List of Top 10 highest-paid players like Ronaldo and Messi in the world of football after Neymar’s transfer to Al Hilal
Neymar‘s astonishing transfer to Al Hilal has set the football world abuzz, as he secures a substantial salary. In light of such impactful moves in the current transfer window, a trend emerges, with several European superstars opting to join the cash-rich clubs of the Saudi Pro League. Neymar’s two-year contract with Al Hilal promises him an eye-popping annual income of 100 million Euros.
In Neymar’s words, “I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places. I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment.”
This trend isn’t exclusive to Neymar alone. Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, and Roberto Firmino have also found their way to Saudi Arabia. Notably, even Lionel Messi was linked with Al Hilal before opting to join the MLS side Inter Miami.
Considering the magnitude of Neymar’s salary, let’s take a look at the top ten highest-paid footballers worldwide:
List of Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
10. Kalidou Koulibaly
Once lauded as one of the finest center-backs globally during his time at Napoli, Koulibaly’s fortunes took a turn following his move to Chelsea. Al Hilal intervened, securing his services with a £20 million transfer fee and an annual salary of 30 million Euros.
9. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez celebrated a treble-winning season with Manchester City but found himself on the bench frequently. Al Ahli, the Saudi side, provided him with an opportunity, and he moved there for a yearly salary of 35 million Euros.
8. Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane’s shift from Liverpool to Bayern Munich was followed by a less-than-ideal tenure, leading him to move again. Al Nassr seized the moment and signed him with an annual salary of 40 million Euros.
7. Jordan Henderson
Former Liverpool captain Henderson’s tenure ended after a challenging season. He moved to Al Ettifaq, led by Steven Gerrard, for a salary of 40 million Euros per year.
6. Lionel Messi
Messi’s departure from PSG led to speculation about his next move, with both Barcelona and Al Hilal in the mix. Ultimately, he chose Inter Miami, a team co-owned by David Beckham. Apart from a basic annual salary of 45 million Euros, Messi will receive additional earnings from various avenues, including club shares, Adidas revenue shares, and the prospect of owning a part of an MLS team post-retirement.
5. Kylian Mbappe
Remaining in France, Kylian Mbappe’s salary is a substantial 70 million Euros per year, making him the sole representative from Europe on this list.
4. N’Golo Kante
Kante’s unexpected move to Al Ittihad surprised many, given his continued prowess in top European leagues. Yet, his choice brings him a remarkable 100 million Euros annually in the Saudi Pro League.
3. Neymar
The Brazilian icon’s move to Al Hilal has taken the footballing world by storm. Earning a remarkable 100 million Euros per year, Neymar’s presence in Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo‘s base wage with Al Nassr stands at an impressive 200 million Euros, a deal that materialized after his departure from Manchester United. Despite his candid criticism of the club’s hierarchy in an interview with Piers Morgan, he secured a substantial contract with Al Nassr.
1. Karim Benzema
The Real Madrid legend’s move to Al Ittihad has resulted in a staggering annual salary of 200 million Euros. His absence from the Spanish league will undoubtedly leave a void at Real Madrid.
As football continues to witness these unprecedented transfers and salaries, the dynamics of the game are evolving, transcending borders and leagues.
