The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season marked another bold chapter in the country's football evolution, with French talent playing a starring role. From title celebrations to individual brilliance, a cohort of Les Bleus past and present left their mark across the desert kingdom. Champions Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman led the way, while Theo Hernandez lifted silverware in dramatic fashion. As the campaign concluded, a full assessment of these French exports reveals a mix of established success and promising adaptation.
Mohamed Simakan, the Marseille-born central defender, cemented his status as a cornerstone of Al-Nassr's title-winning side. The 26-year-old started all 28 of his league appearances, contributing three goals and an unwavering defensive presence. His consistency helped Al-Nassr clinch the championship on the final day with a 4-1 victory over Damac. Alongside him, Kingsley Coman made an immediate impact in his debut Saudi season, notching 10 goals and 11 assists in 30 matches to finish as the league's fifth-best provider. Yet, despite these impressive numbers, Coman's performances were not enough to earn a call-up for France's upcoming World Cup campaign, highlighting the fierce competition within the national setup.
Theo Hernandez's first year at Al-Hilal was nothing short of spectacular. The left-back, capable of operating as a wing-back, featured in 31 matches, adding five goals and two assists. His crowning moment came in the King's Cup final, where his decisive strike secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Kholood and delivered the domestic cup. Hernandez's seamless transition to Saudi football not only bolstered Al-Hilal's trophy cabinet but also assured his place in France's World Cup squad, a testament to his enduring quality on the global stage.
Karim Benzema, at 38, continued to defy age. Named the Saudi Pro League's best player the previous season ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid striker remained a talismanic figure. He began the campaign with Al-Ittihad before a mid-season switch to Al-Hilal in February, yet his output barely dipped: 24 games yielded 17 goals. Benzema's influence extended beyond his scoring; his experience and leadership were invaluable assets, and he earned another nomination for the league's top individual honor, underscoring his sustained dominance.
Moussa Diaby, another Al-Ittihad standout, proved his mettle despite missing three matches through suspension. The former Paris Saint-Germain winger was a near ever-present, starting almost every league game for the Jeddah club and tallying four goals plus eight assists. Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette adapted remarkably to life at Neom, leaving Lyon a year ago. The striker was directly involved in 17 goals—11 of his own and six helpers—demonstrating that his predatory instincts remained sharp in a new environment.
Moussa Dembélé, in his third Saudi season, recorded nine goals in 22 outings for Al-Ettifaq, though his future is uncertain with his contract expiring. While his numbers were modest by his standards, he provided a reliable attacking option for a team that finished mid-table. Elsewhere, Angelo Fulgini quietly excelled on loan from RC Lens at Al-Taawon, racking up an impressive 10 assists and five goals in 30 appearances, becoming an indispensable creative force.
The unsung heroes of the French contingent deserve recognition. Yoann Barbet, the former Bordeaux defender, scarcely missed a minute for Al-Riyadh, playing 32 of 34 league matches and chipping in with two goals. Yacine Adli, also ex-Bordeaux, settled quickly at his new club, making 26 appearances, though his output—one goal and three assists—reflected a more supporting role. Their professionalism and consistency offered stability to their respective sides.
A wave of young French talent also tested the Saudi waters. Nathan Zézé, the 20-year-old center-back who joined Neom from Nantes for €20 million, logged 31 matches in an otherwise leaky defense that conceded 48 goals. Saïmon Bouabré moved from Neom to Al-Hilal in the winter, gaining valuable experience alongside Benzema with 22 games and a solitary goal. Enzo Millot, 23, experienced a mixed season: he started strongly with Al-Ahli, winning the Saudi Super Cup, but fell out of favor at times, finishing with three goals and three assists in 24 matches. Valentin Atangana, who arrived from Reims for €25 million in September, overcame a slow start to net five goals in 23 games for Al-Ahli, hinting at his potential.
However, not every move bears fruit. Mathieu Patouillet, the 22-year-old goalkeeper, endured a season without a single league appearance for Al-Hilal. His decision to leave Lyon for the Saudi giants raised questions about the wisdom of such a move at a formative stage of his career. The lack of playing time could stall his development, serving as a cautionary tale for other young prospects considering similar leaps.
Overall, the French influence in the Saudi Pro League continues to grow, driven by both financial incentives and the desire for new challenges. While stalwarts like Benzema and Hernandez maintained elite standards, younger players such as Zézé and Atangana used the platform to build experience. The mixed fates of Coman and Patouillet illustrate the risks and rewards of this footballing exodus. As the league's global profile rises, the performances of these French stars will be closely watched, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Based on reporting from L'Equipe.