The Saudi Pro League has rapidly become one of the world’s richest football competitions. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy and the financial strength of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), clubs have attracted some of football’s biggest names with contracts that rival—or even exceed—those in Europe’s top leagues.
While Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of Saudi football, he is joined by a growing list of world-class players earning extraordinary salaries. Based on Capology’s 2025–26 salary estimates, here are the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Estimated annual salary: $244 million
Cristiano Ronaldo comfortably tops the list. His estimated gross fixed salary is €208.4 million, equivalent to approximately $244 million per year, or around $4.7 million every week.
Beyond his performances on the pitch, Ronaldo has transformed the Saudi Pro League into a global product, boosting television audiences, sponsorships, merchandise sales and worldwide interest.
2. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
Estimated annual salary: $143 million
The former Ballon d’Or winner earns an estimated €122.45 million annually, equivalent to around $143 million. Benzema remains one of the league’s marquee attractions and a key figure in Al-Ittihad’s ambitions.
3. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)
Estimated annual salary: $61 million
Following his successful spell at Manchester City, Mahrez joined Al-Ahli on a contract worth approximately €52.2 million, or $61 million per year. His creativity and experience continue to make him one of the Saudi Pro League’s standout attacking players.
4. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)
Estimated annual salary: $47 million
Liverpool legend Sadio Mané earns approximately €40 million, equivalent to around $47 million annually. His partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo has helped make Al-Nassr one of Asia’s most recognisable clubs.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
Estimated annual salary: $41 million
One of the world’s most respected centre-backs, Koulibaly receives an estimated €34.7 million per season, or roughly $41 million.
6. Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)
Estimated annual salary: $30 million
The England international became one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest recent signings after moving from the Premier League. His annual salary is estimated at €25.51 million, approximately $30 million.
7. Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al-Hilal)
Estimated annual salary: $30 million
The Serbian midfielder earns virtually the same as Ivan Toney, receiving around €25.51 million (approximately $30 million) per year.
8. Marcelo Brozović (Al-Nassr)
Estimated annual salary: $28 million
The Croatian midfielder remains among the league’s highest earners with an estimated salary of €24.2 million, equivalent to approximately $28 million annually.
9. Darwin Núñez (Al-Hilal)
Estimated annual salary: $26 million
Following his move to Saudi Arabia, Núñez now earns approximately €22.45 million, or around $26 million each season.
10. Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal)
Estimated annual salary: $24.5 million
The Portuguese midfielder rounds out the top ten with a salary of €20.92 million, equivalent to approximately $24.5 million annually.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League (2025–26)
| Rank | Player | Club | Approx. Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr | $244 million |
| 2 | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad | $143 million |
| 3 | Riyad Mahrez | Al-Ahli | $61 million |
| 4 | Sadio Mané | Al-Nassr | $47 million |
| 5 | Kalidou Koulibaly | Al-Hilal | $41 million |
| 6 | Ivan Toney | Al-Ahli | $30 million |
| 7 | Sergej Milinković-Savić | Al-Hilal | $30 million |
| 8 | Marcelo Brozović | Al-Nassr | $28 million |
| 9 | Darwin Núñez | Al-Hilal | $26 million |
| 10 | Rúben Neves | Al-Hilal | $24.5 million |
Why Saudi Clubs Can Afford These Salaries
Saudi Arabia’s football spending is closely linked to Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy. Football has become a major investment area aimed at:
- Increasing tourism.
- Building global awareness of Saudi Arabia.
- Developing the domestic sports industry.
- Growing broadcasting and commercial revenues.
- Inspiring greater participation in sport.
The acquisition of major clubs by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has given teams such as Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli the financial backing needed to compete for world-class players.
Saudi Arabia’s Football Investment Continues
The salaries offered in the Saudi Pro League reflect a broader strategy than simply attracting famous footballers. Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sport to strengthen tourism, entertainment, infrastructure and international visibility. The arrival of elite players has increased global television audiences, commercial partnerships and sponsorship opportunities while raising the profile of domestic football.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo remains the league’s undisputed highest earner, the growing number of world-class players earning more than $20 million per year highlights just how financially competitive the Saudi Pro League has become. With clubs continuing to recruit players from Europe’s top leagues, Saudi Arabia is expected to remain one of football’s biggest spending powers for years to come.
