Renard Sparks a Foreign-Player Debate in the Saudi Pro League

Renard prompts a rethink on foreigners in the Roshen Pro League

Saudi sports broadcaster Walid Al-Faraj called for reducing the number of foreign players in the Roshen Pro League, aligning with frequent remarks by French coach Hervé Renard, the Saudi national team manager, about the impact of foreign players on the Green’s level.

The Saudi national team reached the Arab Cup quarterfinals in Qatar, where they will face Palestine, but Renard’s comments on how a high foreign presence could limit local talent and thus national team opportunities persist.

Al-Faraj took to X to state: "Renard’s repeated comments about the weak participation of Saudi players in the league and the dangerous reflection on the first team, and our observation of Arab leagues with less technical quality than Roshen affecting their teams... I think it’s time to discuss the impact of foreign players... there is no sustainable way out."

He added: "The idea of reducing foreigners does not mean returning to four players; the reduction should be gradual with higher technical standards, which will lead to greater efficiency in transfer spending."

"This idea will be rejected by any fan who only cares about eight foreigners... I understand your point," he concluded.

It’s worth noting that Renard had already discussed the foreigners issue before the Green’s Arab Cup campaign, while Al-Faraj suggests the debate might serve as a pretext for any forthcoming failure.

Al-Faraj also posted a poll asking for the ideal number of foreigners—options included an open number, 8, 6 or 4—with 6 garnering the majority within minutes (over 58%).

In context, Renard’s remarks preceded the Green’s Arab Cup journey, and Al-Faraj’s poll results reflect public appetite for a cap on foreign players.

The article also references an Arab Cup preview: Palestine vs. Saudi Arabia scheduled for 11 December 2025 at 18:30.

Overall, the debate around foreign players continues to shape Saudi football, with fans weighing talent, domestic opportunities, and national-team prospects.

Punchlines to close: 1) If the league goes global, maybe we’ll need work visas for each pass. 2) And if football really goes universal, the referee might come with a passport too. 3) Hey, at least the trophy will travel more than some players do—passport stamps galore!