Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Al Nassr Club in the Saudi Pro League of Saudi Arabia opened the door for the exodus of veteran footballers who are at the oblivion of their careers. Likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino have set foot on Arabian soil with lucrative amounts of monetary contracts. 

However, a wave of young and promising talents from Europe and other continents has begun to move to the Saudi Pro League with massive contracts on the table for them. This notion has brought many promising youngsters to play in different Saudi clubs; some of them got their break in recent times. 

Rise of Saudi Pro League 

The European football circuit has always been the preferred destination for young footballers who are starting their careers and they aim to play in different clubs in Europe. On the contrary, many footballers who succeeded in Europe have mostly moved to the USA's Major League Soccer or China's Chinese Super League at the ending spell of their career. 

However, the Saudi Pro League's meteoric rise after the FIFA World Cup 2022 has taken the football transfer window by storm and big players in the market are splashing the cash to sign someone who is already a big name or any footballer who is in his prime or most importantly, some fresh talents who will be nurtured in the growing league in Saudi and its footballing culture. 

According to a recent scoop published by Reuters on 11th July 2024:

"The Saudi Pro League is encouraging its clubs to foster homegrown talent and switch focus to wooing promising young internationals after making headlines for big-name signings for huge money, a document outlining plans for the new season said."

But the same question has arisen from time to time with criticisms from the elite footballing circuit in Europe and the other parts of the world where the footballing culture is already enriched. The concern is if the league and the clubs are as ambitious as they seem to bring players to Saudi.

Read Also | 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back 

Transfers and Criticisms

Here are some players who moved to Saudi Arabia at a very young age that subsequently winded up significant criticism.

1. Gabri Veiga | Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli SC 

Spanish midfielder Gabriel Veiga's transfer to Al-Ahli SC in the Saudi Pro League at the age of 21 came as a surprise to the entire world. Gabri Veiga was promoted to the Celta Vigo senior team in 2022 and in the 2022-23 LaLiga season, he emerged as a very promising talent with 11 goals and 4 assists in 36 matches. 

Despite being closely linked to the Italian side Napoli and PL Champions Manchester City, Veiga decided to continue his career in the Saudi Pro League with Celta and Al-Ahli agreeing on a 30 Million Euros transfer fee in 2023. Real Madrid legend and German midfielder Toni Kroos publicly criticized this move with a comment, "embarrassing".

🚨🚨| Toni Kroos under Fabrizio Romano’s Gabri Veiga to Al-Ahli post. 😯 pic.twitter.com/cJEt6IVJ6J

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 24, 2023

Kroos put his opinion as he said that there is nothing about ambitions but only money in these moves to Saudi. He later explained and expressed his concern about young talents moving to Saudi.

"Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career. But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes.”

(Via Sports Illustrated)

Veiga did not hold back as well after Kroos commented on this topic as he said that many top players are happy in Saudi and that he also did not scrap the idea of his possible return to Europe.

Read Also | Football jersey numbers: Significance of jersey numbers in football 

2. Roger Ibanez | AS Roma to Al-Ahli SC

The 25-year-old Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez was one of the key players for AS Roma for more than 3 years and he has won the Europa League with Roma in the 2021-22 season. He also featured for Atalanta in the Serie A. 

Ibanez was selected by Tite for the provisional squad before the 2022 World Cup and played one friendly against Ghana. However, He could not make it to the Brazil squad that took the flight to Qatar. 

In August 2023, Ibanez joined the Saudi side Al-Ahli SC for 28.5 Million Euros fee on a 4-year contract. He was shortlisted by Premier League Club Nottingham Forest and they were also bidding for Ibanez, but he chose Al-Ahli. Later this transfer, He was called up by the new Brazil head coach Dorival Junior for some friendlies but he was again excluded from the Brazil squad that travelled to the USA for the Copa America 2024. 

Pundits have speculated that it would be hard for Ibanez to make it in Brazil's core squad while playing in Saudi. He moved to Saudi at such a young age that it surely affected his national career and he is overlooked not only because he is not playing in Europe but also because he is not even playing in his own country.

That is why even after showcasing a consistent display for Roma before, he is not considered for the national team scenario as of now, whereas Guilherme Arana made it to the Copa 2024 squad, and plays as a defender for a Brazilian club, Atletico Mineiro.

Read Also | Football facts: Brazil fails without Neymar! These stats prove that 

3. Steven Bergwijn | Ajax to Al-Ittihad Club

The most recent transfer of a player to a Saudi Club that sparked controversy was Steven Bergwijn's move to Al-Ittihad Club from Ajax. The 26-year-old Dutch forward moved to the Saudi Club in September 2024 after two 2-year stints in top-flight football respectively at Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax Amsterdam. 

He was criticized by the Netherlands national team manager Ronald Koeman for moving to Saudi at the age of 26. Koeman stated:

"The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this... When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make. ...I have never been in that situation, because I could go to Barcelona. He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t [have moved]."

(Via The Guardian)

Koeman assured that as long as he is in charge Bergwijn will not play for the national team. Considering it was Koeman himself who gave Bergwijn his breakthrough in the national team in 2018, it is safe to say that there is a sound process that excludes Bergwijn from the national team. 

