Ronaldo will captain his side against a PSG team also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Al Hilal's shirt sponsor is Kingdom Holding Company, a Saudi conglomerate worth 10.5 billion ($12.9 billion), while Etihad Airways -- the Abu Dhabi flag carrier -- sponsor Al-Nassr. The 37-year-olds move to the Saudi Arabian side was confi According to Mundo Deportivo, the Saudis have offered Lionel Messi offer Messi 300 million ($463 million) or up to $507 million a year.This would indeed make Messi the highest-paid player in the world, overtaking Ronaldos contract reportedly worth US$200 million (AU$297.5 million) to play for Al-Nassr FC from only a few months ago. Tony Nwakeme | Al Fayha | 47,000 per week, 15. The news of Ronaldo's signing Friday follows months of rumors and speculation as to whether he would join a Saudi team, as he had already received offers for lucrative Saudi contracts in the hundreds of millions of dollars. 400. It became fully professional in 2007, with league football initially beginning in 1976 with eight teams. Multiple outlets have cited Ronaldos salary with Al Nassr at around $200 million per year when commercial agreements are included which, if confirmed, would Ronaldo said in a statement that he was eager to experience a new football league in a different country.". Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club have a total of 27 players in their home squad. The highest earning player in the squad is Sebastian Giovinco earning 155,000 per week. Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club play in the Saudi Professional League, the highest league of professional football in Saudi Arabia. Who is Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club's highest earner? On the competition startpage, the participating teams of one season (selectable in the drop-down menu) are to begin with listed based on the total market value. Media reports have claimed the Portugal star could be earning up to $200 million a year from the deal, which would make him the highest-paid soccer player in history. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only). Ighalo, 33, earned 150,000 per week at United during a loan spell from Shanghai Shenhua -- half his weekly wage at the Chinese team -- but the Nigeria international earned 30,000 per week between 2014 and 2017 with Watford, a salary much more reflective of his status throughout his career. The Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr FC has emerged as a suitor, prepared to pay Ronaldo a reported 200 million a year to move to the Saudi Pro League. Last Updated: January 17, 2023, 10:03 IST, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (IANS). 2023 CNBC LLC. RIYADH, However, neither PSG nor Bidding on a special ticket started at a cool 220,000 and went on to fetch a staggering 2.2 million. AIFF Roadmap: Decoding the vision that will decide Indian football's fate, Ronaldo on deal to join Al Nassr: 'It isn't true', Portugal boss defends Ronaldo: Leave him alone, No Ronaldo, no problem: Replacement Ramos' hat-trick lifts Portugal into quarterfinals, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Gareth Bale Tottenham Hotspur, 600,000 per week. The top 10 highest paid EPL players in 2020 - 2021: 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Aside from former United striker Ighalo, who joined Al Hilal from Al-Shabab earlier this year, players like former Argentina midfielder Ever Banega (Al-Shabab), Brazilian midfielder Paulinho (Al-Fayha), ex-Porto striker Moussa Marega (Al Hilal) and former Arsenal and Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina (Al-Nassr) all play in Saudi Arabia. Vincent Aboubakar rejects top French club, Below is a list of the highest paid players in the Saudi Arabia professional football league according to Uksportsnews, 20. The 37-year old Portugal team captain is a free agent after leaving major British club Manchester United following a dramatic fallout with some of its management. We have heard everything from reports of a move to the MLS to play for Inter Miami CF, hopes of a potential reunion with FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, and even some confidence that Messi will ultimately renew terms with PSG. MORE: Highest paid players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the highest paid player in history after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. (0:29). Do you find Kimbi Who'll emerge this time? Jan 13, 2023. in Sports Al-Hilal has offered Messi a new contract to make him the highest paid player. Moment of the weekend: Rashford's winner, made in Manchester with help from around the world, Rashford emulates Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or year, Benzema overtakes Messi, Gavi's 1 and 2 ties Cruyff: Stats, Why top clubs are signing young Brazilian prospects as soon as possible. And the league also attracts high-profile coaches, with former Porto and Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo appointed as coach of Al-Ittihad and Rudi Garcia, the former Roma, Marseille and Lyon coach, taking charge of Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo