The 36 Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League – Ranked From Lowest to Highest
The Saudi Pro League has become one of football’s financial superpowers, attracting world-class talent with record-breaking salaries. From Champions League winners to emerging stars, the league’s spending has reshaped the global transfer market and spotlighted the Gulf region as a serious player on the world stage.
In this ranking, we break down the 36 highest-paid players in the league — starting from the lowest earner among the elite all the way up to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose jaw-dropping contract has set a new benchmark for player earnings.
36. Karl Toko Ekambi – £83,398 per week / £4,336,708 per year
The Cameroonian forward joined the Saudi league to add pace and goals, and despite his modest wage compared to others, he remains a consistent attacking threat. His international experience and direct style have added depth to his club’s offensive options.
35. Renan Lodi – £98,116 per week / £5,102,009 per year
A left-back with European pedigree, Lodi brings flair and overlapping runs from the flanks. The Brazilian defender continues to offer both defensive stability and offensive support in wide areas.
34. Houssem Aouar – £100,078 per week / £5,204,050 per year
Known for his elegant midfield style at Lyon, Aouar’s technical ability fits well in Saudi Arabia’s increasingly possession-focused teams. His wage places him among the league’s valuable creators, despite limited stardom.
33. Predrag Rajković – £100,078 per week / £5,204,050 per year
The Serbian goalkeeper is a reliable shot-stopper and commands his area with calm assurance. Rajković has brought a wealth of European experience between the posts.
32. Bento – £100,078 per week / £5,204,050 per year
One of the younger keepers in the league, Bento’s reflexes and composure have impressed early on. His steady rise is reflected in his earnings and growing reputation.
31. Daniel Podence – £108,418 per week / £5,637,720 per year
The former Wolves winger uses his low center of gravity and agility to torment defenders. Podence’s salary reflects his value as a dynamic playmaker in wide areas.
30. Roger Ibañez – £138,997 per week / £7,227,847 per year
A tough-tackling center-back, Ibañez made his mark in Serie A before moving to the Middle East. His physical presence and aerial ability make him an asset on both ends.
29. Steven Bergwijn – £150,117 per week / £7,806,074 per year
The Dutch winger brings explosive pace and directness to the Saudi league. Though his numbers have dipped since leaving Ajax, he remains a high-paid threat on the wings.
28. Bono – £163,526 per week / £8,503,349 per year
A Europa League hero with Sevilla, Bono continues to shine with elite reflexes and clutch performances. His salary reflects his reputation as one of the region’s top keepers.
27. Merih Demiral – £163,526 per week / £8,503,349 per year
The Turkish defender is a no-nonsense enforcer with Serie A experience. Demiral’s presence in the back line ensures physical dominance and leadership.
26. Edouard Mendy – £179,879 per week / £9,353,684 per year
Chelsea’s former Champions League winner has brought his elite pedigree to the Saudi Pro League. Mendy remains a vocal, agile and commanding goalkeeper.
25. Galeno – £191,816 per week / £9,974,428 per year
The Brazilian winger is known for his dribbling flair and versatility across the front line. Galeno’s salary places him among the league’s more creative attacking options.
24. Gabri Veiga – £196,231 per week / £10,204,019 per year
One of the most controversial transfers of 2023, Veiga left Europe early for a hefty contract. Despite his youth, his wages show the league’s commitment to future stars.
23. Mohamed Simakan – £216,526 per week / £10,409,089 per year
A rising French defensive talent, Simakan offers athleticism and grit in central defense. He’s among the younger high earners in the division.
22. Yannick Carrasco – £221,884 per week / £11,537,981 per year
Carrasco brings European class and flair to the Saudi league, offering unpredictability and creativity. The Belgian remains a regular goal contributor from the flanks.
21. Otávio – £221,884 per week / £11,537,981 per year
The Portuguese midfielder thrives on energy and clever movement in the final third. Otávio’s work rate and offensive instincts make him worth every penny.
