What is the average temperature for Saudi Pro League games?

The Saudi Pro League has made a huge impact in a short space of time. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first “big name” player to make the move to the Gulf state at the beginning of 2023, followed by reigning Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema. Not satisfied with snapping up a number of others stars from clubs dotted around Europe, the Saudis are now going big, with Al Hilal being given permission by Paris Saint-Germain to speak to Kylian Mbappé, arguably set to dominate world soccer for the next decade.

How much could Mbappé earn at Al Hilal?

The numbers surrounding the France captain’s potential move to Riyadh are quite frankly mind-boggling, with various reports suggesting that Al Hilal are ready to pay him $776 million to turn out for them for just one season, after which they would allow him to join long-term admirers Real Madrid for free.

The question, of course, is whether Mbappé really wants to make the move to Saudi Arabia, even if he is paid an absolute fortune to do so and even if it is just for 12 months. It’s certainly not a done deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest challenge in Saudi Arabia

If the 24-year-old does decide to go, however, then he will likely be in for something of a culture shock, both on and off the field.

Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in January and last month reflected on the biggest challenge he has faced since arriving in Saudi Arabia - the climate. Speaking to Goal, the Portuguese explained: “The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler. But I have really gotten used to that now”.

What temperatures are Saudi Pro League games played at?

The Saudi Pro League season starts in August and runs through until May, avoiding the summer months when temperatures in Riyadh can pass 109ºF (around 43ºC). Even so, evening games scheduled for August and September, as well as from March until the end of the season, are regularly played at 86ºF (30ºC) or more, a far cry from the majority of Europe’s major leagues.

Before Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia, Saleh al-Khalif, deputy editor-in-chief of the Al-Riyadiah newspaper, told AFP that “the weather will pose a challenge to Ronaldo... but I think he will adapt and excel”.

The former Real Madrid superstar’s 14 goals between January and May suggests that he did just that and you’d have to imagine Mbappé, as talented as he is, would follow suit if he does finally take up Al Hilal’s offer.