The top earners lighting up the Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League has become a magnet for world-class footballers, offering massive salaries that rival — and often exceed — those in Europe. From seasoned defenders to Ballon d’Or winners, here's a countdown of the ten highest-paid players currently in the league, starting from number ten.
10. Aymeric Laporte – £410k per week
Aymeric Laporte swapped Manchester City for Al-Nassr in 2023, joining a growing list of stars drawn to Saudi Arabia. Still considered one of the game’s best ball-playing defenders, Laporte’s move hasn’t dulled his top-tier talent or ambition.
9. Aleksandar Mitrovic – £418k per week
After scoring 14 goals for Fulham in the Premier League, Aleksandar Mitrovic pushed for a move to Al-Hilal. With 40 goals in 43 games since arriving, he’s more than justified his hefty new pay packet.
8. Sergej Milinković-Savić – £418k per week
Sergej Milinković-Savić turned down Premier League interest to quadruple his wages at Al-Hilal. The Serbian midfielder immediately impressed with 12 goals and 17 assists, helping his team to the league title.
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7. N’Golo Kante – £418k per week
Injuries ended N’Golo Kante’s time at Chelsea, but Al-Ittihad offered a new chapter and a serious raise. The World Cup winner bounced back with 44 appearances in his first season, playing a vital role in their 2025 title run.
6. Ivan Toney – £427k per week
Ivan Toney surprised many by leaving Brentford for Al-Ahli, but the numbers make it clear why. The England striker went from £20k to nearly half a million per week—life-changing money that matches his Premier League-level quality.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly – £581k per week
Kalidou Koulibaly had a tough spell at Chelsea but found stability and riches at Al-Hilal. He openly admitted the financial security the move offered, and he’s since become a dependable presence in the backline.
4. Sadio Mane – £670k per week
Sadio Mane’s short stint at Bayern ended in tension, prompting a lucrative switch to Al-Nassr. Now earning over £34 million a year, the Senegalese winger is thriving again alongside Ronaldo in a new setting.
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3. Karim Benzema – £837k per week
Karim Benzema turned down a Real Madrid renewal to sign with Al-Ittihad in a move worth over £150 million. While he had a slow start, 13 goals and 8 assists prove the French striker still has plenty to offer.
2. Riyad Mahrez – £874k per week
Riyad Mahrez left Manchester City for Al-Ahli and saw his salary skyrocket to nearly five times his previous earnings. The Algerian star continues to mesmerize defences just as he did in the Premier League.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3.49 million per week
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list by a massive margin, earning more than double the next best-paid player. His move to Al-Nassr in 2023 reshaped the league’s global image—and at 40, he’s still scoring more goals than anyone else.
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