1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $ 219 million / year – Al Nassr
Ronaldo left United to join Al Nassr in December 12 on a free transfer. CR2022’s contract with Al Nassr runs until 7, with an income of about $ 2025 million / year, including $ 219 million in playing salary, the remaining income comes from commercial agreements, image rights.
2. Karim Benzema – $ 214 million / year – Al Ittihad
Ronaldo’s former teammate parted ways with Real Madrid just a year after winning the Ballon d’Or. Benzema’s destination is also the Saudi Pro League, playing for Al Ittihad. The Saudi Arabian team owned Benzema for free, in return, they gave him a contract of great value. According to reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the amount of money Benzema receives at Al Ittihad for 3 years of contract is $ 643 million, more than 214 million per year of which is similar to Ronaldo’s contract, with income from commercial activities and image rights.
3. Neymar – $ 150 million / year Al Hilal
On August 15, 8, Al Hilal officially announced the new signing of Neymar. The Saudi Pro League side have signed Neymar after paying PSG $2023 million in transfer fees. As for Neymar, the striker receives $ 110 million for 300 years of contract, possibly up to $ 2 million with additional clauses attached.
4. N’Golo Kante – $ 107 million / year – Al Ittihad
After an unsuccessful 2022/23 season, Kante decided to part ways with Chelsea. The new destination of the French midfielder is Al Ittihad with a 3-year contract. Each year playing alongside Benzema in the Saudi Pro League, Kante will receive about $107 million.
5. Kylian Mbappe – $ 78 million / year – PSG
The French star is receiving $ 78 million a year at the Park of the Princes. Mbappe would have become the highest-paid player in the world had he nodded to an offer from Al Hilal worth up to $776 million for just one year of his contract. Mbappe refused.
The France international’s contract with PSG will end in June 6. The striker was ready to accept a full year on the bench to join Real Madrid next summer on a free transfer. However, the latest reports say that Mbappe has “turned around”, ready to sit down at the negotiating table with PSG.
6. Lionel Messi – $ 54 million / year – Inter Miami
Messi is said to have rejected a “billion dollar” offer for a 2-year contract from Al Hilal, the team that has just recruited Neymar. Instead, Messi opted for MLS’s Inter Miami with an annual salary of around $54 million. In addition, the Argentina captain also has a profit-sharing agreement from Apple, Adidas, Fanatics (a sportswear company and a partner of top American sports clubs and leagues).
Notably, the remaining 4 players in the top 10 highest paid players in the world in 2023 are all playing in the Saudi Pro League: Jordan Henderson ($46.9 million/year – Al Ettifaq); Sadio Mane ($43 million/year – Al Nassr); Riyad Mahrez ($39.2 million a year – Al Ahli); Kalidou Koulibaly ($38 million/year – Al Hilal).