20. Fabinho – £228,936 per week / £11,904,689 per year
Once Liverpool’s midfield anchor, Fabinho remains a composed presence in Saudi Arabia. His defensive intelligence and positional sense are invaluable.
19. Franck Kessié – £228,936 per week / £11,904,689 per year
The Ivorian enforcer offers power and stamina in midfield battles. Kessié’s salary reflects his peak-age status and ability to dominate physically.
18. Georginio Wijnaldum – £245,289 per week / £12,755,024 per year
The Dutch midfielder brings leadership, composure, and Champions League experience. Wijnaldum plays a vital role as a box-to-box presence and transition link in midfield.
17. João Cancelo – £250,358 per week / £13,010,627 per year
Known for his attacking runs and versatility on either flank, Cancelo is one of the league’s most technically gifted defenders. His salary reflects elite-level ability and reputation.
16. Moussa Diaby – £250,358 per week / £13,010,627 per year
A rapid winger with Bundesliga pedigree, Diaby provides width, pace, and direct dribbling. He’s a crucial part of his club’s offensive identity.
15. Rúben Neves – £282,090 per week / £14,710,794 per year
Still in his prime, Neves’s long-range passing and tactical intelligence anchor the midfield. His move from Wolves symbolized the Saudi league’s pull on key European talent.
14. Malcom – £294,347 per week / £15,306,028 per year
Once seen as a Barcelona prodigy, Malcom has reinvented himself in the Gulf with flair and consistent end product. His creativity earns him a top-tier wage.
13. Roberto Firmino – £310,699 per week / £16,156,363 per year
A fan favorite in Europe, Firmino brings flair, intelligence, and pressing to his new club. Despite a quieter spell lately, his reputation and work rate still command a premium.
12. Jhon Durán – £333,756 per week / £17,355,335 per year
One of the youngest high earners in the league, Durán is a raw but powerful striker. His potential has been heavily invested in with this large salary.
11. Marcelo Brozović – £395,733 per week / £20,578,105 per year
An experienced midfield general, Brozović continues to dictate tempo and shield the defense. His wage underscores his role as a cornerstone of balance in midfield.
10. Aymeric Laporte – £400,639 per week / £20,833,205 per year
The Spanish center-back offers composure, distribution, and aerial strength. Laporte’s Premier League and international experience made him a major defensive signing.
9. Sergej Milinković-Savić – £408,815 per week / £21,258,372 per year
A complete midfielder with power and finesse, Milinković-Savić was a marquee arrival. His blend of physicality and technique justifies his spot in the top 10.
8. N’Golo Kanté – £408,815 per week / £21,258,372 per year
World Cup winner and tireless ball-winner, Kanté is a symbol of hard work and humility. Despite injuries, his global stature ensures a top salary.
7. Aleksandar Mitrović – £408,815 per week / £21,258,372 per year
The Serbian forward made an instant impact with his physical presence and finishing. Mitrović’s pay reflects both his goal output and popularity.
6. Ivan Toney – £417,155 per week / £21,692,043 per year
After making waves in the Premier League, Toney took his talents to the Middle East. His scoring instincts and work rate command a big wage.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly – £567,346 per week / £29,506,621 per year
Still one of the most dominant defenders physically, Koulibaly anchors his side with authority. His salary is among the highest for a defender globally.
4. Sadio Mané – £654,104 per week / £34,013,396 per year
The Senegalese icon brings elite-level movement, speed, and professionalism. Though past his peak, Mané remains a huge name with star value.
3. Riyad Mahrez – £853,605 per week / £44,387,482 per year
A Premier League and Champions League winner, Mahrez brings class, dribbling, and vision. His flair has made him a top entertainer in Saudi football.
2. Karim Benzema – £1,635,259 per week / £85,033,490 per year
The Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid with a legacy and a fortune awaiting him. Benzema’s elegance and intelligence remain unmatched in the league.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3,270,519 per week / £170,066,980 per year
The highest-paid player not just in Saudi Arabia, but in all of world football. Ronaldo’s brand power, goal threat, and unmatched work ethic continue to define the league’s global appeal.
