The rise of the Saudi Pro League in the world of football has taken on proportions that no one expected. Aside from the amounts of money being handled in this league, the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo after the World Cup in Qatar has been an attraction for some of the best players in the European leagues. These are the 10 highest-paid players in the world:
10. Kalidou Koulibaly (€30m)
Koulibaly was one of the highest-paid center-backs in Europe, but his season at Chelsea didn’t end well, and he decided to join Al-Hilal, also under some pressure as Chelsea had to sell. He sneaks into the “Top 10” of the highest-paid footballers and is the highest-paid defender in history.
9. Riyad Mahrez (35 million euros)
Despite playing an important role in Guardiola’s plans for Manchester City, Mahrez was unsure about playing for the team for several seasons and has decided to give up his career and sign with Al-Ahli to settle into the never-ending List of signings ranked in this league.
8. Jordan Henderson (€40m)
The end of Liverpool’s cycle coincided precisely with the rise of the Saudi Pro League, and Jordan Henderson knew how to use that moment to sign with Al-Ettifaq, where he met Steven Gerrard.
7. Sadio Mane (€40m)
His departure from Liverpool was a bit like the end of his career in Europe, as the season he spent at Bayern Munich was not good. After going through his ups and downs with some guys from German teams, he has decided to launch one of the most promising attacks in the league together with Cristiano Ronaldo.
6. Lionel Messi (€45m)
His departure from PSG seemed certain; only the goal was unclear. Despite Saudi League efforts to sign the Argentine, Messi opted to join Inter Miami for €45 million a year, and it was there that he became the star of MLS.
5. Kylian Mbappé (€70m)
The first (and only) on the list to be set in Europe When PSG offered him $70 million a year last summer to avoid his Real Madrid exit, it seemed an irresistible and unattainable number, but now it’s another deal. Mbappé’s contract ends next summer, so this salary could increase with his new contract, be it inside or outside of PSG.
4. N’Golo Kanté (100 million euros)
The Frenchman has been one of the best players in recent years and rejected Chelsea’s extension proposal to do the same as Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad. Kanté will earn €100 million a year during his stay in Saudi Arabia, which currently runs until 2026.
3. Neymar Jr (€100m)
Neymar is the latest addition to the Saudi Pro League and is creeping up the podium of this list. His signature for Al Hilal When he asked to leave PSG, it was pretty quick, and he ended up on one of the teams that have been strengthened the most in this transfer market.
2. Karim Benzema (€200m)
The Frenchman had the option to stay at Real Madrid for another year, as winning the Ballon d’Or in Madrid activates a one-year extension clause. However, he decided to switch and join Al-Ittihad for the next three seasons. He is currently the second-highest-paid player.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (€200m)
Cristiano Ronaldo took a leap of faith when he signed for Al-Nassr in January, but eight months later he made the Saudi League one of the biggest by name. He is currently the highest-paid player in the world, with a contract until 2025 earning him €200 million a year.
