With Neymar on the verge of completing a monumental transfer to the Saudi Pro League, it’s worth having a look to see where he ranks amongst the fastest-growing league in world football…
10 – Marcelo Brozovic
The former Inter Milan man is still up there with one of the world’s finest holding midfielders. He is a fantastic passer of the ball and also a commanding figure that certainly doesn’t back out of a challenge.
The Croatian veteran has been doing the business for years in Italy and will no doubt continue to boss it for Al-Nassr.
READ: THE TOP THREE MOST EXPENSIVE SIGNINGS IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
9 – N’Golo Kante
A player that would’ve been much higher up the list a few years back, it’s N’Golo Kante.
One of the greatest midfielders of his generation, when Kante was in his prime, he was the best in the world at what he did. A terrible injury really put his career to a halt, so he’s not quite the player he once was.
Nevertheless, he’s definitely still among the best in the league.
8 – Ruben Neves
A player at the peak of his career, the transfer of Ruben Neves to the Saudi Pro League was a questionable one.
The former Wolves midfielder was previously linked to Barcelona but chose the Saudi Pro League route instead. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career and is a massive talented midfielder.
He can score, assist and is phenomenal from a dead ball. Al-Hilal has a superstar for years to come.
7 – Fabinho
Next up is yet another holding midfielder – this time in the form of Fabinho.
The Brazilian has been a commanding figure in Liverpool’s midfield for years, being one of the main reasons they achieved so much success under Jurgen Klopp.
Now at 29, he is losing more and more of what little pace he had, which means Liverpool were happy enough to cash in. Saying this, he’s still a top, top player.
6 – Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
This one was a huge surprise, Sergej Milinkovic is our number six.
Savic, 28, is at the peak of his career and could arguably walk into any midfield in Europe. A powerhouse of a central midfielder, he can essentially do it all.
A boisterous player, but also with great intelligence. Al-Hilal have an absolute gem on their hands.
READ: WHO ARE THE TOP FIVE HIGHEST EARNERS IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE?
5 – Riyad Mahrez
A treble-winner at number five is Riyad Mahrez.
The silky Algerian winger has been tearing it up in the Premier League since he first won the title with Leicester City. Since then, he’s basically won everything in football with Manchester City.
Mahrez is one of the best dribbles in world football and has a wand of a left foot. Al-Ahli will appreciate him greatly.
4 – Cristiano Ronaldo
A man that needs no introduction – it’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arguably the man that started all of this madness, Ronaldo was the pioneer for the rest of the footballing world to follow into the Saudi Pro League.
Some would argue he only went for the money, but one of the all-time greats is still performing at an extremely high level at Al-Nassr. He would be first in his youth, but at a humble 38 years f age – he sits at fourth.
3 – Sadio Mane
At number three – it’s Sadio Mane.
This is arguably the most baffling player to be playing in the Saudi Pro League. Mane only joined Bayern Munich in June 2022 and was up there with the world’s best players.
He had a tough time in Germany, which was plagued by injuries – so they got rid. Nevertheless, he’s still one of the most talented players in football and he’s at the peak of his career. Crazy signing for Al-Nassr.
2 – Karim Benzema
The Ballon d’Or winner at number two? Just missing out on the top spot is Karim Benzema.
The goalscoring machine was one of the first names to depart for Saudi during the 23/24 summer window, and when a player this great goes – others surely followed.
Benzema is one of the greatest strikers of all-time no doubt. He won it all at Madrid and now will finish his monumental career at Al-Ittihad.
1 – Neymar
It had to be. One of football’s most dazzling stars – Neymar.
The Brazilian has been part of some of the greatest attacking trios in world football during his career. Now he’s heading to the Saudi League with Al-Hilal to take the league to the next level.
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