The Saudi Pro League has radically altered the market for player wages, luring established icons with record-shattering salaries. At the same time, Major League Soccer and the Premier League continue to reward top performers with jaw-dropping pay packets. Below are the seven highest earners in today’s game, listed by their approximate weekly wages.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $4 million/week
Club: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Ronaldo’s switch to Saudi Arabia in 2023 triggered a wave of big-name arrivals, but he remains the league’s top-paid star. Reports suggest he renewed until 2026, increasing his pay to about $4 million weekly. Even at 39, he still delivers goals and massive global attention.
2. Neymar – $3.31 million/week
Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Neymar left PSG in 2023 to embark on a new chapter in Riyadh. Injuries have limited his playing time, yet his marketability remains unrivaled, and his contract ranks among the most lucrative in football. Fans wonder if he’ll move to Major League Soccer once his two-year deal ends.
3. Karim Benzema – $2 million/week
Club: Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
Fresh off a Ballon d’Or and Champions League success at Real Madrid, Benzema sought a different challenge. He’s now the face of Al Ittihad, earning roughly $2 million per week. At 37, he’s proven he can still perform at a high level and inspire the team’s drive for trophies.
4. Lionel Messi – $1.08 million/week
Club: Inter Miami (MLS, USA)
Messi’s arrival in Miami transformed Major League Soccer. Official estimates put his base salary near $1.08 million weekly, but incentives and commercial deals could push his total higher. He’s called MLS “a really big opportunity,” signaling he values the growing footprint of the league.
5. Sadio Mané – $813,000/week
Club: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Mané departed Bayern Munich to join the Saudi wave alongside Ronaldo at Al Nassr. His direct style and consistent scoring brought instant credibility to the club. Though less flashy off the pitch, he’s a vital part of Al Nassr’s efforts to dominate domestically and regionally.
6. Riyad Mahrez – $725,000/week
Club: Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
Formerly with Manchester City, Mahrez arrived at Al Ahli in 2023. He commands around $725,000 per week as one of the Pro League’s premier wingers, leveraging years of top-level experience in England to help raise the profile of Saudi football.
7. Erling Haaland – $625,000/week
Club: Manchester City (England)
Haaland has become the deadliest striker in Europe since joining City in 2022. He penned a lengthy contract extension at about $625,000 weekly, though he told Sky Sports News, “I am really happy to have signed my new contract.” His prolific goal rates suggest he’ll keep rewriting league records.
