Georges-Kévin Nkoudou Fires Al Diriyah to Historic Promotion to Saudi Pro League

By Angu Lesley

Cameroon international Georges-Kévin Nkoudou has secured promotion to the Saudi Pro League with Al Diriyah, capping off an impressive campaign for the ambitious Saudi side.

Al Diriyah confirmed their rise after a successful season in the Saudi First Division, earning a place among Saudi Arabia’s elite clubs for the 2026/27 season. The club’s promotion marks another major step in the rapid growth of Saudi football, which continues to attract international stars and experienced players from Europe and Africa.

Nkoudou, who joined Al Diriyah after leaving Damac FC, played an important role in the club’s promotion push. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Beşiktaş winger brought top-flight experience, pace and creativity to the squad during a season in which Al Diriyah consistently challenged at the top end of the table.

The 31-year-old Cameroonian arrived at the club with strong credentials after an excellent spell with Damac in the Saudi Pro League, where he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 29 matches. His performances had already established him as one of the most dangerous African attackers in Saudi Arabia before making the move to Al Diriyah.

During the promotion run, Nkoudou continued to deliver key contributions, including goals and assists in decisive matches as Al Diriyah maintained momentum in the title race.

For Nkoudou, the promotion represents a quick return to Saudi Arabia’s top division after questions were raised over his decision to join a second-tier side last year. Some observers feared the move could affect his standing with the Cameroon national team under coach Marc Brys, especially ahead of major international competitions.

Instead, the winger has answered critics on the pitch by helping Al Diriyah achieve their objective of reaching the Saudi Pro League, where they are now set to face some of the biggest clubs in Asian football, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah FC.

Nkoudou’s career has taken him through several major European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Olympique de Marseille and Beşiktaş, where he won the Turkish Süper Lig title in 2021.

Now, the Indomitable Lion will have another opportunity to shine on one of Asia’s fastest-growing football stages as Al Diriyah prepare for life in the Saudi Pro League.