5 talking points from opening round of 2026-27 Saudi pro League season

LONDON: The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season is underway and here are five things we learned from the opening round of games.

It has been a busy summer for Cristiano Ronaldo. After winning the title with Al-Nassr in May, going to the World Cup with Portugal in June, and then getting married back in his homeland, he is now back in Riyadh. The 41-year-old is sporting a new hairstyle ahead of the new season and was present for the first game as the Yellows kicked off their title defense with a 3-0 win over Al-Fateh. 

Sitting alongside wife Georgina, it was clear that Ronaldo was hugely invested in the game from his place in the stands, and despite this being his 25th professional season, he looks desperate to get started. For Al-Nassr, it has not been the easiest of summers off the pitch, but on it, all is looking good and the biggest star seems hungry for more silverware. He also enjoyed a slick performance from the champions and a fine individual goal from compatriot Joao Felix. Nassr impressed the most in the opening round.

Al-Hilal started the season and the quest for title number 20 with a 4-2 win over Al-Faisaly but that does not tell the full story. First is that the hosts scored three penalties, something which provoked plenty of comment from fans of other clubs online. Not just that, but the Blues looked shaky at the back, something that coach Simone Inzaghi is going to have to sort out if they are to improve on last season’s second.

Karim Benzema scored the first spot kick and the French striker had a fine game overall, which may explain his obvious displeasure at being withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining. Inzaghi played it down after the match but there are reports that the 38-year-old, who has scored 10