Newly promoted Diriyah Club have made a promising start to their first season in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), with former Everton and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye emerging as one of the experienced figures leading the team.
Following their historic promotion to Saudi Arabia’s top division, Diriyah Club made significant moves during the summer transfer window. The club appointed Portuguese manager Bruno Lage and added several high-profile players, including Uruguay international and former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who joined on loan from Al Hilal.
French midfielder Enzo Millot, on loan from AFC Champions League Elite holders Al Ahli, was another major addition.
Gueye also joined the club after a long career at the highest level of European football and international success with Senegal.
Promising Start in the RSL
Diriyah Club have won three and drawn two of their opening seven league matches, heading into the international break in eighth place in the table.
Gueye, 36, has brought considerable experience to the midfield. The Senegal international is his country’s record appearance-maker and has won three Ligue 1 titles during his career with Lille and PSG.
He was also part of Senegal’s run to the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, and in 2022 received the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion, Senegal’s highest recognition.
Speaking about his role at Diriyah, Gueye said his experience can help the team achieve its objectives.
“Leadership isn’t just about saying the right words, it’s a behaviour you must show both on and off the pitch,” Gueye said. “With the help of my teammates, we will do good things and try to take the club as far as possible.”
A New Challenge in Saudi Football
After 15 years competing in European football, Gueye said Diriyah’s project and the club’s connection to the history of Saudi Arabia played a role in his decision to join.
He described the club as historic and highlighted the growing number of major players and coaches arriving in the Roshn Saudi League.
The club is also being guided by Bruno Lage, who was appointed in July. The Portuguese coach previously won the Primeira Liga with Benfica and has managed in the English Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lage said joining Diriyah represented an opportunity to help build the foundations of the club and develop a team that reflects its identity.
“We know we have a deep history and identity behind us, but at the same time, we have a great vision and ambition in front of us,” Lage said.
Building on Diriyah’s Heritage
Diriyah’s cultural and historical significance is also central to the club’s identity.
Saudi midfielder Hussain Al Qahtani, who played a key role in last season’s promotion campaign, said representing Diriyah brings an added sense of responsibility.
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