The Saudi Pro League has made significant strides in the footballing world with its recent acquisitions of high-profile players, demonstrating its emergence as a competitive force.
The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in January 2023 was a major breakthrough, as it is uncommon for a player of his caliber to move to a non-traditional footballing destination. This transfer highlighted the league's financial prowess, offering Ronaldo a lucrative 200 million euro contract to join Al Nassr and signaling its commitment to attracting top talent.
In the summer transfer window that followed, the Saudi Pro League made headlines with significant signings. Established stars such as Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante decided to join defending champions Al Ittihad. This was made possible with the support of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. The league's focus was to use financial resources to strengthen football in Saudi Arabia.
The influx of talent was not limited to experienced players, as younger prospects also opted for moves to Saudi Arabia. Ruben Neves and Jota, highly regarded players at Wolverhampton Wanderers, made the decision to join the Saudi Pro League over prestigious European clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona. This shift indicated the league's increasing appeal and competitiveness on the global football landscape.
In addition to financial incentives, the Saudi Pro League's growth was bolstered by the appointment of renowned figures within the footballing community. Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England captain, took on the managerial role at Al Ettifaq, adding to the league's prestige and attracting further attention.
The successful signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and other prominent players underscore the Saudi Pro League's financial strength and ambition. These transfers demonstrate the league's ability to attract established stars and emerging talents, highlighting its competitiveness and appeal. The involvement of the Public Investment Fund and the appointments of esteemed figures further contribute to the league's growing stature in Saudi Arabia and the global football community.
Here is a list of big names that moved to the Saudi Pro League.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 after his stint with Manchester United. The transfer created shockwaves due to his status as one of the best players in the world. He moved to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer and was offered a lucrative 200 million euro contract.
2. Karim Benzema
Benzema joined Al Ittihad, the defending champions of the Saudi Pro League. The transfer was a significant coup for the league, as Benzema is a highly regarded striker who had been playing for Real Madrid. He signed a three-year contract reportedly worth £84 million ($107 million) per year.
3. N'Golo Kante
Kante, a World Cup-winning midfielder, also joined Al Ittihad alongside Benzema. The transfer showcased the league's ambition to attract top talent, as Kante had been a key player for Chelsea in the Premier League. He signed a four-year contract reportedly worth £67.6 million ($86 million) per year.
4. Edouard Mendy
Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper who had achieved success with Chelsea, signed with Al Ahli. After three successful years at Chelsea, Mendy decided to move to the Saudi Pro League, adding further credibility to the league's growing stature.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly
Koulibaly, Mendy's former Chelsea teammate, joined Al Hilal. The talented center-back had spent just one season in the Premier League before opting for a move to Saudi Arabia. His signing strengthened Al Hilal's defense and highlighted the league's ability to attract players from top European clubs.
6. Ruben Neves
Neves, a promising midfielder who had been playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, chose a move to the Saudi Pro League over other reputed clubs. His decision to join an ambitious Saudi club demonstrated the league's increasing appeal to young talents.
7. Jota
Jota, another talented player from Wolverhampton Wanderers, also made the move to the Saudi Pro League. Like Neves, he opted for a move to Saudi Arabia, showcasing the league's ability to attract emerging talents.
8. Anderson Talisca
Talisca, who had previously played in China, joined Al Nassr in one of the first well-known moves to the Saudi Pro League. His transfer signaled the league's ambition to bring in recognizable names and laid the groundwork for subsequent high-profile signings.
9. Marcelo Brozovic
Brozovic moved to Al Nassr, joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Croatian midfielder's transfer added to the growing list of quality players in the league and highlighted the financial resources being utilized by clubs in Saudi Arabia.
10. Roberto Firmino
Firmino completed a free transfer move from Liverpool to Al Ahli. The Brazilian forward's decision to leave a top European club for the Saudi Pro League further emphasized the league's ability to attract established players.
11. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
The Serbian international accepted a sensational move to Al Hilal. Milinkovic-Savic's transfer represented the league's growing global appeal and its ability to secure deals with highly regarded players.
The Saudi Pro League's strategic and high-profile signings, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N'Golo Kante, demonstrate its financial strength and ambition. Lucrative contracts and the involvement of the Public Investment Fund have enticed players to choose Saudi Arabia over traditional football powerhouses, signaling a changing landscape in player preferences.