Save The Dates: 2025-26 RSL fixtures announced | OneFootball

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has announced the fixture list for the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League (RSL), and it promises to be a blockbuster start to what is shaping up to be the league’s most competitive season yet.

The new campaign kicks off on Thursday, August 28, and the opening rounds will deliver instant drama, marquee matchups, and fresh storylines across Saudi football.

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The opening round sees reigning champions Al Ittihad begin their title defence away to Al Okhdood, while Cristiano Ronaldo – fresh from signing his new Al Nassr contract – and his title-chasing side also hit the road to take on Al Taawoun, one of last season’s biggest performers.

Following their superb run to the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, 2023-24 champions Al Hilal begin their campaign with a city derby clash against Al Riyadh.

Arguably the match of Matchweek 1 takes place in Jeddah, where AFC Champions League Elite winners Al Ahli host promoted NEOM SC, who last season dominated the Saudi First Division.

The RSL debutants have since bolstered their squad with the signings of former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette, goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, and highly-rated midfield youngster Amadou Kone as new manager Christophe Galtier aims to establish the Tabuk-based club in the top tier.

Fast start in store for "Big Four"

In a clear demonstration of the depth of quality in the RSL, there is no easing into the season for last year’s top three and Asian champions Al Ahli.

Al Hilal immediately follow their opening match with a home clash against Al Qadsiah, last season’s fourth-placed side and King’s Cup finalists, before travelling to Jeddah to take on Al Ahli in Matchweek 3.

Three rounds later, Al Hilal are back in Jeddah for the season's first Saudi Clasico against rivals Al Ittihad, meaning the Riyadh giants face several early season tests that could prove pivotal to the rest of their campaign.

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Following their opening trip to Al Taawoun, Al Nassr’s early schedule also includes a massive visit to Jeddah to play Al Ittihad on Matchweek 4, followed by a home clash with NEOM SC in Matchweek 8.

A challenging winter stretch between Matchweeks 13 and 16 sees Jorge Jesus’ side face Al Ahli (A), Al Qadsiah (H), Al Hilal (A) in the Capital Derby, and Al Shabab (H).

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Current champions Al Ittihad kick-start their title defence away to Al Okhdood, followed by home matches against Al Fateh and Al Nassr either side of a trip to promoted Al Najmah, before the blockbuster showdown with Al Hilal in Jeddah in Matchdweek 6.

Al Ittihad's final game of the season will be a rematch of last term's King's Cup final in Jeddah against Al Qadsiah, whom they defeated to clinch the domestic double.

After welcoming NEOM SC on the opening day, Al Ahli clash with Al Hilal (H) in Matchweek 3 and take on Al Ittihad (A) in the Sea Derby in Matchweek 8. The reverse derby is scheduled for Matchweek 25.

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Derby days to mark on calendar

• Al Hilal vs Al Nassr (Capital Derby): Matchweek 15 (Al Hilal home) and Matchweek 32 (Al Nassr home)

• Al Ittihad vs Al Ahli (Sea Derby): Matchweek 8 (Al Ittihad home) and Matchweek 25 (Al Ahli home)

• Al Qadsiah vs Al Ettifaq (Eastern Province derby): Matchweek 9 (Al Qadsiah home) and Matchweek 26 (Al Ettifaq home)

• Al Hilal vs Al Ittihad (Saudi Clasico): Matchweek 6 (Al Ittihad home) and Matchweek 23 (Al Hilal home)

Qadsiah fans enjoy the Eastern Derby v Al Ettifaq

Surprise packages and record chasers

Beyond the usual title contenders, there will be many storylines to follow throughout the season as the thrilling drama unfolds. For instance, can Al Taawoun follow up an excellent 2024-25 season when they reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League 2 and placed eighth in the RSL?

Pericles Chamusca is back in the Al Taawoun dugout having steered NEOM SC to promotion, and with a kind-looking early fixture list – Al Nassr are the only opponents in their first five games to finish in last season’s top six – his side have a chance to build momentum before the first international break.

Meanwhile, Al Shabab begin their season with four of their opening six matches at home in Riyadh, which could provide a springboard for Abderrazak Hamdallah to make some monumental history.

The Moroccan striker is only five goals shy of equalling the RSL’s all-time scoring record – currently held by Omar Al Somah, with 155 goals – and a fast start to the campaign might see the prolific forward become the league’s greatest goalscorer.

New season to sustain soaring success

The RSL enters the campaign aiming to build on the league’s remarkable progress in recent years. The 2024-25 season set a record for broadcast partners worldwide, with 183, while more than 2.5 million fans attended matches throughout the Kingdom.

Global interest in Saudi football has also soared, with a 200 percent increase in international sponsorship revenue.

With heavyweight clashes, fierce derbies, and new challengers all lined up, the 2025-26 season is set to deliver another memorable chapter in the RSL’s rise.