da dobrowin： A list of every famous footballer to have graced the Saudi Pro League over the years.
da bwin： The Saudi Pro League has taken the football world by storm with their transfer activity since 2023, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport and propping themselves up as potential rivals for Europe in being the main destination for talented players.
It all started when former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo completed a shock move to Al Nassr in January of 2023, and suddenly millions shifted their eyes to the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi Pro League clubs haven't stopped since signing the Portuguese legend and continue to surprise the world with the signings of the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, etc. However, before these players, Saudi Arabia was still attracting legends of the sport.
Here GOAL takes you through every famous player to have played in the Saudi Pro League.
GettyCristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr | 2023-present
The transfer which in all likelihood put Saudi Pro League on world football's map. Some are still shocked that Ronaldo left Europe to join Al Nassr after being released by Manchester United following a dispute with the club's administration.
It did not take Ronaldo too long to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, with the former Manchester United winger having scored 14 goals in 16 appearances, nearly winning Al Nassr the title despite only playing half a season with them.
Advertisement@Alhilal_FCNeymar | Al Hilal | 2023-present
Neymar joined Al-Hilal after six seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. The divisive winger managed to feature in just one Champions League final after leaving Barcelona in 2017. In his 173 appearances, the 32-year-old scored 118 times and formed a deadly duo with French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
He was one third of the legendary Barcelona attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, helping the Blaugrana win a second treble in 2015/16 season.
The former Barcelona man broke the transfer record when he joined PSG in 2017 and has joined Al-Hilal on a lucrative deal for two years.
GettyKarim Benzema | Al Ittihad | 2023-present
Much like his former teammate Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr, ex-Real Madrid forward Benzema's move to Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023 took many by surprise.
Most spectators and experts had expected Real Madrid's all-time 2nd highest top scorer to remain with Los Blancos for another year, however, Benzema decided not to renew his contract beyond 2023 after being convinced by Al Ittihad about their project.
Getty ImagesAleksandar Mitrovic | Al-Hilal | 2023-present
Serbia's all-time top goalscorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, is on his way to join the likes of Neymar, Ruben Neves and fellow countryman, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at Al-Hilal. The 28-year-old holds the record for most goals scored in an English league season with his 43 goals in 46 appearances during the 2021-22 season with Fulham.
The former Newcastle United striker helped Serbia win the U19 European Championship in 2013 and won the golden player award for his performances. He has won the golden boot twice with Fulham in the Championship.