Are billions flooding into Saudi Pro League helping national team?

Article excerpt

Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifying, a result that raised questions about whether the billions pouring into the Saudi Pro League are translating to improved national-team performance. The kingdom has spent lavishly on star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema in recent years, fundamentally reshaping the domestic league's profile and attracting global talent. But whether that investment, and the experience those players bring, is strengthening the national squad remains unclear. The draw suggests some progress, yet Saudi Arabia still faces steep competition in its qualification campaign.