Growing demand for Saudi football jerseys in Iraq

ANBAR, September 4 — Football fans in Iraq are demanding jerseys for Saudi football clubs due to a historic transfer season that has seen the acquisition of top global stars and potential transfers of other prominent players from major European leagues, such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and the Argentinian star Lionel Messi.

Anas Ghaleb, the owner of a sports equipment store in Anbar’s Hit city, reported a substantial rise in requests for jerseys featuring the numbers of Saudi club team players, including Neymar, Ronaldo, Benzema, Mane, and Messi, who is now playing for Inter Miami in the United States.

The club jerseys are primarily for Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal, as well as Inter Miami from the United States. In contrast, demand for jerseys of European clubs has decreased by 70%, marking an unprecedented shift.

Youssef Ali, a football enthusiast, mentioned that he came with his son to purchase a jersey of one of the legends of Saudi football in the Roshan league.

These major transfers in the Saudi league are expected to foster football talent in the Arab region and enhance the viewing experience for Arab league matches, generating interest among fans of the game, both young and old.