Highest Paid Players in the Saudi Pro League 25/26 Season
The Saudi Pro League has become one of football’s most aggressive financial players in recent years. Through major investment and a clear ambition to raise the league’s global profile, clubs such as Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli have brought in some of the biggest names in the sport. That ambition is reflected clearly in the salaries being paid. Here are the highest paid players in the Saudi Pro League during the 2025/26 season.
From iconic forwards to elite-level leaders, these are the highest paid players in the Saudi Pro League 2025/26 season.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr (€208.4M per year)
Sitting comfortably at the top when it comes to the highest paid players in the Saudi Pro League is Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns an astonishing €208.4 million per year at Al Nassr. The Portuguese superstar and five-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained the defining face of the league’s rapid rise. He has brought unmatched global attention to Saudi football since his arrival. Even at this stage of his career, Ronaldo continues to offer elite goalscoring instinct, physical presence and relentless ambition. His status goes beyond football alone, symbolising the scale of the league’s project and Al Nassr’s determination to compete at the highest possible level both on the pitch and as a global brand.
2. Karim Benzema – Al Hilal (€122.45M per year)
In second place is Karim Benzema, with the French striker earning €122.45 million annually. Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent forwards of his generation, Benzema built his legacy through years of excellence at Real Madrid, where he combined goals with creativity, composure and leadership. His move to Saudi Arabia further strengthened the league’s reputation for attracting Ballon d’Or-level talent. At Al Hilal, Benzema brings refined technique, experience in the biggest matches and the kind of calm authority that can shape an entire attacking unit.
3. Riyad Mahrez – Al Ahli (€52.2M per year)
Riyad Mahrez ranks third on the list with a yearly salary of €52.2 million. The Algerian winger made his name through his elegance in possession, close control and ability to decide matches in one moment, first with Leicester City and later at Manchester City. At Al Ahli, Mahrez adds creativity, flair and a proven winning mentality developed at the highest level of European football. His left foot, vision and ability to drift inside from wide areas make him one of the league’s most technically gifted and watchable attacking players.
4. Sadio Mané – Al Nassr (€40M per year)
With an annual income of €40 million, Sadio Mané sits in fourth place. The Senegalese forward arrived in Saudi Arabia with a reputation built on intensity, directness and decisive performances at the top end of European football. Best known for his years at Liverpool, where he played a central role in one of Europe’s strongest attacking sides, Mané brings pace, movement and relentless work rate to Al Nassr’s frontline. His presence gives the team another high-level attacking weapon and underlines the calibre of talent now competing in the Saudi Pro League.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly – Al Hilal (€34.7M per year)
Completing the top five is Kalidou Koulibaly, who earns €34.7 million per season at Al Hilal. The Senegalese centre-back built his reputation as one of Europe’s most commanding defenders through his performances in Serie A and on the international stage. Known for his strength, positioning and leadership, Koulibaly offers defensive authority as well as valuable experience in high-pressure environments. Defenders do not often appear this high in salary rankings, which makes his place in the top five a clear sign of both his stature and Al Hilal’s willingness to invest heavily across every area of the pitch.
Rest of the list;
6-7. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Al Hilal (€25.51M per year)
6-7. Ivan Toney – Al Ahli (€25.51M per year)
8. Marcelo Brozovic – Al Nassr (€24.2M per year)
9. Darwin Núñez – Al Hilal (€22.45M per year)
10. Rúben Neves – Al Hilal (€20.92M per year)
The information in this article regarding player salaries has been obtained via Capology.
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