In the space of just a few years, the Saudi Pro League has radically transformed global football’s financial landscape. With astronomical wages and world-class talent migrating to the Gulf, the league has turned into one of the most lucrative destinations for elite footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off the revolution in 2023, and since then, the money — and the stars — have kept pouring in. Today, players who once graced the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga are now earning sums that rival or even eclipse Europe’s top contracts.
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Here’s a look at the ten highest-paid footballers currently playing in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.
10. Aymeric Laporte – €24.5 Million per Year
Laporte was once a cornerstone of Manchester City’s defense under Pep Guardiola. But as competition grew and new signings emerged, he gradually slipped out of the spotlight.
In August 2023, he made the switch to Al-Nassr. While his presence might not dominate headlines like it used to, his bank account certainly does. Earning €24.5 million annually, the Spain international is one of the highest-paid defenders in the world.
9. Aleksandar Mitrovic – €25 Million per Year
Few strikers embrace physical battles like Mitrovic — and that hasn’t changed since his move to Al Hilal. In his debut season, he replicated the scoring form he showed in England’s Championship, racking up 40 goals in 43 games.
Rumors of a Premier League return have swirled, but financially, such a move seems improbable. For now, Mitrovic looks content dominating in Riyadh.
8. Sergej Milinković-Savić – €25 Million per Year
For years, Milinković-Savić was a hot commodity on the European market, often linked with Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG. Instead, he took a bold step in 2023, leaving Lazio for Al Hilal in a €40 million deal.
Now among the Pro League’s elite midfielders, the Serbian playmaker continues to showcase his trademark strength and flair — albeit under far less scrutiny than in Italy.
7. N’Golo Kanté – €25 Million per Year
A World Cup winner and midfield dynamo, Kanté has long been admired not just for his footballing brilliance, but for his humility.
Since joining Al Ittihad, Kanté has quietly become one of the best-paid players in the league. From driving a Mini Cooper to now owning a fleet of supercars, the Frenchman’s story remains rooted in gratitude and quiet excellence — both on and off the pitch.
6. Ivan Toney – €25.51 Million per Year
Toney made headlines both for his goal-scoring exploits and a long suspension that sidelined him for months. But he returned with flair — scoring on his comeback and reclaiming a place in England’s national team.
In 2025, he made the leap to Al Ahli in a €40 million transfer. With 40 goals in 43 games in his first season, Toney has firmly cemented himself as one of the top strikers in the Pro League.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly – €34.7 Million per Year
From humble beginnings in France to stardom in Napoli and Chelsea, Koulibaly’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring.
Now with Al Hilal, he brings veteran leadership and rock-solid defending to one of the league’s most ambitious clubs. His wages reflect both his talent and the inspirational journey that brought him here.
4. Sadio Mané – €40 Million per Year
After a dazzling spell at Liverpool, Mané’s move to Bayern Munich didn’t go as planned. But his transfer to Al-Nassr helped him rediscover some form.
Though not always at his peak, Mané has continued to contribute — both on the pitch and in his native Senegal, where he’s invested millions in community development. With 37 goals in 97 games and a heart bigger than his paycheck, he remains a global fan favorite.
3. Karim Benzema – €50 Million per Year
With a Ballon d’Or and five Champions League titles, Benzema came to Saudi Arabia as one of the game’s most decorated forwards.
He wasted no time making his mark at Al Ittihad, leading the club to a historic double and scoring 21 goals in his second season. Even at 37, his impact remains immense — and so does his salary.
2. Riyad Mahrez – €52.2 Million per Year
From helping Leicester City pull off the unthinkable to winning a treble with Manchester City, Mahrez’s career has been a highlight reel.
His move to Al Ahli came with an eye-watering salary — but the trophies didn’t stop. He added an AFC Champions League Elite title to his cabinet and continues to dazzle defenders in Saudi Arabia.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – €200 Million per Year
Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just the highest-paid footballer in Saudi Arabia — he’s the highest-paid athlete on the planet.
Since his move to Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has continued to break records, netting 35 goals in one season and 20 the next. With a contract reportedly including a private jet allowance, personal staff, and even a stake in the club, the Portuguese icon remains the face of the league.
Closing in on the mythical 1,000-goal mark, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down at 40 — especially with €200 million a year as motivation.
Whether it’s redemption, retirement planning, or chasing new adventures, one thing is clear — the Saudi Pro League has become football’s most lucrative playground.