Saudi Pro League: Kickoff

The documentary series begins by emphasizing Saudi Arabia's deep passion for football and its rich footballing history. However, the focus is primarily on foreign stars.

Carefully curated visuals of fans passionately celebrating in packed stadiums aim to depict the games as euphoric spectacles. However, the reality is a different story. Attendance figures reveal the gap: the four major clubs owned by the state's wealth fund (PIF) average between 17,000 and 25,000 fans per game, while no other team exceeds 10,000. The league-wide average attendance stands at just over 8,000, lower than England's third tier or Sweden's Allsvenskan. Empty seats in the stadiums are skillfully edited out, though a sharp eye can spot them in a few frames.

Ultimately, the series comes across as a calculated example of sportswashing. Rather than a genuine celebration of football, it serves as a PR effort to divert attention from deeper issues and project an idealized image of Saudi Arabia to the global stage.

Saudi Pro League: Kickoff is an impressive and captivating series that chronicles the meteoric rise of the Saudi Pro League. The show excels at showcasing the league's transformation, from its bold recruitment of international stars to the passionate local talent driving the game forward. The storytelling is compelling, weaving personal player narratives with the broader cultural and economic ambitions behind the league's expansion.

The production value is high, with vibrant cinematography that captures the intensity of the matches and the rich cultural backdrop. The interviews with players, coaches, and fans add depth, offering a genuine perspective on how the league is reshaping football in the region.

While the series is mostly celebratory, it could have delved deeper into the complexities and controversies surrounding the league's rapid development. A more nuanced exploration would have added even more weight to the narrative.

Overall, Saudi Pro League: Kickoff is an engaging and informative series that will appeal to football fans and anyone curious about the sport's global evolution. It's a must-watch for those looking to understand the ambitious vision shaping the future of football.