Football

The 50 Highest-Paid Footballers in the Saudi Pro League – Ranked

In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has taken center stage in world football thanks to its lavish spending and the acquisition of top-tier talent. With players flocking to the Middle East for both sporting and financial opportunities, the league’s salary list has become a global talking point. Here’s a ranked countdown of the 50 highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League — starting from the bottom at number 50 and rising to the ultimate earner at number 1.

50 – Mukhtar Ali (Al-Tai)

The Saudi Arabian midfielder earns a modest €3.21 million per year. Despite being the lowest on this list, his consistent role at Al-Tai reflects his local importance in the squad.

49 – Moteb Al-Harbi (Al-Tai)

Al-Harbi, a promising left-back, earns the same annual figure as his teammate Mukhtar Ali. At just 21 years old, he has room to grow into a star for both club and country.

48 – Abdullah Madu (Al Nassr)

The veteran Saudi defender takes home €3.21 million yearly. Known for his leadership, Madu remains a steady defensive presence for Al Nassr.

Read also: The 100 Best Football Clubs in the World Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest

47 – Moussa Dembélé (Al Ettifaq)

Moussa Dembélé
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Former Lyon striker Dembélé earns €3.5 million a year. His physical style and European pedigree bring depth to Al Ettifaq's attack.

46 – Marek Rodák (Al Ettifaq)

Marek Rodak
By Lukas Raich - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149121822

The Slovakian goalkeeper secures €3.57 million annually. A solid shot-stopper, Rodák adds international quality between the posts.

45 – Ângelo Gabriel (Al Nassr)

angelo gabriel
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Brazilian winger Ângelo Gabriel makes €3.57 million per season. Young and energetic, he represents a long-term project for the club.

44 – Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Ettifaq)

Hamdallah
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One of the Pro League's most consistent scorers, Hamdallah earns €3.57 million. The Moroccan striker continues to deliver goals year after year.

Read also: The 13 Greatest Defensive Midfielders of All Time - Ranked

43 – Álvaro Medrán (Al Ettifaq)

Alvaro Medran
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Spanish midfielder Medrán pockets €4.08 million annually. A technically sound player, he’s been a reliable engine in midfield.

42 – Giacomo Bonaventura (Al Shabab)

Giacomo_Bonaventura
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Veteran Italian playmaker Bonaventura also earns €4.08 million a year. His experience and vision make him a valuable asset in midfield.

41 – Demarai Gray (Al Ettifaq)

Demarai Gray
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The English winger brings Premier League experience and bags €5.1 million per year. Known for his pace and directness, Gray is a threat on either flank.

40 – Danilo Pereira (Al-Ittihad)

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Portuguese international Danilo earns €5.1 million annually. His defensive versatility makes him a cornerstone of Al-Ittihad’s squad.

Read also: The 15 Highest-Paid Strikers in World Football – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

39 – Karl Toko Ekambi (Al Ettifaq)

Karl Toko Ekambi
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

The Cameroonian forward also earns €5.1 million per year. With strong Ligue 1 credentials, Ekambi provides experience and flair to Al Ettifaq's frontline.

38 – Marcos Leonardo (Al Nassr)

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At just 21 years old, Leonardo brings youthful energy and Brazilian flair, earning €5.1 million annually. He’s viewed as one of the league’s most exciting prospects for the future.

37 – Renan Lodi (Al Hilal)

Renan Lodi
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

The Brazilian left-back earns €6 million per year and adds attacking width and defensive discipline. A former Atlético Madrid player, he brings La Liga experience to the Saudi game.

36 – Bento (Al Nassr)

Bento
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Bento, one of Brazil's rising goalkeeping stars, receives €6.12 million annually. His strong performances have cemented him as a reliable figure between the sticks.

Read also: The 20 Highest-Paid Players in La Liga – Ranked

35 – Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad)

Houssem Aouar
Ettore Griffoni / Shutterstock.com

Aouar, the Algerian creative midfielder, also makes €6.12 million a year. His vision and technical prowess are key to Al-Ittihad’s transitions and buildup play.

34 – Predrag Rajković (Al-Ittihad)

Predrag Rajkovic
Vasiljevic Dimitrije / Shutterstock.com

The Serbian goalkeeper is another player earning €6.12 million. Rajković’s experience in European football makes him a calming influence at the back.

33 – Daniel Podence (Al Shabab)

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Podence, known for his agility and sharp dribbling, earns €6.63 million annually. The Portuguese winger adds creativity and energy to Al Shabab’s attack.

32 – Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal)

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A local legend and Saudi national team hero, Al-Dawsari earns €7.05 million per year. His loyalty and leadership make him a key figure on and off the pitch.

Read also: The 20 Most Followed Football Clubs in the World - Ranked

31 – Roger Ibañez (Al-Ahli)

Roger Ibanez
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The Brazilian defender pockets €8.5 million annually. Tall and composed, he is an aerial threat in both boxes and a rock at the back.

30 – Steven Berghuis (Al-Ittihad)

Steven Berghuis
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Dutch winger Berghuis earns €9.18 million per season. With a sharp left foot and playmaking ability, he’s been a creative force since joining the league.

29 – Bono (Al Hilal)

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The Moroccan goalkeeper takes home €10 million a year. A Europa League hero with Sevilla, Bono provides world-class reflexes and consistency.