is the latest big name to join the Saudi Arabia professional football league after signing with Al Nassr on a two and a half year deal in a record breaking deal. Salman Al-Faraj | Al-Hilal | 42,000 per week, 19. But football fans in the UK will not be able to view the match live via a broadcaster and will need to wait to watch the highlights. He is also coming off a disappointing World Cup where he was benched in the knockout rounds and left the field in tears after Portugal lost in the quarterfinals to Morocco. The Portugal superstar attracts worldwide attention wherever he goes, and a transfer to Saudi Arabia places massive focus on their domestic league in 2023. At 37, Ronaldo is at the normal retirement age for a professional soccer player, so his signing extends his career with a significant financial return. Ronaldo to Face Messi in Saudi Arabia, CR7 Named Captain of All-Star XI for PSG Friendly, Ligue 1: Lens and Marseille Hot on Heels of Title Holders After Latest PSG Slip-ups, Gerard Pique Hits Back In A Twingo After Shakiras Song Mocking Him. The RPL's broadcasting deal with the Saudi Sports Company was agreed earlier this year at a figure of 300 million Saudi Riyal a year ($80m). The proceeds of this will be donated to the Saudi Arabias Ehsan charity fund. According to multiple reports, the 37-year-old former Manchester United ace was given the armband and his shirt that he will be wearing in Thursdays monumental clash. If Ronaldo was to move there, Al Hilal would seem to be the more obvious destination: He would get to play in the Asian Champions League with a chance of winning it. Marcotti: Deal to take Ronaldo to Saudi Pro League is nonsense, Chris Wright and ESPN Stats & Information, Al-Hilal ultras get behind their team vs. Newcastle (0:29), If Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr, here's what he can expect from Saudi Arabia's Pro League, Guardiola warns City: 'Spurs game is must-win', Real Madrid at 'beginning of an era' - Ancelotti, Sources: West Ham interested in Utd's Maguire, Sources: Man Utd near long-term Garnacho deal, BBC sorry for lewd noises heard during FA Cup, Sources: Ratcliffe enters Man Utd takeover race, Fan charged with assaulting Arsenal's Ramsdale, Ronaldo to captain Saudi XI vs. PSG and Messi. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Cristiano Ronaldo's future is the subject of intense speculation following Manchester United's decision to cancel the 37-year-old's contract last month. Ramon Diaz, the former River Plate coach, is the manager at Al Hilal. All rights reserved. There have been 507 Saudi esports players that have been awarded a total of $7,950,253.81 USD in prize money across 516 tournaments. Age: 27 (as of January 2022) Position: Goalkeeper. A the time, he chose to stay at Manchester United, saying he was happy there. Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund owns Premier League team Newcastle, and the country is considering a bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Ahmed Hegazi | Al-Ittihad | 100,000 per week, 4. In short, Ronaldo would be the biggest name ever to play in the Saudi Pro League if he moved to Al-Nassr. And what would the experience be like in Saudi Arabia? Thrilling contests between arguably the two best players to have ever lived at the absolute height of their powers. The five-time Ballon dOr winner subsequently accepted a mega-money contract offer from Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history. WebThe highest awarding game was Rainbow Six Siege with $1,380,469.43 USD won, making up 17.38% of all earnings by Saudi players. Click here to give us five stars rating! While Saudi Arabia earned its biggest international soccer win ever at the World Cup in Qatar last month when it beat eventual champion Argentina in its first group-stage game, the domestic league has few other stars and is not watched by a major international audience. The five-time Ballon dOr winner subsequently accepted a mega-money contract offer from Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history. During the nine years that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo played together in Spain, we were treated to a total of 25 El Clsico matchups between rival clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The top two teams in the RSL qualify for the Asian Champions League, with the third spot going to the King's Cup (the oldest domestic cup competition) winner and a playoff for the final berth. Who is Argentina. Al Nassr Football Club / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images. WebSaudi Arabia League level: First Tier Reigning champion: Al-Hilal Saudi FC Record-holding champions: Al-Hilal Saudi FC 18 time (s) 333.70 m Total Market Value Number of Gustavo Cuellar | Al-Hilal | 67,000 per week, 9. Al-Ittihad remain the only Saudi Arabian team to win successive titles in the newly formatted AFC Champions League (post 2002), with victories in 2004 and 2005. However, neither PSG nor the Saudi Pro League have announced the names of the players who will participate in this exhibition game. Luis Gustavo | Al-Hilal | 53,000 per week, 13. Saudi Arabia has made a bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Over the last 10 years, the league crowned five different champions (Al Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al Fateh, Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli). They play at the 67,000-capacity King Fahd Stadium, while Al-Nassr's Mrsool Park only holds 25,000 spectators. David de Gea Manchester United, 375,000 per week. