Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in December, several big names have been linked with the Saudi Arabian Pro League. Here’s a list of the top 10 players in the Saudi Pro League.
1. CRISTIANO RONALDO- AL-NASSR
Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, regardless of his current stint in the Saudi Pro League. His remarkable career goal tally of 838 speaks volumes for the Portuguese icon, who made the move to the new league slightly ahead of the other European players.
He has currently scored 10 goals in a total of 8 games played; he has also made 5 assists for his team al-nassr this season. The 37-year-old has signed a deal with Al-Nassr until 2025 and will receive the biggest salary in the history of the game, worth a grand total of €177m per year.
So far Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 24 goals in 24 appearances for Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League. Overall, he has scored 31 goals in 36 games for the Riyadh-based team. Two of these goals earned them a team trophy.
2. NEYMAR- AL HILAL
Wherever Neymar has played in his entire career, he has been the most fouled player on the field. Due to his quick feet and electric pace, it is difficult for the defenders to stop him.
The 31-year-old called his time in Europe and has now joined the Saudi Pro League, becoming one of the big superstars to join the league, he is one of the two best players of our generation to play in the league. After signing with Al Hilal, he has become the highest-paid player in the world and has been handed some luxurious perks in his contract.
In his latest endeavor for Al-Hilal, the Brazilian came off the bench in the second half of his first taste of Saudi Pro League action, as Al-Hilal sailed a 6-1 victory over Al-Riyadh. The Samba star has signed a two-year contract that is expected to earn him an annual salary of about $100 million.
3. KARIM BENZEMA -AL-ITTIHAD
The footballing realm was left astonished when it was revealed that reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Benzema, would be making a move to Al-Ittihad, marking the end of a decade filled with numerous trophies at Real Madrid.
Having scored an impressive 354 goals for the Spanish giants, the Frenchman established himself as one of the finest strikers globally. Benzema has five Champions League titles and one Ballon d’Or award that he won in 2022, making him one of the best numbers to ever wear the Real Madrid jersey.
Also Read: Karim Benzema: Early Life, Clubs, Family, Net Worth, Career and Stats
For his debut match in the Arab Club Champions Cup, he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Tunisian side Esperance. Karim Benzema said that his religion was a key factor in persuading him to join the Saudi Arabian side of Al-Ittihad.
4. RIYAD MAHREZ- AL AHLI
Mahrez is one of the best left-wingers to play in the Premier League; Manchester City offloaded him this season due to his decline in playing minutes last season. He was a part of Ranieri’s Leicester City team that won the 2015-16 Premier League season.
He contributed to 28 goals in his final season at Manchester City, scoring 15 and assisting 13. After signing a four-year deal with Al Ahli, it appears he will be one of the top players in the Saudi Pro League for some time.
In his first competitive game for the side, Mahrez provided his first assist to Roberto Firminho to take home 3 points against al-Hazem. The right winger has scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists in the 2023-2024 Saudi Pro League after playing 9 matches.
5. MOUSSA DEMBELE- AL-ETTIFAQ
The French Professional Footballer Plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. He was regarded as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe due to his excellent dribbling skills and ability to maintain possession. He made his debut against Al-Nassr and scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.
Dembele has a big chance to prove his mettle all the while receiving big pots of cash. In the 2023-24 season, he has currently scored an amazing 7 goals in 8 matches and made 1 assist.
6. SADIO MANE- AL NASSR
The 31-year-old Senegalese has joined Ronaldo and Talisca in Al Nassr’s attacking prowess; The trio can be dangerous this season. Sadio Mane had a perfect career with Liverpool; he helped them win their first Premier League title.
After his tenure at Liverpool, he was signed by Bayern Munich to be the man in the attack for the Bavarians, but due to injuries, a lack of playing time, and chemistry, he left the club only after spending one season there.
The Senegalese has a record of scoring the fastest hat trick in the premier league for his Southampton side in 2015. Sadio Mane opened his goal-scoring account for Al-Nassr against defending champions Al-Ettifaq in the early rounds of the Saudi Pro League.
7. NGOLO KANTE- AL-ITTIHAD
The French midfielder possesses immense defensive prowess and is relentless against any opponent. During the 2015/16 season, Kanté was arguably the most crucial player globally, given his pivotal role in Leicester City’s improbable Premier League triumph and his skills with the ball at his feet often went unnoticed, eventually earning him a move to Chelsea.
Notably, his arrival at Chelsea coincided with a transformation that led them to clinch a league victory of their own. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered his career progress in recent years, culminating in a disappointing end to his time in England.
The 32-year-old signed a contract worth 86 million pounds with table toppers Al-Itthad and is currently making his presence felt on Saudi soil. He has played 9 matches and scored one goal and also provided 2 assists.
8. MARCELO BROZOVIC-AL-NASSR
The Croatian professional midfielder signed for Al-Nassr this season. Brozovic possesses a unique blend of defensive solidity and exceptional ball control, making him a formidable challenge for opposing teams to handle.
Fresh from a stellar season, the Croatian player played a crucial role in Inter Milan’s impressive run, narrowly missing out on winning the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, he was a key figure in his country’s success, aiding them to secure a third-place finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside renowned players like Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
He has currently played eight Saudi pro league matches and provided an assist, Brozovic has also proved his potential in the AFC Champions League playing 3 matches and scoring 1 goal.
9. SERGEJ MILINKOVIC-SAVIC –AL-HILAL
Lazio bids farewell to one of their key players this summer as midfielder, Milinkovic-Savic, departs after an impressive eight-year tenure. The Serbian international leaves behind a notable legacy as the highest-scoring midfielder in the club’s history, having netted an impressive 57 goals.
He is great on the ball and can break opponent defenses to provide measured assists to his fellow teammates. He has currently scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in 7 matches so far.
10. SALEM ALDWASARI –AL NASSR
Salem is a homegrown talent and plays as a winger for Saudi pro league club Al-Hilal and the Saudi Arabia national team. Many football fans would remember the efforts of Salem Al-Dawsari when the Saudi Men’s national football team faced Argentina in the group stages.
That said, he is one of the most influential players at Al Hilal alongside Odion Ighalo. He has been a key player for the club in the last three years as they won the league title consecutively. Currently, Salem has played 9 matches and scored 6 goals for his side.