28 – Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli)

Merih Demiral
Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

The Turkish international center-back earns €10 million annually. Known for his aggressive defending and aerial dominance, Demiral strengthens Al-Ahli’s back line significantly.

27 – Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli)

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26 – Allan Saint-Maximin (Al-Ahli)

Allan Saint-Maximin
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The flamboyant French winger takes home €11.7 million annually. Famous for his dazzling dribbles and unpredictability, Saint-Maximin lights up the league with flair.

25 – Galeno (Al-Ahli)

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Brazilian winger Galeno earns €11.73 million a year. With speed and creativity down the left, he’s been a consistent attacking threat for Al-Ahli.

24 – Mohamed Simakan (Al Nassr)

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Simakan, a dynamic young defender from France, makes €12.24 million annually. Strong in one-on-one duels, he’s considered one of the most promising defenders in the league.

23 – Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab)

Yannick Carrasco
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Belgian winger Carrasco earns €13 million per year. Known for his sharp cutting runs and experience with Atlético Madrid, he brings danger from the flanks.

22 – Otávio (Al Nassr)

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Portuguese playmaker Otávio also pockets €13 million annually. His vision and passing range make him an essential link in Al Nassr’s midfield setup.

21 – Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli)

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The Ivorian midfielder earns €14 million a year. A physical powerhouse, Kessié balances defensive grit with box-to-box energy.

20 – Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)

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Another experienced midfield general, Fabinho also earns €14 million. A former Premier League star, he anchors the midfield with composure and tactical discipline.

19 – Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq)

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Dutch international Wijnaldum takes home €15 million annually. His versatility and leadership offer Al Ettifaq both structure and creativity in midfield.

18 – Moussa Diaby (Al-Ittihad)

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The French winger earns €15.31 million annually. With electric pace and directness, Diaby is a constant menace for defenders and a key figure in Al-Ittihad’s attack.

17 – João Cancelo (Al Nassr)

Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Portuguese full-back Cancelo also receives €15.31 million per year. Renowned for his attacking flair and tactical intelligence, he adds both style and versatility to Al Nassr’s flanks.

16 – Rúben Neves (Al Hilal)

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Neves, a deep-lying playmaker from Portugal, commands €17.3 million annually. Known for his passing range and long-range shooting, he orchestrates Al Hilal’s midfield.

15 – Malcom (Al Hilal)

Malcolm
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The Brazilian winger makes €18 million a year. With sharp finishing and acceleration, Malcom is one of the most dangerous wide men in the league.

14 – Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli)

Roberto Firmino
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

The former Liverpool forward earns €19 million annually. Firmino’s intelligent movement and link-up play bring creativity and composure to Al-Ahli’s front line.

13 – Jhon Durán (Al Nassr)

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Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

At just 21, Colombian striker Jhon Durán earns a massive €20.41 million per year. His raw potential and physical prowess mark him as one of the league’s future stars.

12 – Marcelo Brozović (Al Nassr)

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The Croatian midfield general brings in €24.2 million annually. With Champions League experience and tactical discipline, he controls the tempo in the middle of the park.

11 – Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr)

Aymeric Laporte
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Laporte, a reliable and elegant centre-back, earns €24.48 million per year. A key piece in the defense, he brings leadership and composure to Al Nassr’s back line.

10 – Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal)

Aleksandar Mitrovic
Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

The Serbian striker commands a salary of €25 million annually. Known for his aerial strength and poacher’s instinct, Mitrović is a relentless presence in the box.

9 – Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al Hilal)

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Serbia’s towering midfielder earns €25 million per year. Combining technique and physicality, he plays a crucial box-to-box role for the title contenders.

8 – N'Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad)

N'Golo Kante
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The tireless French midfielder earns €25 million annually. Famous for his ball-winning ability and humility, Kanté remains one of the most respected figures in world football.

7 – Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)

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English striker Ivan Toney brings in €25.51 million per year. A proven Premier League goalscorer, he’s expected to lead the line with precision and power for seasons to come.

6 – Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal)

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The Senegalese defensive stalwart earns €34.7 million annually. His leadership and experience solidify Al Hilal’s back line, making him one of the league's highest-paid defenders.

5 – Sadio Mané (Al Nassr)

Sadio Mané
Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock.com

Senegal's talisman earns €40 million per year. Known for his pace, work rate, and winning mentality, Mané remains a marquee name in Saudi football.

4 – Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)

Karim Benzema
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The French Ballon d’Or winner receives €50 million annually. With unrivaled pedigree and striking intelligence, Benzema is a marquee figure both on and off the pitch.

3 – Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)

Riyad Mahrez
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Algeria’s most prominent footballer earns €52.2 million per year. With multiple Premier League titles under his belt, Mahrez combines flair and precision in the final third.

2 – Neymar Jr. (Al Hilal)

Neymar Jr.
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Though not shown in the dataset above, Neymar is widely reported to earn over €100 million per year. A global superstar, he’s the league’s most marketable asset outside Ronaldo.

1 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

Cristiano Ronaldo
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At the summit is Cristiano Ronaldo, earning an astronomical €200 million per year. More than a footballer, he’s a global icon and the undisputed face of the Saudi Pro League revolution.