Only 405 fans attend Saudi Pro League match with Ronaldo and Benzema

In Saudi Arabia, a recent Saudi Pro League match between Al-Wehda and Al-Okhdood revealed a troubling trend regarding attendance figures in the league. On a Friday night, only 405 spectators were present to witness Al-Wehda's narrow 3-2 defeat at their home ground. Despite featuring players like ex-Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo and Australia international Craig Goodwin, Al-Wehda could not secure a win against Al-Okhdood, who managed to score through Christian Bassogog and Ibrahim Kone, along with an own goal from Jawad El Yamiq. These attendance figures contrast starkly with the league's big names, such as Al-Nassr, which draw large crowds thanks to their star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, indicating a divide in support among the teams in the league. Historically, Al-Wehda has been able to attract more fans, boasting an average attendance of 656 last season. However, the significantly lower turnout for this match highlights systemic issues facing smaller clubs within the league. The ongoing efforts to elevate the Saudi Pro League's prestige, including the recruitment of international talent, have not translated into consistent fan engagement across all teams. While teams like Al-Ittihad, with an impressive average attendance of 34,366, demonstrate that there is potential for widespread support, smaller clubs appear to struggle to connect with local communities. The situation is further compounded by the context of sports attendance within the country. Saudi Arabia has made attempts to boost its sports culture and attract international spectators. However, local support remains inconsistent. The King Abdullah Sports City, where Al-Ittihad plays, has a capacity of 62,345, highlighting the potential for larger crowds. Yet, if matches continue to see attendance figures that fall below even lower-tier clubs in other countries, it raises questions about the league's sustainability and future engagement strategies. Ultimately, this matchup's poor attendance indicates a growing concern about the stability and popularity of the Saudi Pro League, especially among lesser-known teams, calling for a reevaluation of how to foster greater community support and increase fan engagement in the league as a whole.