Top 15 highest paid footballers in Saudi Pro League 2023-24

Two former Real Madrid teammates are the highest earners

The Saudi Pro League has quickly risen through the ranks of international football, becoming a hotbed for star-studded signings and lucrative paychecks. Originally home to Saudi talent, the League has expanded its horizons, now attracting footballers from every corner of the globe.

Aided by significant financial investments, the League has become a dazzling talent showcase, featuring some of the biggest names in football history. The appeal of fresh challenges, coupled with the promise of a rich cultural experience, has made the Saudi Pro League a compelling destination.

However, the primary magnet remains the astronomical salaries offered to the players, often surpassing those in the traditional footballing powerhouses of Europe. This article will take a deep dive into the world of big-money signings and exorbitant annual salaries as we examine the top ten highest paid footballers in Saudi Arabia.

Top 10 footballers with the highest annual wages in the Saudi Pro League:

15. Ruben Neves - €14 million

Starting our list is Ruben Neves, the technical maestro formerly of Wolves. Neves' skill and vision in the midfield make him a valuable asset to any team, as reflected in his €14 million annual salary. His adaptation to the Saudi Pro League has been seamless, much to the delight of his team and fans.

14. Seko Fofana - €15 million

In ninth place, we find Seko Fofana, whose tenacity and strength are worth €15 million per year to his Saudi employers. Fofana's power-packed performances from his time at Lens made him an exciting prospect for the League, a decision well justified by his current displays.

13. Jota - €15 million

Matching Fofana's earnings, Jota holds the eighth spot on our list. The former Benfica winger has electrifying speed and his dribbling skills are a sight to behold. His €15 million annual salary underscores his significance to his team and the excitement he brings to the Saudi Pro League.

12. Sergej Milinkovic Savic - €20 million

Sergej Milinkovic Savic, a midfield powerhouse from Lazio, occupies the seventh spot. Savic's robust performances and command on the field have proven to be worth every bit of his €20 million salary. His impressive transition to the Saudi Pro League is a testament to his calibre.

11. Roberto Firmino - €20 million

Former Liverpool forward Firmino claims the sixth spot with an annual salary of €22 million. Known for his unique style of play, Firmino's skills have brought an intriguing dimension to the League. His knack for creating opportunities and scoring goals ensures his place among the top earners.

10. Fabinho - €22 million

Fabinho had a successful career at Liverpool. The Brazilian won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds. He left the club along with Jordan Henderson to play in Saudi Arabia.

9. Marcelo Brozovic - €25 million

The Croatian international Brozovic left Inter Milan in the summer. His impressive work rate and strategic plays make his €25 million salary a worthwhile investment. Brozovic's experience and leadership qualities bring crucial balance to his team.

8. Kalidou Koulibaly - €25 million

Former Napoli and Chelsea's defensive wall, Koulibaly, share the fifth spot. With a €35 million salary, Koulibaly's unyielding defensive skills offer his team a sense of solidity, earning him a rightful place on the high earners' list.

7. Sadio Mane - €40 million

Sadio Mane left Bayern Munich after a disappointing 2022-23 season according to his standards. The forward decided to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and will look to entertain everyone with his skills.

6. Jordan Henderson - €42 million

The former Liverpool captain decided to join former teammate Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq. Liverpool bought some new faces to their midfield and Henderson decided to move on. Now he will look to earn some success under the management of Steven Gerrard. The England international is the highest paid footballer in his team.

5. Riyad Mahrez - €52 million

Riyad Mahrez won the treble with Manchester City and then decided to leave the club in the summer of 2023. The Al-Ahli winger won numerous titles in England, including the Premier League with Leicester City and Manchester City.

4. Neymar - €80 million

Al-Hilal were desperate to add Neymar's former teammate Kylian Mbappe to their team. They made a world record bid but the Frenchman had no intentions to join the Saudi club. Neymar was unsettled at PSG and left the French champions to join Al-Hilal. He is one of the biggest names to join the Saudi league.

3. N'Golo Kante - €100 million

The third-highest earner in the Saudi Pro League is the dynamic N'Golo Kante. Renowned for his exceptional midfield control and inexhaustible energy, Kante's contributions warrant a massive €100 million annual salary. His consistent performances make him a priceless asset to his team.

2. Karim Benzema - €200 million

French striker Karim Benzema claims the second spot on our list. His precision in front of the goal and stellar link-up play are worth a staggering €200 million per year. Benzema's inclusion in the league signifies its capacity to attract world-class talents.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - €200 million

Topping our list is football's colossal figure, Cristiano Ronaldo. Known for his extraordinary ability to turn games around, Ronaldo's annual salary matches Benzema's, standing at €200 million. His on-field magic and off-field charisma make him the highest-earning individual in the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi league's monetary prowess has brought it to the forefront of global football. As the league continues to evolve, its ability to draw top-tier talent looks set to strengthen further, enriching the football landscape of Saudi Arabia. With their exorbitant salaries, these ten players exemplify the wealth and allure that the league now possesses.

Last updated on 14 August, 2023