Few leagues in the world of soccer have matched the spending on player wages over the last 12 months, like the Saudi Pro League. This competition has gained international attention by signing some of the biggest names from the European game, with Saudi clubs offering staggering wages to attract top talent. While most of us may never see such earnings in our lifetime, we can still profit from the game by exploring 7 tips for making real money from online football betting. The popularity of betting on the stars of the Saudi Pro League has soared, but who are these high-earning players? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the soccer superstars commanding top dollar in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo
There is little surprise to see Cristiano Ronaldo rank among the highest earners in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar ended his long and esteemed career in Europe after falling out with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. The Red Devils released their prized asset, and he was quickly picked up by Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr quickly made the legendary star the highest-paid player in the competition, with Ronaldo signing a deal with $4.1 million per week. The 39-year-old is enjoying a stellar season in the Saudi Pro League this term after netting 32 goals in 33 appearances. However, Al-Nassr has work to do if they are to end the campaign as the champions.
Karim Benzema
Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate also ranks among the highest earners in the Saudi Pro League this term, as Karim Benzema signed a deal worth a staggering $2 million per week with Al-Ittihad. The striker is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the history of the game, and he departed Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 after winning 24 major trophies with the Spanish giants.
His biggest victories for the club came in the Champions League after winning the European title on five occasions. It hasn’t been easy for Benzema to settle in the Middle East, but he has still scored 15 goals in 25 matches across all competitions. However, there have been widespread reports that the striker is looking to leave the Saudi Pro League in the near future.
Neymar
There are few more talented players in soccer than Brazilian superstar Neymar. The 32-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, but he called time on his stay in the European game when signing for Al Hilal in the summer of 2023. He was rewarded with moving to the Middle East by signing a deal worth around $2 million per week.
Neymar achieved major success throughout his career in Europe, forming a dynamic partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to win the treble at Barcelona. However, his stay in Spain ended when agreeing a world-record deal to move to PSG. To this point, his time in the Middle East was troubled, as he has made just three appearances since sustaining an ACL injury.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez shocked European soccer fans in the summer of 2023 after announcing his decision to leave the recently crowned treble winners of Manchester City. The Algerian winger signed a deal worth over $1 million a week to sign for Al Ahli. Mahrez was an influential European player, forming an exciting partnership with Jamie Vardy in Leicester City’s memorable title-winning campaign in 2015-16.
His performances were honored by becoming the first Algerian player to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. He switched to Man City in 2018, winning the league title on four occasions, and was a key part of the treble-winning team in 2022-23. Mahrez has continued to play at a very high level in the Saudi Pro League this term, scoring nine goals in 21 appearances in the Saudi Arabian league.
Conclusion
There has been no shortage of legendary stars switching to the Saudi Pro League over the last 12 months, and the success and wages on offer ensure that it continues to be a trend that will remain for the next couple of seasons. Rumors have already begun to speculate which players could be the next to take millions in wages from the Saudi Pro League, with Man United stars such as Raphael Varane, Casemiro, and Antony, along with the most likely European stars that could be set to play in the division from the start of next season.