The Saudi Pro League (SPL) sought global relevance by luring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East in 2023. While global interest in the SPL has undoubtedly grown, the massive investment in players from overseas has not really impacted the big European leagues. The UEFA Champions League Still ReignsThe UEFA Champions League is still the dream stage for professional footballers. Saudi clubs could suffer the same fate. SPL clubs have spent more than their Chinese counterparts, and they will understandably be wary of falling even harder than they did.