A league attracting Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez has found itself outside the world's top 30.

According to Opta's ranking published on 6 November 2026, the Saudi Pro League sits 38th globally, with an average rating of 74.7 points. It even trails the Polish and Peruvian leagues.

So, what's behind the surprising position?

Opta's explanation focuses on one important factor: competitive depth.

Having global superstars at a handful of clubs does not automatically make an entire league stronger. The overall quality, consistency and competitiveness of all participating teams matter far more than individual names.

The debate has also reached Saudi television, where presenter Waleed Al-Farraj questioned the attendance and commercial impact of clubs outside the traditional big four.

The message is clear: attracting global stars is only one part of building a world-class football league.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football. The next challenge is raising the level of the entire competition.

Image: theanalyst