The Saudi Pro League has quickly transformed into one of the most financially powerful football competitions in the world. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster move to Al-Nassr in December 2022, the Middle Eastern league has continued to lure global superstars from Europe with eye-watering contracts and unmatched financial packages. Today, the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League earn salaries that surpass most top European clubs, making the league a prime destination for elite footballers seeking both competitive football and lucrative rewards. With big names joining each season, the competition has not only grown in prestige but also reshaped the dynamics of football’s global transfer market.
What makes the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League stand out is not only their enormous earnings but also the influence they bring to the region’s football culture. These players attract worldwide media attention, boost sponsorship deals, and raise the league’s overall competitiveness. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 players with the biggest paychecks in the Saudi Pro League for 2025.
10. Aymeric Laporte – Al-Nassr
Laporte swapped Manchester City for Al-Nassr in 2023, becoming one of the few elite ball-playing centre-backs in the Saudi Pro League. At £410k per week, his wage makes him the 10th Highest-Paid Player in the Saudi Pro League. Known for his left-footed distribution, Laporte has brought European defensive quality to the Middle East. Playing alongside Ronaldo has added star power to Al-Nassr, and his tactical awareness helps in building from the back. His move highlights how defenders, not just attackers, are also commanding massive wages in Saudi Arabia.
9. Aleksandar Mitrovic – Al-Hilal
Former Fulham star Mitrovic became a sensation in Saudi Arabia, earning £418k weekly at Al-Hilal. His physical style and predatory instincts make him a nightmare for defenders. He forced his way out of Fulham in 2023, and the decision has paid off both financially and professionally. In his debut season, he scored 40 goals in all competitions. Ranking ninth among the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League, Mitrovic has justified his salary with relentless scoring and consistency.
8. Sergej Milinković-Savić – Al-Hilal
Sergej Milinković-Savić made the move from Lazio to Al-Hilal, pocketing £418k weekly. Long linked to Premier League clubs, he opted for Saudi riches instead. At 29, he has added goals and creativity, with 12 goals and 17 assists in his debut season. His commanding midfield presence has been key to Al-Hilal’s title charge. He ranks eighth among the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League, showing how midfield maestros also attract lucrative contracts.
7. N’Golo Kante – Al-Ittihad
World Cup winner N’Golo Kante joined Al-Ittihad after leaving Chelsea. Despite injury struggles, he remains a tireless engine in midfield. On £418k per week, Kante is tied with Mitrovic and Milinković-Savić, ranking seventh on the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League list. His defensive coverage and work rate have been pivotal, and he proved critics wrong by helping Al-Ittihad win the league in 2025.
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6. Ivan Toney – Al-Ahli
Ivan Toney’s surprising move from Brentford to Al-Ahli came with a huge wage boost. From £20k per week at Brentford, he now earns £427k weekly, ranking sixth among the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League. One of England’s most clinical finishers, Toney has maintained his sharpness and hopes to keep his international prospects alive despite playing outside Europe.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly – Al-Hilal
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly left Chelsea after a disappointing stint but found both form and fortune in Saudi Arabia. Now on £581k per week, he ranks fifth in the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League. Koulibaly himself admitted money was a huge factor, saying it allowed him to support his family extensively. His leadership and strength have steadied Al-Hilal’s defense.
4. Sadio Mane – Al-Nassr
Sadio Mane’s underwhelming Bayern Munich spell ended with a move to Al-Nassr. Earning £670k per week, he is the fourth Highest-Paid Player in the Saudi Pro League. Teaming up with Ronaldo, Mane has rediscovered his attacking edge, contributing goals and assists while strengthening Al-Nassr’s frontline.
3. Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema left Real Madrid in 2023 for Al-Ittihad, signing a three-year deal worth over £150m. At £837k per week, he ranks third among the Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League. While adapting wasn’t easy, Benzema’s class has shone through with 13 goals and eight assists in his debut season. His move epitomizes the Saudi league’s pull on global icons.
2. Riyad Mahrez – Al-Ahli
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez left Manchester City after years of Premier League dominance to join Al-Ahli. On £874k weekly, he is the second Highest-Paid Player in the Saudi Pro League. Known for his dazzling dribbles and left-footed magic, Mahrez has been central to Al-Ahli’s attack. His salary is more than five times what he earned in England, making him one of the biggest beneficiaries of Saudi football’s financial boom.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of the Saudi Pro League. At a staggering £3.49m per week, he is by far the Highest-Paid Player in the Saudi Pro League and in world football. His 2023 arrival at Al-Nassr sparked the influx of global stars. Despite being 40, Ronaldo continues to deliver with record-breaking goalscoring feats, ensuring his influence extends on and off the pitch. His signing marked a turning point, placing the Saudi Pro League firmly on the global football map.
| Rank | Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League | Club | Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr | £3.49 million |
| 2 | Riyad Mahrez | Al-Ahli | £874k |
| 3 | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad | £837k |
| 4 | Sadio Mane | Al-Nassr | £670k |
| 5 | Kalidou Koulibaly | Al-Hilal | £581k |
| 6 | Ivan Toney | Al-Ahli | £427k |
| 7 | N’Golo Kante | Al-Ittihad | £418k |
| 8 | Sergej Milinkovic-Savic | Al-Hilal | £418k |
| 9 | Aleksandar Mitrovic | Al-Hilal | £418k |
| 10 | Aymeric Laporte | Al-Nassr | £410k |
FAQs on Highest-Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League
Q1: Who is the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League?
Cristiano Ronaldo, earning £3.49m per week at Al-Nassr.
Q2: Which club has the most highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League?
Al-Hilal, with three players: Koulibaly, Milinković-Savić, and Mitrovic.
Q3: How much does Riyad Mahrez earn at Al-Ahli?
Mahrez earns £874k weekly, making him the second highest-paid in the league.
Q4: Are defenders among the top earners in the Saudi Pro League?
Yes, stars like Aymeric Laporte and Kalidou Koulibaly are among the top 10.
Q5: Why are so many players moving to the Saudi Pro League?
The league offers massive wages, global exposure, and competitive football that rivals European contracts.
