Faith Nyasuguta
The Saudi Pro League has made a significant mark on the global soccer industry, producing four out of the top 10 footballers on Forbes’ latest ranking of the world’s highest-paid footballers. This achievement highlights the league’s rising prominence and its growing influence in the world of football.
The annual report by Forbes financial magazine revealed that the Saudi Pro League’s dominance is a result of its substantial spending and strategic investments. The league has attracted top talents like Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Neymar (Al Hilal), N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad), and Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), among others. This influx of star players has significantly boosted the league’s profile and financial standing.
The Public Investment Fund, owned by the Saudi Arabian government and one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, plays a crucial role in this transformation. The fund owns several Saudi clubs, including Al-Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Newcastle United, and has assets worth over $700 billion. This financial backing has enabled the league to make substantial investments in top football talents, further solidifying its position in the global soccer market.
Forbes calculated the footballers’ earnings using a combination of their on-field salaries, bonuses, and off-field earnings from endorsements, licensing, appearances, and other business ventures. The rankings reflect the financial success of these players, both on and off the field. Notably, club or league sponsors are believed to subsidize the contracts of certain players, such as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which is accounted for in the on-field estimates.
Cristiano Ronaldo led the list for a record sixth time in the last decade, with annual earnings of $285 million, including an estimated $65 million from off-field activities. This figure surpasses his previous earnings of $260 million in the 2023 ranking and makes him the only active athlete to surpass that amount in a single year since Floyd Mayweather.
Lionel Messi secured the second spot with estimated earnings of $135 million, including $75 million from off-field activities. The Saudi Pro League’s influence is evident in the presence of other top earners from the league, including Neymar ($110 million), Karim Benzema ($104 million), and Kylian Mbappé ($90 million).
The Premier League, known for its star-studded lineup, only managed to secure three spots in the top 10, while Spain’s La Liga had two. An unexpected addition to the list was the US Major League, represented by Lionel Messi.
The Saudi Pro League’s rise in the rankings is a testament to the growing interest in football within the region. The league’s success in attracting top talents and its financial backing from the Public Investment Fund have positioned it as a major player in the global soccer industry.
The top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2024 are as follows:
| Rank | Name | Club | Country | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr | Portugal | $285 million |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Argentina | $135 million |
| 3 | Neymar | Al Hilal | Brazil | $110 million |
| 4 | Karim Benzema | Al Ittihad | France | $104 million |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | France | $90 million |
| 6 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Norway | $60 million |
| 7 | Vinicius Jr. | Real Madrid | Brazil | $55 million |
| 8 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt | $53 million |
| 9 | Sadio Mané | Al Nassr | Senegal | $52 million |
| 10 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | Belgium | $39 million |
As the Saudi Pro League continues to grow and attract more top talents, its influence on the world of football is expected to increase further. The league’s commitment to investing in top players and promoting the sport within the region has set a new standard for success in the global soccer market.
RELATED:
