RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has announced the fixture list for the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, with the new campaign kicking off on Thursday, Aug. 28
Matchday 1 sees reigning champions Al-Ittihad begin their title defense away to Al-Okhdood, while Cristiano Ronaldo — fresh from signing his new contract — and Al-Nassr also hit the road to take on Al-Taawoun, one of last season’s surprise packages.
Following their superb run to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, Al-Hilal start their campaign with a city derby clash against Al-Riyadh.
Arguably the match of the round takes place in Jeddah, where AFC Champions League winners Al-Ahli host promoted NEOM, who dominated the Saudi First Division last season.
NEOM have since bolstered their squad by signing former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette, goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, and highly-rated midfield youngster Amadou Kone, as manager Christophe Galtier aims to establish the Tabuk-based club in the top tier.
Al-Hilal immediately follow their opening match with a home clash against Al-Qadsiah, last season’s fourth-place finishers and King Cup finalists, before travelling to Jeddah to take on Al-Ahli on Matchday 3.
Three rounds later, Al-Hilal are back in Jeddah for the first Clasico against rivals Al-Ittihad, meaning the Riyadh giants face several early-season tests that could be pivotal to the rest of their campaign.
Following their opening trip to Al-Taawoun, Al-Nassr’s early schedule also includes a massive visit to Jeddah to play Al-Ittihad on Matchday 4, followed by a home clash with NEOM on Matchday 8.
A challenging winter stretch between Matchdays 13 and 16 has Jorge Jesus’ side face Al-Ahli (A), Al-Qadsiah (H), Al-Hilal (A) in the Capital Derby, and Al-Shabab
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