Cristiano Ronaldo earns twice as much as Karim Benzema and Neymar as report highlights top 10 highest-paid footballers in Saudi Pro League
A recent report has revealed the top 10 highest-paid footballers in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo earning twice as much as Karim Benzema. The legendary Portuguese forward also takes home double of Brazilian superstar Neymar's pay.
Ronaldo was the first major player to make the switch from Europe to the Middle East, joining Al-Nassr in January 2023. His move to the Arabian sands saw a surge, with several European footballers opting to turn to the Middle East after their long careers.
The biggest names to move to Saudi Arabia include the likes of Karim Benzema, who opted for a switch to Al-Ittihad after winning the Ballon d'Or with Real Madrid.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top 10 highest-paid footballers in Saudi Arabia, according to a report from Capology (via Sport Bible):
#10 Aymeric Laporte - €24.5 million per year
After leaving Manchester City in August 2023, where he won six Premier League titles, Laporte opted to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr. He earns an impressive €24.5 million per year.
#9 N'Golo Kante - €25 million per year
N'Golo Kante left Chelsea a legend, winning the Premier League, Europa League, and UEFA Champions League with them. He earns €25 million every year at Al-Ittihad, where he plays with Karim Benzema.
#8 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - €25 million per year
After spending the vast majority of his career at Lazio, Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic made the switch to Al-Hilal in July 2023. Like Kante, he earns €25 million per year.
#7 Aleksandar Mitrovic - €25 million per year
Like his fellow Al-Hilal and Serbia teammate, Aleksandar Mitrovic rakes in €25 million each year. After an impressive career with Fulham, he has moved to Saudi Arabia, where he has scored 40 goals in 43 games.
#6 Kalidou Koulibaly - €34.7 million per year
The third Al-Hilal player to make this list, Kalidou Koulibaly left Chelsea after spending a single sub-par season at Stamford Bridge. His time in the Middle East, which has seen Hilal win the Saudi Pro League and King's Cup, sees the defender earn €34.7 million per year.
#5 Sadio Mane - €40 million per year
After a lengthy career at Liverpool and a short, sub-par stint at Bayern Munich, Sadio Mane joined up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. He currently rakes in a remarkable € 40million per year.
#4 Riyad Mahrez - €52.5 million per year
Like Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez decided to leave Manchester City for a stint in Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al-Ahli. The Algerian winger currently earns a stunning €52.5 million per year.
#3 Neymar Jr - €100 million per year
Raking in nearly double what Mahrez earns, Neymar Jr takes home a staggering €100 million per year. The Brazilian legend has played just five games for Al-Hilal, though, as he suffered a knee ligament damage and has been on the sidelines.
#2 Karim Benzema - €100 million per year
Just like Neymar, Karim Benzema rakes in a breathtaking €100 million per year. The 33-year-old has not been able to lead Al-Ittihad, his new employers, to any titles or trophies so far.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - €200 million per year
Sitting well ahead of the pack and doubling Karim Benzema's wages with a mind-boggling €200 million take-home per year is Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary striker started the surge of European players turning to the Middle East, and the Saudis are rewarding him handsomely.