Saudi Arabia has made significant moves in the world of soccer, starting with a historic victory over Argentina in the World Cup four years ago. This win marked the beginning of the country’s efforts to transform its image and economy by investing heavily in sports. High-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar have joined the Saudi league, although attempts to sign Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe were unsuccessful. The country has also secured the rights to host the 2034 World Cup. Despite these investments, the Saudi national team has faced challenges, including an early exit from the Asian Cup and coaching changes. The appointment of Greek coach Georgios Donis aims to leverage his experience with Saudi players as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup.
QUESTION: How might Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports influence the global perception of the country and its culture?
From luring stars to hosting the World Cup, Saudi Arabia has spent billions to disrupt soccer
