Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Soft Power in Global Football Draws Attention Amid Human Rights Concerns
Saudi Arabia’s growing dominance in international football — described by a former FIFA president as a “shift of the game’s center of gravity from Europe to Riyadh” — has intensified debate over the kingdom’s use of soft power while its human rights record remains under fire.
In a recent interview with international media, the ex-FIFA chief said, “We have lost football to Saudi Arabia,” noting that the kingdom now wields unprecedented financial, managerial, and media influence over the sport. According to the Shia Waves Persian citing regional reports, Saudi Arabia is investing billions of dollars annually in global football initiatives, including ownership stakes in major European clubs, multi-billion-dollar sponsorship deals, and the recruitment of high-profile international players to its Saudi Pro League, which has drawn stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar.
The former FIFA president added that Riyadh has become the “new clock” of world football, referencing how major international tournaments, events, and commercial timelines are increasingly shaped around Saudi-backed ventures. Analysts across the Arab press described this transformation as a manifestation of Saudi Arabia’s “soft power strategy” — using sport and culture to project global influence rather than traditional political means.
Yet, this narrative of modernization has been clouded by fresh human rights criticism. The Saudi Interior Ministry recently confirmed the execution of Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Derazi, accused of terrorism-related offenses. International rights organizations condemned the move as part of a pattern of politically motivated prosecutions, often targeting Shia dissidents in the Eastern Province.
Observers argue that while Saudi Arabia’s sports diplomacy has successfully elevated its global standing, its persistent record of executions and restrictions on dissent continues to challenge its soft power ambitions and international image.