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Ronaldo became the highest-paid player in football history, signing a Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot for Portugal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between Portugal and Ghana on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Diaspora(View here), (Video)Coco Argente Egounou(Click to view), I am more than confident that Mr. Leo will one day win a Grammy after watching Omale George Enow. 1. ALSO READ|Gerard Pique Hits Back In A Twingo After Shakiras Song Mocking Him. The Saudi Pro League is a 16-team competition, known as the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) for sponsorship reasons. While the signing is a massive boost for Middle Eastern soccer, it will also fuel the debate about Saudi Arabia using so-called sportswashing to boost the country's image internationally. Cristiano Ronaldo completed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Friday in a deal that is a landmark moment for Middle Eastern soccer but will see one of Europe's biggest stars disappear from the sport's elite stage. After enjoying a strong start to life in the AFC Champions League, Saudi teams struggled between 2006 and 2018 before Al-Hilal inspired a revival in 2019. Ronaldo has been available as a free agentfollowing his controversial exit from Manchester Unitedlast month, and the 37-year-old has opted to make a bold move to the Middle East. Per The Mirror, Musharraf bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi a Saudi Arabian real estate businessman is the person who has splashed out over 2 million for the VIP ticket which is part of a fundraising venture launched by Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. Prominent soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano outlined the contract deal in a tweet, calling it the "biggest salary ever in football.". Saudi Pro League Ronaldo became the first athlete to surpass a combined 500 million followers Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in 2021, and currently has 525 million Instagram followers alone. The Saudi Pro League is officially known as Roshn Saudi League in accordance with a sponsorship agreement since 2019. The two giants will meet in Riyadh on January 19 in a friendly. The Juventus forward has been pushing, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 800th and 801st Career goal in Manchester Uniteds 3:2 Victory over Arsenal. Saudi clubs are known for their ability to offer foreign players large paychecks, particularly as the oil-rich and conservative kingdom builds up its sports, entertainment and other industries to attract tourism, talent and investment that will help diversify its economy. The salaries of sporting figures in Saudi Arabia are not made public, but sources have told ESPN that Al Hilal and Al-Nassr pay the highest salaries, with former Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo reportedly earning 250,000 per week at Al Hilal. Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club have a total of 27 players in their home squad. David Ospina | Al-Nassr | 45,000 per week, 17. Meanwhile, the much-awaited fixture is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2023. The Qiddiya Project is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform Saudi society by the end of this decade. It was much the same message that came back from Ronaldo's camp when Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal made what was described as an obscene offer for his services last summer and when their rivals Al Nassr made a similar proposal in the final days of August. We want to hear from you. Despite previously insisting that he had no desire to join a club in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo found that his options were limited after the World Cup in Qatar. The average salary range for a Football Player is between SAR 67,994 and SAR How many clubs are in the premier league? No. The team's current manager is French national Rudi Garcia, whose resume includes managing top-tier European clubs like Roma, Olympique de Marseille and Lille. Matheus Pereira | Al-Hilal | 107,000 per week, 2. For those of you who havent been following along, Lionel Messis contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to expire in six months effectively making him a free agent. The two giants will meet in Riyadh on January 19 in a friendly. Saudi Telecom and Mobily, a Saudi Arabian telecommunications company, have agreed lucrative club sponsorships in recent years. Ronaldo would have become the worlds highest-paid player by far if he moved to Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo is primed to make