 64
Goals Scored: 59
Goals Conceded: 26
Al-Nassr has been another dominant force in the Saudi Pro League this season, staying within reach of Al-Ittihad for the top spot. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most famous football players in the world, continues to lead Al-Nassr with his incredible goal-scoring ability and leadership. Alongside Ronaldo, players like Talisca have contributed to their offensive firepower.
The team’s consistency has been key to staying competitive, and their balance between offensive strength and defensive stability makes them a formidable opponent. As the season heads toward its final stages, Al-Nassr is looking to close the gap on their city rivals and make a late push for the title.
Al-Ahli (3rd Place)
Points: 58
Goals Scored: 53
Goals Conceded: 31
Al-Ahli, with their rich history and passionate fanbase, is currently sitting in third place in the Saudi Pro League standings. The club has been improving steadily and is now a serious contender for AFC Champions League qualification. Their attacking prowess, led by Alvaro Medran and Omar Al-Soma, has been impressive, and they have the potential to challenge the top two if they continue their strong run.
Al-Ahli’s challenge will be to maintain their momentum against teams with more resources like Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, but with their squad depth and solid tactical setup, they are a team to watch in the final stages of the season.
Al Hilal (4th Place)
Points: 56
Goals Scored: 50
Goals Conceded: 29
Al Hilal is a club synonymous with success in the Saudi Pro League and in Asia, having won multiple AFC Champions League titles. However, this season they find themselves in fourth place, just outside the top three. Despite their consistent form in previous years, they have faced stiff competition from the likes of Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.
Despite the challenges, Al Hilal is still a very strong side, and with players like Anderson Talisca and Moussa Marega in attack, they remain a significant threat in both domestic and continental competitions. If they can finish strong, they will likely secure a Champions League spot and could still be in the title hunt.
Al-Taawoun (5th Place)
Points: 48
Goals Scored: 46
Goals Conceded: 38
Al-Taawoun has been one of the more surprising teams in the league this season. Their offensive play has been solid, and they’ve shown an ability to compete with some of the bigger clubs in the league. Despite their limited resources compared to the top four, Al-Taawoun has managed to secure a spot in the upper half of the table.
While it’s unlikely they will challenge for the title, their strong position makes them a favorite for a spot in the AFC Champions League playoffs. Their consistency and ability to secure points in tight matches will be crucial as they head into the latter part of the season.
Teams Struggling Near the Bottom
Al-Fateh (14th Place)
Points: 24
Goals Scored: 29
Goals Conceded: 38
Al-Fateh has found themselves in the lower half of the table, struggling to escape the relegation zone. Their inability to consistently pick up points has led to their precarious position, and they are now in a battle for survival. Key players such as Moussa Coulibaly have shown moments of quality, but they will need a collective effort to avoid relegation.
With the bottom of the table being extremely tight, Al-Fateh still has time to recover, but they need to make improvements in both defense and attack to secure their spot in the Saudi Pro League for next season.
Al-Batin (15th Place)
Points: 22
Goals Scored: 20
Goals Conceded: 42
Al-Batin is one of the teams in serious danger of relegation. Their performances this season have been far from ideal, and they have struggled both defensively and offensively. They have the worst goal-scoring record in the league, which has left them vulnerable against teams with better attacking units.
Despite being near the bottom, Al-Batin has a few matches left to make a push for survival. Their next games will be crucial in determining whether they can avoid the drop to the Saudi First Division.
Al-Jeel (16th Place)
Points: 18
Goals Scored: 19
Goals Conceded: 44
At the bottom of the table, Al-Jeel is in dire straits. With just 18 points from their 25 matches, they are at risk of being relegated to the Saudi First Division. Their attacking and defensive records have been poor, and they will need to dramatically improve if they are to survive in the top flight.
Key Players in the 2025 Saudi Pro League Season
Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): The former Real Madrid star has been one of the most high-profile signings in the Saudi Pro League. His leadership, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess have been crucial for Al-Ittihad as they chase the title. Benzema’s ability to perform in crucial moments and his experience at the top level have made him a key player in the title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): Ronaldo’s presence in the Saudi Pro League has been a game-changer for Al-Nassr. His ability to score goals consistently and his experience in high-pressure situations have made him the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack. Despite being in his 40s, Ronaldo’s physical attributes remain impressive, and he continues to be one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Moussa Marega (Al Hilal): Moussa Marega has been a standout performer for Al Hilal this season. His speed, strength, and ability to find the back of the net make him one of the most effective forwards in the league. Marega’s contributions to Al Hilal’s title push have been essential, and his performances will be key in the final stretch of the season.
What to Expect in the Final Months of the Season
The Saudi Pro League is always unpredictable, and with just a few months left in the 2025 season, the title race and the battle for relegation are still wide open. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr look set to continue their tussle for the title, while clubs like Al-Ahli and Al Hilal will be looking to close the gap and secure AFC Champions League spots.
At the bottom, the fight for survival is equally intense, with teams like Al-Batin, Al-Jeel, and Al-Fateh struggling to stay afloat. The next few rounds of fixtures will be crucial for both the title contenders and the relegation candidates, and the drama of the Saudi Pro League looks set to continue right until the final matchday.
FAQs
How is the Saudi Pro League standings determined?
The Saudi Pro League standings are based on the performance of teams in regular league matches. Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. The position in the standings is determined by total points, with goal difference serving as a tiebreaker if two teams have the same points.
Who are the top goal scorers in the Saudi Pro League?
The top goal scorers in the league often change season by season. However, notable players like Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Vincent Aboubakar (Al Nassr), and Omar Al-Somah (Al Ahli) are among the league’s most prolific scorers in recent seasons.
Does the Saudi Pro League offer promotion or relegation?
Yes, the Saudi Pro League has a promotion and relegation system. The bottom two teams at the end of the season are relegated to the second-tier league, the Saudi First Division League (also known as the “Yelo League”). The top two teams from the first division are promoted to the SPL, maintaining the league’s competitiveness.
What’s the prize for winning the Saudi Pro League?
The team that wins the Saudi Pro League title receives a trophy, a significant cash prize, and qualification for international tournaments like the AFC Champions League. The title is highly coveted and comes with prestige in both regional and international football circles.
How has the Saudi Pro League evolved in recent years?
In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has become one of the most competitive leagues in Asia, attracting global talent due to heavy investments by clubs and the government. High-profile signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté have raised the league’s profile significantly.
In Summary
The 2025 Saudi Pro League season has delivered plenty of excitement, with the top teams continuing to battle for supremacy. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are locked in a thrilling title race, while Al-Ahli and Al Hilal remain in contention for a spot in the AFC Champions League. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, clubs are scrambling to avoid relegation, with Al-Batin and Al-Jeel facing the threat of dropping down to the Saudi First Division As the league continues to grow in international appeal and quality, fans around the world are tuning in to witness a new era of Middle Eastern football unfold. Stay tuned for more updates, thrilling matches, and a season finale that promises to be unforgettable.
To read more, Click Here .
