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The Saudi League
The Saudi League has become a hotbed for some of the world’s biggest stars in recent years, with clubs in the competition willing to pay astronomical wages to attract top talent. This has led to a situation where the top 10 highest-paid footballers in the league are all earning over £15 million per year. Here is a look at who the highest-paid footballers are:
10. Roberto Firmino – £17 million
After signing with Liverpool in 2015, Firmino was a key player in the team’s success. The attacking midfielder has won the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. In 2023, Firmino left Liverpool for the Saudi League.
9. Marcelo Brozovic – £20 million
Brozovic went from having played in the Champions League final in his last match with Inter Milan — as team captain — to the Saudi League earlier this year. This means his experience and leadership qualities bring crucial balance to his team.
8. Kalidou Koulibaly – £30 million
Considered to be one of the best defenders in the world, and known for his physical strength, aerial ability, and tackling skills, Kalidou joined Al-Hilal in 2022 after playing for the Italian team Napoli since 2014.
7. Sadio Mane – £33 million
Mane signed for Premier League club Liverpool in 2016, for a reported fee of £34 million, making him the most expensive African player in history at that time. He left Liverpool for Bayern Munich in 2022, after which he joined the Saudi League earlier this year. While Mane is a popular figure inside of football for his passing and dribbling skills, he is also known for his commitment to social causes and is a UNICEF ambassador.
6. Jordan Henderson – £36 million
Jordan Henderson was Liverpool F.C. captain from 2015 to 2023 before he decided to join the Saudi Pro League. He remains the highest-paid footballer on his team.
5. Riyad Mahrez – £44 million
Algerian national football player Riyad Mahrez was with Manchester City for nearly 6 years before signing with the Saudi League. Known for his powerful left foot, Mahrez is number 5 on the list of highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.
4. N’Golo Kante – £86.2 million
Renowned for his exceptional midfield control and inexhaustible energy, Kante makes number 4 on the list of highest-paid footballers in the Saudi League. His consistent performance means he is a priceless asset to his team.
3. Neymar – £138 million
One of the biggest names to join the Saudi League, Neymar, or “the fastest man on Earth”, has scored at least 100 goals for three different clubs, making him one of the few players to achieve this feat. This is why Neymar makes the top 3 highest-paid footballers in the Saudi League.
2. Karim Benzema – £172 million
Real Madrid’s all-time second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider, Benzema is worth the staggering £172 million per year. He joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad football club on a three-year deal in June 2023.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £173 million
A man who needs no introduction, Ronaldo and his extraordinary ability to turn games around is why his salary closely matches Benzema’s, standing at £173 million yearly. He is also the most followed person on Instagram, with over 600 million followers.
As the Saudi League continues to grow and evolve, it will continue to draw top-tier talent. With their exorbitant salaries, these ten players exemplify the wealth and allure that the league now possesses.
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