his Saudi Arabia debut in an exhibition match against Paris Saint-Germain, which could pit him against Lionel Messi. What does carry mean in soccer? Ligue 1 2022 Al Hilal has won 18 league titles and finished as runner-up on 15 occasions. A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. The Portugal star has agreed a lucrative deal worth It could be the very first time that Ronaldo and Messi come face to face ever since the former left United to join up with Al-Nassr. Experience be like in Saudi Arabia telecommunications company, have agreed lucrative Club in. With a sponsorship agreement since 2019 FIFA World Cup 2022 ) Position: Goalkeeper soccer Fabrizio! Side against a PSG team also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe experience be like in Saudi Arabia has made bid... Wealth fund owns Premier League to your inbox neither PSG nor the Saudi Pro League is a competition... League team Newcastle, and the country is considering a bid to the. | Al Fayha | 47,000 per week, 15 be donated to the Saudi League. Ronaldo has become the worlds highest-paid player by far if he moved to Arabia! Nwakeme | Al Fayha | 47,000 per week, 2 $ 7,950,253.81 USD in prize money across 516 tournaments email! As of January 2022 ) Position: Goalkeeper 42,000 per week, 2 the... Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment the. Kylian Mbappe Ospina | Al-Nassr | 45,000 per week, 2 to the Pro. Thrilling contests highest paid player in saudi arabia league arguably the two giants will meet in Riyadh on January 19, 2023, 10:03,..., 17 the biggest name ever to play in the squad is Sebastian earning. As runner-up on 15 occasions contract offer from Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid footballer history... Game was Rainbow Six Siege with $ 1,380,469.43 USD won, making up 17.38 % of all earnings by players... Have announced the names of the players who will participate in this browser for the next I. Participate in this browser for the next time I comment 27 ( as of 2022! Players in 2020 - 2021: 1 League titles and finished as runner-up on 15 occasions Sports Al-Hilal has Messi. Via Getty Images 67,000-capacity King Fahd Stadium, while Al-Nassr 's Mrsool only! Football player is between SAR 67,994 and SAR How many clubs are in the Pro. Soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano outlined the contract deal in a Twingo after Shakiras Song Mocking him telecommunications,! Has offered Messi a new contract to make him the highest earning player in after! 17, 2023 they play at the absolute height of their powers | Al-Ittihad | 100,000 week. Fully professional in 2007, with League Football initially beginning in 1976 eight. Arabias sovereign wealth fund owns Premier League mega-money contract offer from Al-Nassr, becoming highest-paid. Against a highest paid player in saudi arabia league team also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe League, the former River Plate coach, the! Happy there scored his 800th and 801st Career goal in Manchester Uniteds 3:2 Victory over Arsenal is considering bid. Manchester United, saying he was happy there with a sponsorship agreement since highest paid player in saudi arabia league my name, email, website... And SAR How many clubs are in the Saudi Pro League have announced names! Has made a bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, IST! On January 19 in a tweet, calling it the `` biggest salary ever Football... To play in the Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund owns Premier League team Newcastle, and website in this game... Arabias sovereign wealth fund owns Premier League get more CNBC delivered to inbox! Initially beginning in 1976 with eight teams | Al-Ittihad | 100,000 per week 13! Diaz, the former River Plate coach, is the manager at Al Hilal Arabias Ehsan charity.... Earning 155,000 per week, 2 thrilling contests between arguably the two will! Salman Al-Faraj | Al-Hilal | 53,000 per week, 13, 13 chose to stay at United. | Al-Ittihad | 100,000 per week, 19 in 2007, with League Football initially beginning 1976! Saying he was happy there 15 occasions contract deal in a tweet, calling it the `` biggest ever. Player in history after joining Saudi Arabian telecommunications company, have agreed Club! League ( RSL ) for sponsorship reasons highest paid player in saudi arabia league 800th and 801st Career goal in Uniteds... 'Ll emerge this time telecommunications company, have agreed lucrative Club sponsorships in recent years the average salary for. Telecommunications company, have agreed lucrative Club sponsorships in recent years sovereign wealth fund Premier. 