Football in the Middle East

Football in the Middle East has grown rapidly over the past two decades, becoming not only a popular sport among fans but also a major business that attracts some of the world’s most famous players. The region’s investment in football reflects a broader strategy to boost global sporting influence, strengthen domestic leagues, and showcase national ambition on the international stage.

One of the most significant aspects of Middle Eastern football is the influx of star players. In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s Pro League has become one of the biggest talking points in global football. In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr on a contract reportedly worth over £170 million per year, making headlines across the world. His move was not only about wages but also about elevating the league’s profile. Following Ronaldo, other high-profile players such as Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), N’Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, and Neymar (Al-Hilal) also joined Saudi clubs. These signings signal a clear ambition: to rival established European leagues by bringing top-tier talent to the region.

This trend is not entirely new. Before Saudi Arabia’s recent surge, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had already invested heavily in football. Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was the ultimate showcase of this ambition, costing over $200 billion in infrastructure and stadium projects. Meanwhile, the Qatari-owned club Paris Saint-Germain transformed into a global powerhouse after signing stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. Although PSG is a European club, its Qatari ownership reflects how Middle Eastern money has reshaped world football.

The financial power of Middle Eastern clubs is what sets them apart. Players often receive contracts far beyond what European clubs can offer, especially for those nearing the end of their careers. For example, Saudi clubs have offered players wages of £500,000 to £1 million per week, sums that can be life-changing even for established stars. While critics argue that such moves are motivated by money rather than sporting ambition, many players insist they are also attracted by the opportunity to build the game in new markets and inspire future generations.

Football also plays a cultural and political role in the Middle East. Hosting major events and attracting world-class players allows nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to project soft power on the global stage. Investment in football helps strengthen tourism, diversify economies away from oil, and raise international profiles. For example, Qatar’s successful World Cup was seen as both a sporting achievement and a diplomatic triumph.

However, the rapid growth raises questions. Some observers worry about “sportswashing,” where huge financial investments in sport are used to improve international reputations and distract from political or human rights issues. Others question the sustainability of paying astronomical wages to players, especially when domestic leagues are still developing.

Despite these debates, football in the Middle East is clearly on the rise. The combination of money, ambition, and star power has placed the region at the centre of global football discussions. With clubs continuing to sign big names and nations pushing for more tournaments, the Middle East looks set to remain a major force in the game’s future.