The Intelligence from The Economist In the big leagues now: Saudi Arabia’s push into sport
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Aug 11, 2023 
Miranda Mitra, International editor at The Economist, and Ana Lankas, a Latin America correspondent, discuss Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports investments under Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, aimed at modernizing the nation despite criticism over human rights. They delve into Brazil's economic revival under Lula, highlighting a shift from investor skepticism to optimism, buoyed by tax reforms and credit upgrades. The conversation also touches on the revolutionary impact of first-person-view drones in modern warfare, showcasing their advantages in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Ronaldo's Saudi Move
- Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its Pro League, luring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo with a $200 million contract.
- Ronaldo stated his European career is complete and he welcomes the new challenge.
Sports as Modernization
- Saudi Arabia's investments in sports like football and golf, and hosting the Asian Winter Games, aim to modernize the nation.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman views this as a path to a post-oil future, attracting tourism and investment.
Sportswashing Allegations
- Critics label Saudi Arabia's sports push as "sportswashing," an attempt to divert attention from human rights issues.
- The investments aim to diversify the economy (Vision 2030) and boost the nation's image.