The buzz around football innovation is intensifying with the upcoming debut of the Kings League Middle East and North Africa (MENA) league, set to launch in Riyadh in autumn 2025. This groundbreaking seven-a-side football competition, spearheaded by Gerard Piqué, the former Barcelona star, aims to redefine the sports landscape in the region. The announcement of this exciting venture was made in conjunction with SURJ Sports Investment, marking a significant moment for football in the MENA area.
Recently, excitement reached a crescendo as SXB FC, the team led by Saudi streaming sensation SHoNgxBoNg, competed in its second match at the Kings World Cup Clubs 2025 in Paris. Not only did the match draw considerable attention, but it also served as the platform for unveiling the inaugural team presidents of Kings League MENA. This event underscores the commitment to bringing high-energy football to the region while bridging gaps between traditional sport and the digital age.
In a remarkable move, the application portal for player tryouts has officially opened, offering talented amateur footballers from across the MENA region a unique opportunity to stake their claim in Kings League. This selection process is set to change lives, as aspiring players now have a chance to showcase their skills on an international platform, further expanding the league’s global ecosystem.
Kings League MENA represents an exciting new chapter in a rapidly expanding global competition. With established leagues already in Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, and Spain, along with two annual international tournaments—the Kings World Cup Clubs and Kings World Cup Nations—the MENA league aims to follow suit by attracting diverse talent and audiences.
The partnership with SURJ Sports Investment is set to revolutionize the sports culture in the region. Kings League MENA will introduce the first digitally native football league in the MENA area—fast-paced, always-on, and heavily infused with content creation by and for fans. This shift not only elevates the sporting ecosystem of the region but also harnesses the popularity of digital platforms to engage a younger audience.
The dramatic unveiling of the Kings League MENA team presidents took place in a video presentation before the Kings World Cup Clubs match. The personalities leading the charge include renowned streamers and influencers who are not only charismatic figures but also pivotal in drawing attention to the league:
SHoNgxBoNg (27.6 million social media followers) emerges as a titan among streamers in the Arab world, competing closely with fellow Saudi influencer Drb7h for the top spot. A two-time winner of Best Influencer at the Joy Awards, SHoNgxBoNg is already a familiar face in the Kings League, having led the Saudi national team during the recent Kings World Cup Clubs tournament in Italy.
Drb7h (8.6 million followers) is another powerhouse streamer who proudly represents Saudi Arabia. A member of the Falcons Esports team, he has earned accolades including the Best Streamer award from the Saudi Esports Federation in 2024.
Ilyas Elmaliki (3.9 million followers), Morocco’s leading streamer, made headlines by guiding his national team to an impressive semifinal run at the Kings World Cup Clubs 2025.
Tarboun (11.2 million followers), an Egyptian gaming legend, is making his long-awaited return to streaming with sights set on success in Kings League MENA.
Maherco (12 million followers), a seasoned streamer known for his skills in PUBG and Fortnite, represents Jordan, bringing invaluable experience to the league.
Fwaz (861,000 followers) emerges as a rising star from Kuwait, bolstering his position within TheUltimates.gg esports team, while Absi (9.9 million followers) represents the next generation of Jordanian streamers.
As anticipation builds, MENA football fans can look forward to more team president announcements and potential participation from iconic football players as the Kings League MENA gears up for an incredible inaugural season. In the coming months, players selected from the tryouts will be allocated to their respective teams during a draft, adding another layer of excitement to the league.
Prior to kick-off, a special presentation is planned to unveil team names, kits, and logo designs, fueling further interest and enthusiasm among fans and stakeholders.
