The six-episode Saudi Pro League: Kickoff debuted three weeks before the Fifa Congress is set to formally approve Saudi Arabia - the sole candidate - as host of the quadrennial spectacle.
The vote on Dec 11 will be a crowning moment for de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's use of sport to amass influence and improve the Gulf kingdom's global image.
Football has been at the heart of that effort, and the series depicts how the Saudi Pro League has been transformed by the arrival of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.
The show also seeks to highlight what one commentator describes as Saudi Arabia's "historic passion for football" - clubs founded nearly a century ago, and rivalries dating back nearly that long.
In one scene, 17-year-old Saudi Talal Haji, a forward for Al-Ittihad, walks with a friend through the old city of Jeddah. Wearing a thobe, the white robes donned by Saudi men, he reflects on how the country is changing.
Esta historia es de la edición December 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Buying a handbag or an experience? Brands are raising the retail bar
In an era of immersive shopping, it's not just about a product, but how you feel while buying it.
Dropped Smith still England 'game changer'
England coach Steve Borthwick insists Marcus Smith can remain a \"game changer\" despite dropping him to the bench for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on March 9.
CREATIVE CROSSOVER
Prominent brands are appointing celebrities in creative positions, reshaping the intersection between sports, music and fashion
DBS chief's 2024 pay rises to $17.6m after bank's record performance
Full-year net profit rises 11% to $11.4 billion, with return on equity at 18% in 'stellar' year
Trump's Tariff Turbulence Is Worse Than Anyone Imagined
Even his concessions are less generous than expected.
India speeds up free trade talks with Western nations amid US tariff threats
Delhi seeks deals with Britain, EU as access to major markets is set to get complicated
SGX revamps leadership in FX, technology teams amid push to revive stock market
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has revamped its foreign exchange (FX) and technology management teams, following several high-level resignations.
'Frustrated' Bezecourt keen to stop Geylang's bleeding
From the trail of blood leading from the corridor to the living room, bedroom and bathroom, Geylang International midfielder Vincent Bezecourt's condominium looked more sinister than it really was.
'Big Moment' For Elliott
Sub nets Reds' late winner in Paris as Slot says they were lucky to even earn a draw
Passion Fuels James' Records
Oldest Player of the Month winner crosses 50,000-point mark as Lakers keep winning
