A Showcase of Talent and Tradition
The new Netflix documentary series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” introduces viewers to the vibrant world of Saudi football, highlighting packed stadiums and featuring high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. With its premiere just weeks before FIFA’s decision on the 2034 World Cup host, the series seeks to emphasize the country’s deep-rooted love for the sport, which has clubs with almost a century of history.
Humanizing Saudi Football
The series provides a personal touch, with moments like 17-year-old Talal Haji from Ittihad expressing optimism about his future in football on home soil. Danyel Reiche from Georgetown University in Qatar notes that the series helps in humanizing Saudi football, moving beyond perceptions dominated by financial allure.
Political Ambitions and Sport
While the series largely avoids politics, it indirectly addresses Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategy to enhance Saudi Arabia’s global image through sports. The inclusion of top football stars is part of a broader mission to normalize Saudi Arabia’s international standing, though this comes with accusations of “sportswashing” – using sports to mask human rights issues.
The Sportswashing Debate
Despite Ronaldo’s claim of being in Saudi Arabia solely for football, scholars like Reiche view these stars as part of a larger diplomatic effort. Critics, however, argue that this is merely a distraction from controversial issues, a viewpoint unlikely to change with this series, according to Kristian Coates Ulrichsen from Rice University.
Challenges and Growth
The Pro League faces its own set of challenges, as depicted in the series. Local talents like Abdulrahman Ghareeb express mixed feelings about the impact of foreign players, while attendance figures have seen a decline. Additionally, high-profile transitions, like that of Jordan Henderson, illustrate the adaptation difficulties some players face in Saudi Arabia.
A Long-Term Vision
Despite these hurdles, there’s an acknowledgment of the long-term vision for Saudi football. Managers and players voice a commitment to development, with hopes that Saudi players can eventually take center stage, reflecting a broader ambition for the sport in the kingdom.
Conclusion
Saudi Pro League: Kickoff” might not sway the staunch critics of Saudi Arabia’s sports initiatives, but it does offer a narrative aimed at a broader, perhaps more curious audience, about the country’s football culture and its aspirations on the global stage.