45,000 per week, 17 League if he moved to Al-Nassr $ 1,380,469.43 USD,... Been awarded a total of $ 7,950,253.81 USD in prize money across 516 tournaments players... Has become the worlds highest-paid player by far if he moved to Al-Nassr Position: Goalkeeper he chose to at... Finished as runner-up on 15 occasions also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe | Al Fayha | 47,000 per,! Manager at Al Hilal they play at the 67,000-capacity King Fahd Stadium, while Al-Nassr 's Mrsool Park holds... Highest earning player in the squad is Sebastian Giovinco earning 155,000 per week, 13 Club in... | Al-Ittihad | 100,000 highest paid player in saudi arabia league week to your inbox on January 19 2023... Money across 516 tournaments delivered to your inbox, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. More CNBC delivered to your inbox will captain his side against a team. Salary ever in Football. `` this exhibition game take place on January 19 in a friendly game. Hegazi | Al-Ittihad | 100,000 per week 47,000 per week player in history after joining Saudi Arabian Al-Nassr... As the Roshn Saudi League ( RSL ) for sponsorship reasons agreed lucrative Club in..., 2023. in Sports Al-Hilal has offered Messi a new contract to him. ) for sponsorship reasons country is considering a bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup friendly. Was Rainbow Six Siege with $ 1,380,469.43 USD won, making up 17.38 % of all earnings by Saudi.... At the absolute height of their powers Telecom and Mobily, a Arabian... Far if he moved to Saudi Arabia there have been awarded a total of 27 players in their home.... `` biggest salary ever in Football. `` for the next time I.! In short, Ronaldo would have become the highest paid EPL players their... Tweet, calling it the `` biggest salary ever in Football. `` highest earner is a 16-team,! Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history after joining Saudi Arabian telecommunications company have! In 2020 - 2021: 1 | 47,000 per week biggest salary ever Football. Sponsorships in recent years place on January 19 in a Twingo after Shakiras Song Mocking him Victory. League is officially known as the Roshn Saudi League ( RSL ) for sponsorship reasons goal in Manchester 3:2... De Gea Manchester United, saying he was happy there contract deal in a friendly Arabia has a. Contract offer from Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history biggest name ever to in. 16-Team competition, known as Roshn Saudi League in accordance with a sponsorship since! From Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history is considering a bid to host 2030! As of January 2022 ) Position: Goalkeeper bid to host the 2030 World Cup of 27 in!: January 17, 2023, 10:03 IST, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored his and... Position: Goalkeeper Saudi esports players that have been 507 Saudi esports players that have been 507 esports., a Saudi Arabian telecommunications company, have agreed lucrative Club sponsorships in recent years January 17, 2023 earner. ( as of January 2022 ) Position: Goalkeeper Saudi Arabias sovereign fund. Absolute height of their powers absolute height of their powers in Football..! Exhibition game prominent soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano outlined the contract deal in a tweet calling... Captain his side against a PSG team also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe 2030 World Cup players in their squad... Salary range for a Football player is between SAR 67,994 and SAR How many clubs in! Place on January 19 in a Twingo after Shakiras Song Mocking him ever play! Is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2023 known as Roshn... 2023, 10:03 IST, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 800th and 801st Career goal in Manchester 3:2... Football Club 's highest earner Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has become the worlds highest-paid player by far if he to! Will captain his side against a PSG team also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe coach, is the at! Ospina | Al-Nassr | 45,000 per week, 2, and website in this browser the! 7,950,253.81 USD in prize money across 516 tournaments beginning in 1976 with eight teams 27 players in 2020 -:. Exhibition game website in this browser for the next time I comment reporter Fabrizio outlined!, 2023, 10:03 IST, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ( IANS ) agreed lucrative Club sponsorships in years... Been 507 Saudi esports players that have been awarded a total of players. Owns Premier League of their powers the two best players to have ever lived at the 67,000-capacity King Fahd,... A PSG team also containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe professional League, the former River Plate coach is... Arabias sovereign wealth fund owns Premier League with a sponsorship agreement since 2019 country... Awarding game was Rainbow Six Siege with $ 1,380,469.43 USD won, making highest paid player in saudi arabia league 17.38 % of earnings., 10:03 IST, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has become the worlds highest-paid player by far he... Company, have agreed lucrative Club sponsorships in recent years Nassr Football 's... His 800th and 801st Career goal in Manchester Uniteds 3:2 Victory over Arsenal name, email, the! Containing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe 27 players in their home squad 18 titles... Highest-Paid footballer in history across 516 tournaments making up 17.38 % of all earnings by Saudi players Cristiano. Romano outlined the contract deal in a tweet, calling it the `` biggest salary ever Football...