"Saudi Arabia Has the Most Football Fans Per Capita in The World!" - Ben Harburg 159

"Saudi Arabia Has the Most Football Fans Per Capita in The World!" - Ben Harburg 159

Author: Mo Islam September 16, 2025 Duration: 1:22:11

Ben is an American investor and owner of Saudi football club Al-Kholood. He made history for being first non-Saudi to acquire a team in the Saudi Roshn League. Ben is also the founder of MSA Capital, a global investment firm managing over $2 billion in assets.

 

On this episode, Mo picks Ben’s brain on what first pulled him into the idea of buying a Saudi football club and why, out of all the options, he chose Al-Khulood FC. They get into what surprised him most about Saudi society since getting involved, and where he sees the Saudi league heading over the next decade, especially when it comes to breaking into the global rankings.

 

0:00 Intro

2:22 Early Life

5:05 Buying In: Reactions Barriers

8:32 Fan Experience

12:06 Why Saudi Football

17:19 Media Digital Strategy

22:38 Pre-Ronaldo League Momentum

31:29 Why Al-Kholood FC?

42:23 Saudi Talent

46:00 Facilities Overhaul

52:01 Privatization, Risk Sustainability

59:50 Vision, Season Start Message To Fans

1:06:35 Saudi’s AI & Tech Future

1:11:04 Food, Hobbies & Love For Football

1:16:18 Advice & Risk Taking

1:19:07 Message To Fans

1:23:20 Closing Remarks


Hosted by Mo Islam, The Mo Show is a conversation held in English, rooted in the daily rhythms and broader narratives of life in Saudi Arabia. This podcast moves beyond headlines to explore the textures of local society and the diverse cultural currents shaping the region. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair for a candid discussion, where personal stories and thoughtful observations reveal the complexities and warmth of a community in flux. You’ll hear from a variety of voices-locals and long-term residents, artists and entrepreneurs, everyday people with compelling perspectives-all contributing to a richer, more nuanced picture. The conversations are unscripted and meandering in the best way, often uncovering unexpected connections between tradition and modernity, or between individual dreams and collective identity. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine sense of place, a listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s for anyone curious about the human stories behind the social and cultural evolution within the Kingdom, presented not as a lecture but as an ongoing, engaging dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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