The Saudi Professional League has spent the previous two years redefining world soccer economics, pulling in superstars from Europe at unprecedented value. However a brand new controversy is now shaking the foundations of that mission. Cristiano Ronaldo stays the undisputed face of the league and continues to ship on and off the pitch, but a robust voice inside Saudi soccer has issued a warning that might impression future strikes for the likes of Vinicius, Bruno Fernandes, and Robert Lewandowski.
And whereas the storm grows, one determine stands firmly at its heart: Ronaldo, who has develop into the usual by which each different overseas arrival is now measured. The feedback, coming from one of many kingdom’s most influential sporting figures, counsel that Saudi soccer might quickly alter its recruitment technique—elevating questions over whether or not the period of lavish spending on imported superstars is nearing a turning level. A shift is coming.
As Europe watches with fascination—and in some instances envy—Saudi Arabia’s aggressive pursuit of worldwide expertise, the interior debate inside the league has intensified. On the coronary heart of the problem is the current evaluation of participant bills within the Professional League, a overview that coincides with main switch developments.
Rising disaster behind the scenes
Actual Madrid’s Vinicius, in the course of contract stress on the membership, has already been knowledgeable of a staggering proposal value $1.1bn over 5 years, in keeping with reporting from TalkSPORT. “The Saudis have been following Vinicius’ scenario for over a yr,” the report notes. Together with his renewal on maintain and whispers of dissatisfaction surrounding his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso, the door to a Saudi transfer has crept open.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes, in the meantime, admitted he mentioned the Center East mission with Cristiano Ronaldo himself. “I spoke with Cristiano in regards to the scenario,” he mentioned throughout a press convention, “and it was necessary to listen to his opinion.” Manchester United blocked a nine-figure sale final summer time, however affords are anticipated once more in 2026.
On prime of that, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski is reportedly eyeing Saudi Arabia as the ultimate chapter of his profession. His entourage, per Al-Riyadiyah, has confirmed his openness to becoming a member of the league when his contract ends in June 2026. It’s into this panorama of uncertainty that the prince’s verdict has exploded.
The shock declare that might spell dangerous information for European stars
Saudi Arabia’s prince and former sports activities minister, Prince Abdullah bin Musaad, has criticized the league’s spending mannequin—and revealed the blunt four-word evaluation: “Many foreigners are overpaid.” The prince argued that solely Cristiano Ronaldo justifies his monumental wage, because of the world publicity, sponsorship pull, and aggressive worth he brings. “Ronaldo is the one overseas participant who totally justifies what he earns,” he advised Al-Arabiya TV. “Many others are paid excess of they deserve.”
The numbers are staggering: Ronaldo earns $211 million per yr, dwarfing Riyad Mahrez ($69m), Karim Benzema ($58m), and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ($30m). However the prince insists that almost all imported gamers don’t match their monetary footprint. His criticism goes additional: the inflow of overseas stars is harming the event of Saudi gamers.
“Native gamers are lowered to extras,” he warned. “It has develop into even worse because the variety of foreigners within the protocol was elevated to eight. That is coming on the expense of the nationwide staff. I’ve proposed limiting the variety of foreigners and investing extra within the youth classes,” he added. With the West Asian nation internet hosting the 2034 World Cup, the priority is strategic. A league constructed primarily for spectacle might not construct a staff able to competing on house soil.
