How Ronaldo, Firmino and Toney are helping Saudi Arabian teams dominate in Asia

There’s been a rise in global attention towards football in Saudi Arabia with high-profile players moving to teams in the country, but are Saudi Arabia clubs now starting to dominate in Asia?

Three of the four AFC Champions League semi-finalists are from Saudi Arabia with former Premier League players Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney scoring to help Al-Ahli reach the final over Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal.

World Football’s Nick Hatton speaks to Asian football journalist Michael Church about how Saudi Arabian clubs are dominating Asia’s premier club competition.

Image: Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli Saudi celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Galeno during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Final between Al Hilal and Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 29, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)