The moment has truly come for Saudi Arabia on the international football stage. Long ranked as the number one sport in the country for both players and fans, today, soccer’s profile has never been higher.

And for good reason.

In what was a watershed moment for sport in the Arab world, the Green Falcons’ victory over Argentina in the Qatar 2022 World Cup was a testament to the kingdom’s growing football prowess.

A flag representing Saudi Arabia’s footballing ambition was laid firmly on the ground on that momentous day at Lusail Stadium, when a sea of ​​green poured onto the stadium concourse and fans bathed in the glory of victory over the eventual champions.

Since then, Saudi Arabia has attracted some of the biggest names in football to slip onto the shirts of clubs in the Saudi Professional League.

In January, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia after his historic signing with Al-Nassr Club.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema, the former French international, has completed his departure from Real Madrid to join the Saudi Federation. It was also announced that N’Golo Kante had moved to the same club.

The influx of such talent highlights the rising prestige of Saudi football and its ability to attract top players from around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s global football ambitions gained further impetus earlier last month, when the Public Investment Fund laid out its plan to take control of four prominent national clubs as part of the investment and privatization project for sports clubs in the kingdom unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This initiative, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, aims to boost private investment in the sports sector, with a special focus on football, and raise the Saudi Professional League to the ranks of the top 10 football leagues in the world.

The football revolution in Saudi Arabia is not limited to the men’s game only. Opportunities for women’s football have also been growing rapidly, while grassroots development for the next generation of stars is well under way. Saudi Arabia’s first international referee, Anoud Al-Asmari, was appointed by FIFA in January, marking a historic achievement for women’s football in the country.

The establishment of the Saudi women’s team in 2019, which includes more than 450 registered players, 49 qualified referees, and more than 900 coaches, demonstrates a commitment to developing the game at all levels.

The bid to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing women’s football and inspiring young women and girls to take part in the sport.

Amidst this footballing revolution, Lega Serie A, Italy’s top professional soccer league, established its first regional office in the Middle East and North Africa in Abu Dhabi.

This expansion signifies the league’s recognition of the region as an important market with a deep passion for football and a growing interest in the Italian game. With an estimated 16 million First Division fans in the MENA region, half of whom are under the age of 25, there is a clear goal to connect with this fan base and engage with a wider audience of football fans.

Italian football is developing strong partnerships across the region, with four Serie A clubs set to compete for the 2024 Italian Super Cup (Supercoppa Italiana) in Saudi Arabia in 2024. We are also witnessing the rise of football as a business. In the Middle East and North Africa region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it is crucial to stress the importance of homegrown investments – to fans, players and the broader communities.

Saudi Arabia, in particular, has made great strides in developing football at all levels, from grassroots to international competitions. The upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which the Kingdom is preparing to host, testifies to its growing influence in the football world.

As the MENA region continues to make waves in the football industry, Saudi Arabia is heralding an exciting new era. The rise of female spectators, investment in grassroots talent, and ambition to host international tournaments all point to the country’s dedication to developing football.

The presence of Lega Serie A in the region signifies an exciting opportunity for collaboration, further fueling a shared passion for the sport and bringing Italian football closer to its growing local fan base.

• Alfonso Di Stefano is the Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa region at Lega Serie A