In an exclusive interview, Portuguese coach Armando Evangelista, former manager of Damac FC, revealed his vision for the future and competitiveness of the Saudi Professional League (SPL), emphasizing that his brief experience in the Kingdom was a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of a championship that has become a global focus. Evangelista praised the league's technical and organizational standards, and also discussed the fierce competition for the title, Cristiano Ronaldo's exceptional physical condition, and the impact of international transfers on the future of Saudi football.
General context: A global boom in Saudi football
Saudi football has witnessed a qualitative leap in recent years, beginning with the arrival of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in late 2022, a move that paved the way for a wave of international stars. In the summer of 2023, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) reinforced this trend by acquiring Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, attracting luminaries such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez. This revolution has not only elevated the league's technical level but also increased its global popularity, making it a prime destination for top players and coaches – the context in which Evangelista operates and offers his assessment.
Damac experience and a vision for the future
Although his time with Damac was unsuccessful in terms of results, with the team managing only one win, nine draws, and ten losses in 20 matches before his dismissal, Evangelista sees the silver lining. He stated, “My experience with Damac was an opportunity to familiarize myself with the Saudi league, which didn't surprise me in terms of its high quality. Those who follow the league are aware of the caliber of players and coaches it attracts. It's a challenging competition, and this has driven me and my coaching staff to constantly search for solutions.” He expressed his great admiration for the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia, confirming his desire to return to coaching in the Saudi Professional League someday.
Title battle: Al-Nassr advances, Al-Hilal lurks
Regarding the league title race, Evangelista believes Al-Nassr currently holds the advantage thanks to its organization and consistent performance. He explained, “Al-Nassr’s lead gives them an edge, but Al-Hilal still has a strong chance of winning the title, especially with a direct encounter between the two teams remaining. I think Al-Hilal won’t give up on their championship dream, and the team that manages its remaining matches best will ultimately be crowned champion.” He added that Al-Nassr’s success stems from its management and coaching staff’s awareness of the difficulty of the competition and their thorough preparation on all fronts.
Ronaldo: A phenomenon that defies age
Evangelista expressed his profound admiration for the level of performance displayed by his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, considering him the league's foremost role model. He said, "Looking at his current physical and technical level, Ronaldo looks six years younger than his actual age. There are players in their thirties who don't exhibit the same energy or ambition he does. As an ambitious and professional player, he could continue playing for another two or three years." Ronaldo's ability to maintain this level of physical fitness and goal-scoring prowess at the age of 39 is a testament to his exceptional professionalism and his positive influence as a role model within the Saudi league.
The impact of the stars and the future of the league
Regarding other international transfers, Evangelista commented on the significant impact players like Karim Benzema have had on Al-Ittihad, believing that their presence strengthens the league. He also believes that the future transfer of a star of Mohamed Salah's caliber to the Saudi league would be a tremendous addition, given his vast experience and status as one of the world's best players. He concluded by affirming that the Saudi league is on the right track to becoming one of the top five leagues globally.
