This article is about the sports in Saudi Arabia.
Contents
Football
Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the sport has grown in popularity, and some Saudi players currently play in Europe. The Saudi Arabian national football team is governed by the Saudi Football Federation (SFF). The SFF organises the Saudi Leagues, and the Saudi Arabian Cup. The Saudi national team has competed in four FIFA World Cup competitions, in 1994, 1998, 2002, and most recently, in 2006. The Saudi team has also competed in seven AFC Asian Cup competitions, first in 1984. Achievements from the AFC Cup include being the Champions in 1984, 1988, and recently, in 1996. The current player of the year is Hussein Sulaimani, who is the captain of Saudi Arabian football team. Saudi Arabia also regularly participate in the Gulf Cup of Nations, AFC Champions League, and Arab Nations Cup.
Basketball
Basketball is also a popular sport in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Premier League (basketball) has been home to several players who competed at the FIBA Asia Championship and has also attracted NBA-players such as Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
Rugby union
Rugby union in Saudi Arabia is a minor but growing sport, which has been played for several decades in the Kingdom. Many of the local rugby clubs date back to the late 1970s.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey is also a minor sport but it has not been popular in Saudi Arabia, which has been played its first game in 2010 during the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship.
National teams
This is a list of Saudi Arabian national sports teams: