Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, Sadio Mané-the giants of world soccer who, in the last years, have swapped the European spotlight for the Saudi desert, as the Saudi Pro League is fast becoming the new home for superstars. However, talent does not seem to be what catches the eye. What stands out are the astronomical salaries that these stars gain in the Saudi league. The figures, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the chart, are as jaw-dropping as the goals they score.
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Top: Cristiano Ronaldo - $285 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo is doubtless the star of this new era of the Saudi Pro League. The moment he joined Al-Nassr in late 2022, it was crystal clear that the Portuguese icon wasn't just switching clubs but was entering a new phase of his career, and that is reflected in his salary. According to multiple reports, which refer to "Al Sharq News," Ronaldo pockets a whopping $285 million per year, salary and endorsement combined. For comparison, that is over twice as much as the second-place finisher, Neymar, takes in.
The reason he chose this massive contract with Al-Nassr is not only to keep playing in top condition but forms part of the consolidation of his brand worldwide. Saudi Arabia is investing big in turning its league into a soccer powerhouse, and Ronaldo is the cornerstone of that project.
Neymar: The Financial Giant at Al-Hilal
Second to Ronaldo is Neymar, who comes with an equally astonishing deal: the Brazilian joined Al-Hilal in 2023 and is pocketing $110 million annually-end $80 million in salary and another $30 million from endorsements. No longer playing in Europe, Neymar still remains one of the most marketable figures in world soccer, and his move to Saudi Arabia heralds a developing trend of superstars moving for fresh options away from Europe.
But incredibly, it is on the pitch where the magic happens. Neymar, an athlete who had sold tickets and drawn eyes to himself both on and off the pitch, found in the Saudi Pro League the perfect stage to continue developing his personal brand, while earning really good money in return.
Benzema and Mané: Two New Stars in Saudi Arabia
Standing just behind Ronaldo and Neymar on the list of salaries is another global soccer icon: Karim Benzema. The French forward joined Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid and pockets $104 million each year. While Benzema does not attract the same media attention as Ronaldo or Neymar, this is an exceptionally talented player. Already, his experience and skills have raised the level of competition in the Saudi Pro League.
Sadio Mané has also joined the high-salary club. The Senegalese forward now at Al-Nassr with Ronaldo, pockets an approximate $52 million per year. The wage compared to his colleagues may be modest, but it is enough to put him in one of the highly paid places in the world. With his speed and skill, Mané has turned into one of the most important players in the league, proving that the Saudi Pro League does not just sign stars to seek attention, building a competitive soccer environment.
The Financial Powerhouse: Saudi Money in Soccer
One cannot talk about such a rise for the Saudi Pro League and not bring up the financial factor. According to a report by Al Sharq News, Saudi clubs spent $431 million on transfers during the last window alone. A number that shows how keen Saudi Arabia is about making its league a global benchmark, these are numbers which would immediately place the Saudi Pro League on the radar of any player looking for new challenges-and massive paychecks.
This is, admittedly, a financial push, which is part of a greater strategy: to turn the Saudi Pro League into an elite competition that can rival Europe's biggest leagues. What better way to do so than to bring stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema into the fold? These are not just sports stars-they are ambassadors for the league's brand. As such names sign on, Saudi Arabia is not only gaining fans but also sponsors and investors who regard the league as a frontier where opportunities knock.
What's the Limit?
These stars' arrival in the Saudi Pro League begs another question: How far is Saudi soccer going to go? While, on one hand, it is crystal clear that the country does not show any signs of reluctance to invest in boosting the competitiveness of the league and luring the best players of the world, on the other hand, many questions remain as to whether this model will be sustainable over the long term.
Securing big names pays off, but if the league wants this growth to be sustainable, it needs to invest in local talent and establish a grassroots system with clubs and competitions. If current investments continue in this vein, then Saudi Arabia seems on pace for global soccer supremacy. But whether players and fans worldwide will take on this new reality as genuinely their own remains to be seen.