Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Vision: From Hosting World Cup 2034 to Nurturing Women's Football
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 boosts Saudi Pro League with global football stars and aims to host 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in the Saudi Pro League (SPL), aiming to become a major force in global football by attracting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. This effort, part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, has boosted the league's prestige, tourism, and international broadcasting, and aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambition to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Supporting this ambition, former Manchester City and Barcelona player Yaya Toure, now associate manager of the Saudi national team, has praised Saudi Arabia's "futurist" bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Toure highlights the nation's focus on developing top talents, coaches, and infrastructure, drawing attention to the impressive performance of the Saudi national team in the 2022 World Cup.
Looking back, the influence of global football stars in Saudi Arabia isn't new; legendary Diego Maradona once played an exhibition match for Al-Ahli in 1987, scoring two goals in a memorable 5-2 victory. This event remains fondly remembered by fans and underscores the historical connection between Saudi Arabia and the world’s top football talent.
Moreover, football passion in Saudi Arabia has cultural roots, exemplified by the iconic character Captain Majid from the Japanese manga "Captain Tsubasa." This character has inspired generations, influencing careers like those of sports lawyer Waleed Melhan and referee Faleh Al-Nasser, and continues to have an impact through new content produced in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions.
As we look to the future, Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup in five cities will highlight the nation's rich culture and modern innovations. From Riyadh to the futuristic NEOM, the tournament will offer a global stage to showcase attractions like Qiddiya’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and historical sites like Diriyah.
Finally, we can't forget the pioneering efforts within women's football in Saudi Arabia, led by Maram Al-Butairi, the owner and CEO of Eastern Flames, the first women's football club in the country. Founded in 2006, Al-Butairi’s dedication and business skills have nurtured the club, providing players with career opportunities and fostering values such as loyalty and time management.
Supporting this ambition, former Manchester City and Barcelona player Yaya Toure, now associate manager of the Saudi national team, has praised Saudi Arabia's "futurist" bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Toure highlights the nation's focus on developing top talents, coaches, and infrastructure, drawing attention to the impressive performance of the Saudi national team in the 2022 World Cup.
Looking back, the influence of global football stars in Saudi Arabia isn't new; legendary Diego Maradona once played an exhibition match for Al-Ahli in 1987, scoring two goals in a memorable 5-2 victory. This event remains fondly remembered by fans and underscores the historical connection between Saudi Arabia and the world’s top football talent.
Moreover, football passion in Saudi Arabia has cultural roots, exemplified by the iconic character Captain Majid from the Japanese manga "Captain Tsubasa." This character has inspired generations, influencing careers like those of sports lawyer Waleed Melhan and referee Faleh Al-Nasser, and continues to have an impact through new content produced in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions.
As we look to the future, Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup in five cities will highlight the nation's rich culture and modern innovations. From Riyadh to the futuristic NEOM, the tournament will offer a global stage to showcase attractions like Qiddiya’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and historical sites like Diriyah.
Finally, we can't forget the pioneering efforts within women's football in Saudi Arabia, led by Maram Al-Butairi, the owner and CEO of Eastern Flames, the first women's football club in the country. Founded in 2006, Al-Butairi’s dedication and business skills have nurtured the club, providing players with career opportunities and fostering values such as loyalty and time management.
