Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘the only Pro League player to justify his wages’, according to former Saudi sports chief
Abdullah doesn't believe other players justify their exorbitant pay
Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to ply his trade in the Saudi Pro League that justifies his lucrative wages, according to the country’s former sports minister.
Saudi Arabia has become a destination for leading footballers in recent years, the kingdom throwing enormous amounts of money at players to lure them to the Middle East and away from the big European leagues.
There remains a great deal of cynicism regarding Saudi’s motives – critics suggest it is a sportswashing move to soften the country’s reputation and shift the narrative away from its appalling human rights record.
And there are now question marks from within with Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad, who was in charge of all sporting matters in Saudi from 2014 to 2017, questioning the money on offer.
In an interview with the Fi Al-Marama TV program on Al-Arabiya, he said: “Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country.
“Many others are paid far more than they deserve.”
Ronaldo brings value on and off the field
Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, who are 75% owned by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF). It is reported the Portugal striker earns over £3million a week. The 40-year-old has scored 84 goals in 86 league games for Al-Nassr, who are top of the Pro League with a 100% record after nine games, since joining them from Manchester United in 2022.
Other players reported to be on vast wages include Karim Benzema, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman.
Ronaldo’s value to the Saudi brand was on display last week when he was part of a 40-person delegation, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to visit the White House for a public show of mutual affection with US president Donald Trump.
Saudi will stage the World Cup in 2034 and Abdullah believes more homegrown players should be given the chance to play in the domestic league in a bid to build a stronger pool of players.
“Right now, building a strong league is coming at the expense of the national team,” he said. “We need a clear plan to prepare for 2034.”