In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Jassem Osseiran breaks down Saudi Arabia’s football revolution—from its rapid transformation to the rise of the Saudi Pro League and the country’s 2034 FIFA World Cup ambitions.

We start with Jassem’s personal connection to Saudi Arabia, reflecting on how the country has evolved since his childhood. He discusses the massive shifts in culture, economy, and sports, and how global investments—like PIF’s acquisitions of Newcastle United and other European clubs—have played a key role in shaping Saudi’s growing football presence.

The conversation then shifts to Saudi Arabia’s financial power—does the country have unlimited money to invest? And is the Saudi Pro League more of a passion project, like some European club owners, or a sustainable business, similar to the MLS or American ownership models? Jassem dives into the complexities of building a profitable, long-term football ecosystem and whether money alone can solve all challenges.

A major talking point is Ronaldo’s influence—what impact has he had on the league, and what happens after he’s gone? Jassem provides insights into the league’s future plans and how Saudi Arabia is preparing for the post-Ronaldo era.

We also explore the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and the country’s broader ambitions in sports, leading up to its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Jassem shares details on Saudi’s bigger vision for global football and how the nation is positioning itself as a long-term powerhouse.

To wrap up, we hit Jassem with some quick-fire questions, covering bold predictions, emerging trends, and what’s next for Saudi Arabia’s football scene.

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
03:54 Jassem’s Connection to Saudi Arabia & Its Transformation
11:53 How Saudi’s Global Investments Led to the Pro League Boom
18:46 Does Saudi Arabia Have Unlimited Money to Invest?
21:12 Saudi Pro League: Passion Project or Profitable Business?
24:44 Can Money Solve All of Saudi Football’s Challenges?
28:15 What Happens to the Saudi Pro League After Ronaldo?
31:38 The Future of the Saudi Pro League
37:14 The Rise of Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia
44:14 Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup & Other Major Projects
51:26 Quick-Fire Questions
58:55 Outro