The Saudi Pro League has tried to shake up the current football landscape, attracting big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar JR, Karim Benzema, and soon N’Golo Kante. Despite the difference in playing quality, these players are drawn by the significant amounts of money the clubs offer.
Because of that, The Saudi Professional League has become increasingly popular. This has attracted sponsors and advertisers, resulting in profitable sponsorship agreements. The broadcasting rights for TV coverage have also been sold for significant amounts, making the league one of the wealthiest in football.
Highest-Paid Players In The Saudi Pro League
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Club: Al-Nassr
- Weekly wage: £3.6 million
- Salary: £173 million
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr, commands attention as the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League. His move to Saudi Arabia was a major coup for the league. Ronaldo’s presence on the pitch is undeniable as he showcases his extraordinary skills and goal-scoring ability.
His amazing skills, talent, and star power have elevated the profile of the Saudi Pro League and attracted fans worldwide.
2. Neymar JR
Neymar has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal. The Brazilian forward will earn a staggering $300 million in the two years, which could go up to $400 million, including add-ons and other commercial deals.
Neymar joined PSG 2017 from Barcelona for a world record transfer fee of €222 million. He made 173 appearances for the Parisian club, scoring 118 goals and providing 73 assists. Fans will keep a keen eye on how the Brazilian ace fares in Saudi Arabia.
- Club: Al-Hilal
- Weekly wage: £2.5 million
- Salary: £90 million
See Also – Where to live stream Saudi Pro league live online
3. Karim Benzema
- Club: Al-Ittihad
- Weekly wage: £3.58 million
- Salary: £172 million
Karim Benzema, the renowned French striker, moved significantly from Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema’s signing marked a major statement of intent by the club. Benzema is known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and technical skills, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
His arrival in the Saudi Pro League adds a new dimension to the league’s profile and promises an exciting chapter in his career.
4. Ever Banega
- Club: Al-Shabab
- Weekly wage: £176,000
- Salary: £9.1 million
Ever Banega, the talented Argentine midfielder, moved to Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League after enjoying success with Sevilla, including winning the UEFA Europa League in 2020. Banega’s arrival brought a wealth of experience and creativity to the team.
As the captain of Al-Shabab, he played a key role in the club’s performances during his first two seasons. However, the 2022/23 season saw him register only a limited number of league appearances. Banega remains an influential figure in Saudi Arabian football.
5. Matheus Pereira
- Club: Al-Wahda
- Weekly wage: £107,000
- Salary: £5.5 million
Matheus Pereira, the Brazilian midfielder, made a surprising decision to join Al-Wahda in 2021 after showcasing his talent in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion.
Despite West Brom’s relegation, Pereira’s performances stood out, leading to interest from clubs worldwide. However, Pereira’s time in the Saudi Pro League has been challenging, leading to a loan spell at Al-Hilal.
6. Anderson Talisca
- Club: Al-Nassr
- Weekly wage: £100,000
- Salary: £5.17 million
Anderson Talisca, the Brazilian playmaker, has made a significant impact since joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Known for his skillful and creative style of play, Talisca has impressed fans with his performances on the pitch.
In the 2022/23 season, he finished second in the league’s scoring charts Talisca’s contributions have been vital in Al-Nassr’s success.
7. Ahmed Hegazi
- Club: Al-Ittihad
- Weekly wage: £97,000
- Salary: £5.01 million
Ahmed Hegazi, the Egyptian defender, has significantly impacted since joining Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. After captaining his former club, West Bromwich Albion, Hegazi brought his amazing presence and skills to the Saudi league.
His leadership qualities and defensive skills have been instrumental in Al-Ittihad’s success. Hegazi’s transition to Saudi Arabia has allowed him to elevate his career and compete alongside top-class players.
8. Moussa Marega
- Club: Al-Hilal
- Weekly wage: £78,000
- Salary: £4.28 million
Moussa Marega, the striker who previously spent his entire senior career in Portugal, made a move to Al-Hilal in 2021. Known for his physicality and goal-scoring abilities, Marega enjoyed a successful debut season in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 13 goals. His contributions and experience on the field have been valuable to Al-Hilal.
9. Luciano Vietto
- Club: Al-Hilal
- Weekly wage: £77,000
- Salary: £4.26 million
Luciano Vietto, an Argentine forward, joined Al-Hilal after his European task in 2020. Although he had shown promise at Villarreal, Vietto has struggled to replicate that goal-scoring form in Saudi Arabia.
Vietto’s most impressive season came during his debut campaign in 2020/21 when he recorded eight goal contributions. However, in recent seasons, his impact on the field has diminished. Vietto will aim to rediscover his scoring touch and make a bigger impact for Al-Hilal.
10. Odion Ighalo
- Club: Al-Hilal
- Weekly wage: £72,000
- Salary: £3.74 million
Odion Ighalo, a Nigerian striker, joined Al-Hilal after his time at Manchester United. Known for his goal-scoring skills, Ighalo has proven himself in the Saudi Pro League by consistently finding the back of the net. In his previous club, Al-Shabab, he scored an impressive 22 goals in 32 appearances before moving to Al-Hilal in 2022.
Since joining Al-Hilal, Ighalo has continued to impress, ending the 2022/23 season as the league’s third-highest scorer with 19 goals in 27 games. Al-Hilal highly values Ighalo’s contributions to the team’s attack.
11. Gustavo Cuellar
- Club: Al-Hilal
- Weekly wage: £65,000
- Salary: £3.34 million
Gustavo Cuellar, a Colombian midfielder, has been a key player for Al-Hilal since joining the club in 2019. With 119 league appearances, Cuellar has showcased his steady and consistent performance in the Saudi Pro League. While his role in the national team set-up has recently decreased.
Cuellar’s impressive form for Al-Hilal has earned him recognition. His presence and contributions on the field make him an important asset for Al-Hilal’s success.
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Conclusion
The Saudi Pro League boasts an array of high-profile and highly-paid players who have made their mark in the league. From global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to talented individuals like Ever Banega and Matheus Pereira, these players have brought their skills and experience to the Middle East, elevating the level of competition in the league.
The substantial salaries and weekly wages they receive reflect the league’s ambition to attract top talent worldwide and establish itself as a competitive football destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are players attracted to the Saudi Pro League?
Players are attracted to the Saudi Pro League due to the opportunity to earn high salaries and experience a new footballing culture.
Are the salaries in the Saudi Pro League sustainable?
The sustainability of salaries in the Saudi Pro League depends on prudent financial management by clubs.
How does the presence of high-profile players benefit the Saudi Pro League?
The presence of high-profile players enhances the league’s profile, attracts more viewership, and contributes to its competitiveness.
Are there any restrictions on foreign players in the Saudi Pro League?
Yes, clubs are allowed a maximum of seven foreign players in their squad, including one player from an AFC member association.
