The anticipation is building as the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season prepares to kick off on August 28, 2025, with the eyes of the football world firmly fixed on the remarkable African talent set to light up the pitch. From the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah to the emerging football hubs in Neom and beyond, African players are poised to play a decisive role in the race for the title, and fans across the globe are ready to witness history unfold.
Never before has the Saudi Pro League boasted such a dazzling array of African stars. Out of the 18 teams contesting this season, only Al-Khaleej stands out as the lone club without an African player in its first team—a testament to the continent’s growing influence in one of Asia’s most ambitious football leagues. Whether it’s seasoned veterans with glittering resumes or rising young talents eager to make their mark, African footballers are at the heart of the league’s transformation into a global spectacle.
Neom SC, one of the league’s most intriguing new arrivals, has quickly become a favorite among African fans. Their squad features a quartet of African standouts: Saïd Benrahma of Algeria, Abdoulaye Doucouré of Mali, Amadou Koné (who holds dual nationality with Mali and Côte d'Ivoire), and Egyptian stalwart Ahmed Hegazi. Benrahma, who previously shone in England’s Premier League with West Ham United, France’s Ligue 1 with Lyon, and the Championship with Brentford, is now set to showcase his skills at the highest level in Saudi Arabia following a successful loan spell and a subsequent permanent move to Neom SC. Supporters are eager to see how this dynamic playmaker will adapt to the league’s unique style and pace.
Al-Ahli, always a club with grand ambitions, enters the new campaign with perhaps the most star-studded African contingent in the league. Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian maestro who has lifted five Premier League titles (four with Manchester City and one with Leicester City) and the AFC Champions League Elite trophy with Al-Ahli, is determined to add a domestic league title to his already overflowing trophy cabinet. Last season, Al-Ahli finished fifth—a result that left fans hungry for more, especially after their continental triumph. Mahrez’s silky skills and big-game experience could be the difference-maker this time around.
Backing up Mahrez is Édouard Mendy, the Senegalese shot-stopper who has built a reputation as one of the world’s most reliable goalkeepers. Mendy, who famously helped Chelsea to the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League crown and was instrumental in Senegal’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory, enjoyed further continental success with Al-Ahli last season. According to ESPN, "Mendy is a player worth watching for every minute we can." With his leadership at the back, Al-Ahli’s defense will be tough for any opponent to break down.
Another key figure in Al-Ahli’s lineup is Franck Kessié of Côte d'Ivoire. Kessié, a midfield dynamo who won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil and previously starred for AC Milan and Barcelona, has already collected an AFC Champions League title and a Saudi Super Cup with Al-Ahli. The club’s African trio—Mahrez, Mendy, and Kessié—will be central to their push for a first league title since the 2015-16 season.
Elsewhere, Sadio Mané continues to be a headline act for Al-Nassr. The Senegalese winger, who made his name at Liverpool and Bayern Munich, is entering his third season with the Saudi giants. Mané has already found the net in the 2-1 Saudi Super Cup victory over Al-Ittihad and sits on an impressive tally of 27 Pro League goals. In a team that also features global superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, Mané’s speed, skill, and knack for scoring crucial goals make him a constant threat. As the new season looms, he’ll be eager to add to his growing legend in the Middle East.
Al-Hilal, another of the league’s heavyweights, boasts two of Africa’s most respected defensive stars. Kalidou Koulibaly, a rock at the back for both club and country, was part of the Al-Hilal squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, famously knocking out Manchester City in the last 16. Though his best days were arguably at Napoli, Koulibaly’s experience and leadership remain invaluable assets. Alongside him is Yassine Bounou, affectionately known as "Bono." The Moroccan goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, continues to impress after stints with Sevilla and now Al-Hilal. His shot-stopping heroics and calm presence between the posts have made him a fan favorite in Saudi Arabia.
Not to be overlooked, William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria brings his own brand of leadership and grit to Al Kholood. The Super Eagles captain, who honed his craft in the Tottenham Hotspur academy and enjoyed memorable spells at Watford and Udinese, is widely respected for his professionalism and commitment. Troost-Ekong’s presence in the heart of defense is a source of pride for the vast Nigerian diaspora and a boost to his club’s ambitions.
While established stars command much of the spotlight, the league is also nurturing the next generation of African talent. South African winger Mohau Nkota, now with Al Ettifaq, is one to watch. Nkota was instrumental in Orlando Pirates’ impressive run to the CAF Champions League semi-final last season and has set his sights on making a similar impact in the Saudi Pro League. His pace, creativity, and hunger to succeed have already caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. As the season progresses, don’t be surprised if Nkota’s name becomes one of the most talked-about in the league.
The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season isn’t just about star power—it’s about the growing influence of African football on a global stage. Week in, week out, these players are raising the bar, thrilling fans, and shaping the league’s competitiveness. The action will be broadcast live on ESPN 1 in sub-Saharan Africa (DStv channel 218), ensuring that supporters across the continent can follow their heroes every step of the way.
As kickoff approaches, the big question remains: which African star will shine brightest and lead their team to glory? With so much talent on display and so many storylines to follow, football lovers are in for a treat. One thing’s for sure—the Saudi Pro League’s African connection is stronger than ever, and this season promises drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments from the continent’s finest.
