In the football season of 2023/24, a significant shift occurred as numerous prominent players from Europe’s elite clubs decided to transfer to the Saudi Pro League, following the groundbreaking move of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in December 2022.
Ronaldo’s transfer set a precedent, drawing more football stars to the Middle East. Players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, among others, were enticed by the opportunity for a fresh challenge and, notably, the lucrative financial rewards.
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Ronaldo stands out as the highest-earning player in the league, with his substantial weekly salary turning the Saudi Pro League into a more prominent and watched football destination. The list of top earners in the league as of January 11, 2024, is quite revealing. Cristiano Ronaldo leads at Al-Nassr with an astounding weekly income of £3.32 million.
He’s followed by Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad and Neymar at Al-Hilal, each earning £1.66 million weekly. Others on the list include Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and several more, with weekly salaries ranging impressively from over £800k to about £400k, showcasing the financial muscle of the Saudi Pro League.
Full list of top football earners in the Saudi Pro League
See the full list below:
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr (Earning £3.32 million/week): Cristiano Ronaldo’s groundbreaking transfer to Al-Nassr not only made him the highest-paid footballer but also set a new trend in the football world. His remarkable earnings are unmatched, with him earning double that of his closest competitor. Since joining in January 2023, Ronaldo has been a phenomenal success, showcasing his legendary skills by scoring the highest number of goals in 2023 and significantly boosting the prestige of the Saudi Pro League.
- Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad (Earning £1.66 million/week): Leaving Real Madrid, Benzema embraced a new challenge at Al-Ittihad with a staggering three-year contract worth £172 million. Despite his age of 35, he’s earning an astonishing amount, more than half a billion over three years. His transition hasn’t been as smooth as Ronaldo’s, with some difficulties in adapting, but his performance with 12 goals and five assists is commendable.
- Neymar‘s move to Al-Hilal (Earning £1.66 million/week): Neymar’s transfer from Paris to Al-Hilal was unexpected, especially as the most expensive player in cumulative transfer fees. His time at Al-Hilal has been challenging due to a severe ACL injury, limiting his appearances. Despite this, there’s potential for Neymar to recover and justify his hefty weekly salary.
- Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli (Earning £865.7k/week): Mahrez, while earning less than the top three, has significantly increased his income compared to his time at Manchester City. His contributions to Al-Ahli have been notable, with nine goals and seven assists, demonstrating the same prowess he showed in the Premier League.
- Sadio Mane’s move to Al-Nassr (Earning £663.4k/week): After a challenging year at Bayern Munich, Mane joined Al-Nassr, aligning with Ronaldo. His annual salary of £33 million marks him as one of the top earners and represents a new chapter following his mixed experience in the Bundesliga.
- Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq (Earning £663.4k/week): Henderson’s departure from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq for £34 million annually was unexpected and hasn’t gone well. Reports suggest he’s keen to return to the Premier League, facing a potential tax bill if he breaks his contract.
- Kalidou Koulibaly’s move to Al-Hilal (Earning £575.5k/week): After a tough year at Chelsea, Koulibaly doubled his income by joining Al-Hilal. His performance has been more consistent in Saudi Arabia, helping lead the team in defense and moving past his Premier League challenges.
- Aleksandar Mitrovic’s move to Al-Hilal (Earning £414.6k/week): Post a strong season at Fulham, Mitrovic made a lucrative move to Al-Hilal, significantly increasing his earnings. His impressive goal-scoring record has proved his worth in the Saudi League.
- N’Golo Kante’s move to Al-Ittihad (Earning £414.6k/week): Kante, facing challenges at Chelsea, significantly boosted his income by joining Al-Ittihad. His consistent presence in the team shows his ongoing value despite Chelsea’s decision to let him go.
- Sergej Milinković-Savić’s move to Al-Hilal (Earning £414.6k/week): Milinković-Savić, previously linked with the Premier League, quadrupled his wages by moving to Al-Hilal. His strong start with nine goals and five assists has been a major factor in Al-Hilal’s success. The midfielder’s impact in the Saudi League, particularly with his goal contributions, has been substantial, proving his worth in the competitive league.
