Table of Contents
- Ronaldo's Value in the Saudi Pro League
- Critique of Other Foreign Players
- The Influx of Foreign Stars
- Impact on the National Team
- About Prince Abdullah
CRISTIANO RONALDO is the ONLY foreign player in the Saudi Pro League who truly merits his staggering salary, as stated by a former sports minister.
Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad issued a harsh assessment of the Pro League’s spending habits, asserting that other international stars do not justify the salaries they receive.
A former Saudi club chief claims Cristiano Ronaldo is the only overseas player worth his salary
The former official argues Ronaldo brings ‘global exposure’ to the Saudi Pro League
Ronaldo reportedly earns around £178 million annually with Al-Nassr since joining in the summer.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed the most lucrative contract in sports history, valued at a minimum of £492 million over two years, which includes bonuses and a stake in the club.
Prince Abdullah—who held office from 2014 to 2017, prior to the significant arrival of high-profile stars—asserted that Ronaldo’s salary is justified, unlike that of other foreign players.
He stated: “Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country.
“Many others are compensated far beyond their worth.”
Many perceive the league as a temporary haven for aging players or those at a career crossroads, enabling them to maximize their earnings before retiring.
Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, Jordan Henderson, and Aymeric Laporte all transitioned to clubs in Saudi Arabia for attractive contracts in 2023.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star reportedly earned an annual salary of £129 million during his two years at Al-Hilal before returning to Brazilian club Santos.
While Benzema, Firmino, and others continue to compete in the league, Henderson's time in Saudi Arabia was short-lived.
The Liverpool legend missed out on tax-free income after moving to Ajax in January 2024 and subsequently signed with Brentford as a free agent this summer.
Younger players have also begun making the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, including Kingsley Coman and Ivan Toney (both 29), Joao Felix (26), 27-year-old Theo Hernandez, and 21-year-old Jhon Duran.
Prince Abdullah cautioned that the influx of foreign stars is adversely affecting the long-term prospects of the national team—specifically by relegating Saudi players to “extras”—in anticipation of the nation hosting the 2034 World Cup.
He suggested reducing the foreign player quota from eight to seven, significantly enhancing investment in youth academies and hiring top-tier coaches for development teams.
He added: “Currently, the effort to build a strong league is coming at the expense of the national team.”
Prince Abdullah held a 50 percent stake in Sheffield United from 2013 to 2019 and later became its sole owner until 2024, when the club was acquired by COH Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo considered the only overseas player worth his salary in the Saudi Pro League?
Cristiano Ronaldo is deemed the only overseas player worth his salary due to the significant global exposure he brings to the league and the country, which justifies his high earnings.
What is the opinion of Prince Abdullah regarding other foreign players in the league?
Prince Abdullah believes that many other foreign players are overpaid and do not provide the same value or impact as Ronaldo, who enhances the league's visibility.
What concerns does Prince Abdullah have about the future of the Saudi national team?
He is worried that the influx of foreign stars is harming the national team’s prospects by diminishing the roles of local players, and he advocates for a reduction in the foreign player quota to improve youth development.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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