Africa's Growing Presence in the Saudi Pro League

• Feb 26, 2025

African Footballers Shaping the Saudi Pro League as Season Nears Climax

As the Saudi Pro League approaches its conclusion in May, African players continue to play a significant role in shaping the competition. With over 50 players from across the continent featuring in the league’s 18 teams, their impact is undeniable.

Some of these stars, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez, are globally recognized, while many lesser-known talents are also flourishing. Among them, Morocco’s Abderrazak Hamdallah, Cameroon’s Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, The Gambia’s Musa Barrow, and Comoros’ Myziane Maolida have all joined Aubameyang in reaching double digits for goals this season.

Beyond the traditional European pathway, the success of these players is making Saudi Arabia an increasingly attractive destination for African talent.

Adapting to a New Culture

Despite the cultural and lifestyle differences, African footballers are adapting well to life in the Pro League. Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru, who joined Al-Fayah in August 2023 after stints with Monaco, Galatasaray, Anderlecht, and Olympiacos, acknowledges the challenges but sees the benefits.

"It is a different lifestyle and culture, but if you love the game, you can sacrifice anything," Onyekuru told BBC Sport Africa.

Defenders and goalkeepers are making an equally strong impact. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, along with Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong, who captains both Al-Kholood and the Nigerian national team, have proven invaluable to their sides.

"African players are thriving here because of the climate—it’s similar to what we’re used to," said Troost-Ekong. "The game allows us to showcase our athletic abilities—our power, our speed. Plus, Saudi Arabia is an easy place to adapt to, especially for someone like me coming from Nigeria, where half the population is Muslim."

Onyekuru believes the disciplined environment in Saudi Arabia benefits African players.

"Some African players love clubbing, but here that’s not an option. Here, it’s all about training, resting, watching a movie, preparing for the next game, and repeating the cycle. It allows us to focus more, sleep well, train well, and ultimately play well."

In his debut season, Onyekuru netted 10 goals, helping Al-Fayah secure a top-half finish. He also contributed to the success of Zambian forward Fashion Sakala, who found the net 19 times.

Challenges and Support System

Despite the positive aspects, adapting to life in Saudi Arabia does come with its difficulties. One such challenge is the lack of African cuisine.

"We don’t have African restaurants here, but we manage," Onyekuru admitted. "When we go home, we bring food back so we can prepare it ourselves. You can't expect an African player to eat pasta every day."

The increasing number of foreign players allowed in the Saudi Pro League—rising from seven to 10 per team in recent years—has fueled a growing interest among African footballers.

"Whenever we’re on national team duty, I have discussions with many Nigerian players about Saudi Arabia," Troost-Ekong shared. "Now that I’ve been here for over six months, I can give them a real insight into life in the league, and I encourage them to take the step."

Many of these African stars already know each other from their battles in Europe and international competitions, which fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.

"I’ve played against Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Kalidou Koulibaly. Seeing them here makes me happy because there is a real unity and brotherhood among us," Troost-Ekong added. "We come from similar backgrounds and are striving to achieve the same goals."

A New Pathway for Young African Talent

With the Pro League’s foreign player quota increasing, clubs are also focusing on recruiting younger talent directly from Africa. Each team is now required to sign at least two players born in 2003 or later, a rule that has encouraged the scouting of emerging African prospects.

Recent signings highlight this trend. Nigerian midfielder Ambrose Ochigbo moved to Al-Kholood from Tunisian club ES Zarzis, while Al-Qadsiah secured 18-year-old Ghanaian forward Jerry Afriyie from Thoughts FC. Afriyie was subsequently loaned out to Spanish club CD Lugo for further development.

Troost-Ekong believes this marks a new era for African footballers.

"The Saudi Pro League is becoming increasingly attractive for young African players to join directly instead of going to Europe first. By recruiting them earlier, clubs have the chance to develop them, refine their skills, and make them integral to their long-term plans."

With its growing African presence, the Saudi Pro League is emerging as a significant alternative to European football, providing a platform for players to thrive both on and off the pitch.