By Muhyideen Jimoh

As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco reaches the knockout stage, Saudi Arabia’s quiet sporting rise is adding unexpected spice, linking Africa’s biggest tournament to a fast-shifting global football order.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saudi Arabia, which says it’s not investing in sports for spectacle alone, sees football as a strategic tool: a platform for infrastructure development, diplomacy and soft power, driving economic diversification and long-term global relevance.

“We don’t host global sports events, just to host them, but to leave a legacy that will impact society and create a better future for the Kingdom,’ Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al_Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports said.

Saudi Arabia’s influence at AFCON is indirect but visible, powered by African stars who now feature weekly in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) alongside one of the game’s greatest icons, Cristiano Ronaldo.

In total, 14 RSL-based players are competing at AFCON 2025, representing nine African nations.

Hosts Morocco are anchored by Yassine Bounou and Jawad El Yamiq, while Senegal boast elite RSL firepower through Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané.

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessié and Zambia’s Fashion Sakala further underline how Saudi clubs are increasingly shaping Africa’s elite talent pipeline.

“With AFCON, you see how Saudi football now touches every continent.

“The league has become a serious global platform,” Youssef el Fassi, a Riyadh-based football analyst said.

Beyond players, AFCON 2025 also serves as a dress rehearsal for the future of global football hosting.

Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, while Saudi Arabia stands as the sole bidder for the 2034 edition.