The State’s actions and the Saudi soccer growth in the period 2015-2025

Abstract

In recent years, Saudi soccer has gained worldwide prominence, especially due to the signing of renowned players for high financial sums. Thus, the objective of the article is to discuss the main elements that explain the recent growth of Saudi soccer. To achieve the purpose, the Saudi Vision 2030 state program and the actions of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) were discussed. The methodological procedures used were bibliographic research and document analysis, through which it can be stated that state investments in sports, and particularly in soccer, are part of the country's economic diversification policy and consist of a sportswashing mechanism, because they seek to reduce dependence on petroleum exports and improve the reputation of the authoritarian government on an international scale.