With Neymar on the verge of completing a monumental transfer to the Saudi Pro League, it’s worth taking a look at where he stands in the fastest growing league in world football…
10 – Marcelo Brozovic
The former Inter Milan player is still one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is a fantastic passer and also a confident character who does not shy away from any challenge.
The Croatian veteran has been running the business in Italy for years and will no doubt continue to run it for Al-Nassr.
9 – N’Golo Kante
One player who would have been much higher on the list a few years ago is N’Golo Kante.
One of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Kante was the best in the world at what he did in his prime. A horrific injury brought his career to a complete halt, leaving him not quite the player he once was. Still, he’s definitely one of the best in the league.
8 – Ruben Neves
As a player at the peak of his career, Ruben Neves’ transfer to the Saudi Pro League was in doubt.
The former Wolves midfielder was previously linked with Barcelona but opted for the Saudi Pro League route instead. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career and is an enormously talented midfielder. He can score, assist and is phenomenal on dead ball. Al-Hilal has a superstar for years to come.
7 – Fabino
Next comes another defensive midfielder – this time in the form of Fabinho.
The Brazilian has been a prominent figure in Liverpool midfield for years and is one of the main reasons Liverpool have enjoyed so much success under Jurgen Klopp.
Now at 29 he is losing more and more of the pace he had which means Liverpool were happy to capitalize on it. If you put it that way, he’s still a top player.
6 – Sergei Milinkovic-Savic
That was a big surprise, Sergej Milinkovic is our number six.
Savic, 28, is at the peak of his career and could find his feet in any midfield in Europe. A powerhouse of a central midfielder, he can basically do everything.
An exuberant player, but also with great intelligence. Al-Hilal is an absolute gem.
READ: WHO ARE THE FIVE HIGHEST EARNERS IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE?
5 – Riyadh Mahrez
A treble winner in fifth place is Riyad Mahrez.
The lithe Algerian winger has been thriving in the Premier League since winning the title for the first time with Leicester City. Since then he has won practically everything in football with Manchester City.
One of the best dribblers in world football, Mahrez has the magic wand of a left foot. Al-Ahli will appreciate him greatly.
4 – Cristiano Ronaldo
A man who needs no introduction – it’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo was arguably the man who started all this madness and he was the pioneer that the rest of the football world followed into the Saudi Pro League.
Some would argue he was all about the money, but one of the greats still plays at an extremely high level at Al-Nassr. In his youth he would have been first, but at a modest 38 he sits fourth.
3 – Sadio Mane
In third place is Sadio Mane.
This is arguably the most amazing player to ever play in the Saudi Pro League. Mane only came to Bayern Munich in June 2022 and was one of the best players in the world.
He’s had a rough time in Germany, which has been plagued by injuries – so they were sacked. However, he is still one of the most talented players in football and is at the peak of his career. Crazy signing for Al-Nassr.
2 – Karim Benzema
The Ballon d’Or winner in second place? Karim Benzema just missed out on the top spot.
The goalscorer was one of the first names to move to Saudi Arabia in the 23/24 summer window and when such a great player leaves, others are sure to follow.
Benzema is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers of all time. He won everything in Madrid and will now end his monumental career with Al-Ittihad.
1 – Neymar
It had to be like this. One of football’s brightest stars – Neymar.
The Brazilian has been part of some of the greatest attacking trios in world football throughout his career. Now he goes to the Saudi League with Al-Hilal to take the league to the next level.