🇳🇱 Bergwijn in response to the statements of the Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman:

“They need to come see first and then speak.”#AlIttihad 🟡⚫️ pic.twitter.com/8JcOjRutkn

— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) September 15, 2024

However, Bergwijn replied to this criticism in an interview with De Telegraaf where he stated:

"I don't even want to play under Koeman anymore, If he had been a committed national coach, he would have called me first. Now I had to hear about it on TV. I've had many beautiful moments with him, so this is far too easy and I'm disappointed with him.

"I have always considered it an honour to play for Oranje. But under this national coach, I no longer want to do that. With someone who deliberately portrays me like that in the media, I am done. But who knows if there will be a new national coach in the future.

"I myself will never close the door. And I will only support my teammates at Oranje, just as they do with me. I have only received good messages from the internationals after my transfer. Everyone is happy for me. That is how it can be."

(Via ESPN)

4. Joao Costa | AS Roma to Al-Ettifaq FC 

This is a transfer where not the player but the parent club was heavily criticized for letting a 19-year-old kid end up in Saudi. Joao Costa is a Brazil-born Portuguese who earned his place in the Corinthians U-20 team in Brazil at the age of 14. In 2021, He signed for AS Roma, and Roma welcomed him for the U-17 team. This shows how talented this left-footed winger is.

In September 2023, the legendary Jose Mourinho called up this young talent for a Serie A game against Frosinone but he could not get a solid breakthrough into the senior team. Finally in September 2024, AS Roma decided to sell him to Saudi side Al-Ettifaq FC. 

19 year old Joao Costa 🇵🇹 scored this fantastic goal to give Al Ettifaq the lead against Al Fateh. pic.twitter.com/b8buzejQGU

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) September 14, 2024

It was rumored that Costa himself was eyeing a possible move to a Portuguese or Brazilian club but Roma refused and sent him to Saudi. Roma was criticized for not sending him on loan but they made a permanent move instead which narrowed this youngster's chance to get back in the top-flight in Europe or elsewhere.

Read Also | Most Iconic Rivalries in European Football Leagues: History & Stats 

5. Ezequiel Fernández | Boca Juniors to Al Qadsiah FC

This 22-year-old young Argentine's move to the Saudi Club Al Qadsiah was a strong message from the Saudi League officials along with the club to the footballing circuit reigning all over the world that they are not only considering the European talents or players who were nurtured in the European system.

The league intended that now they are eyeing fresh talents from all over the world and bringing them to Saudi to simultaneously upgrade and grow grassroots-level footballers who will later join any other club after an agreement with a hefty amount of money. 

🚨🇸🇦 Equi Fernández to Al Qadsiah, here we go! Saudi club confirmed with formal documents they’re set to trigger $20m release clause.

Five year deal for 22 year old talented midfielder who’s leaving Boca Juniors.

Equi, set to join Nacho and Aubameyang at Al Qadsiah in Saudi. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/VkdTflrhNe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2024

Midfielder Ezequiel 'Equi' Fernandez was called up by coach Javier Mascherano for the Argentina squad that traveled to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. Javier Mascherano is the Argentina U-23 coach as well and it was Mascherano who gave Ezequiel his breakthrough in the U-23 team in 2023.

It came as a total shock in August 2024 when his move to the Saudi side was finalized. Al Qadsiah welcomed him from Argentine top-division club Boca Juniors where he had 67 appearances.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo's groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr in December 2022, the Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for several high-profile European stars. His transfer acted as a channel, inspiring many big names to follow in his footsteps and head to the Middle East.

Top players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane have made the switch. While the appeal of a new challenge may have played a minor role in their decisions, the well-paid contracts were undoubtedly the main motivation. Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves even admitted that in December 2023, though he also acknowledged that the league's ambitious project influenced his choice.

As the biggest star in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo earns an astronomical weekly age, with his presence drawing global attention to the league's expanding brand. But who else comes close to him in terms of earnings?

20 Highest-Paid Footballers in Saudi Pro League history:

Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in Saudi Pro League: 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo | 3.85 million Euros per Week:

The Pioneer, The game-changer, The highest-paid footballer of all time. Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 was not just a transfer- it was a statement. His arrival ignited a wave of big-name signings in the Saudi Pro League, but none have matched his astonishing earnings.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al Nassr, here we go! Contract valid until 2025 🇵🇹🇸🇦 #Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/HB562KnaTf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2022

Earning twice as much as the next best-paid player, he remains the undisputed financial King of both the league and the World football. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner did not just adapt, he succeeded, finishing 2023 as the year's top goal scorer across all competitions. At 40, he is not just playing-he is redefining the game on a new level.

 2. Karim Benzema | 1.93 million Euros per week: 

Karim Benzema had the option to stay at Real Madrid for another year, but who can blame him for accepting a three-year deal with champions Al-lttihad, well over 150 million? At 35, an age when many players consider retirement, he chose to take a new challenge while securing an astonishing payday.

Official, confirmed. Karim Benzema joins Al Ittihad on two year deal with option for further season. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #AlIttihad

Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals included. pic.twitter.com/vSrkL4zjJI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023

However, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, the Frenchman has struggled to settle in the Saudi Pro League, even earning a harsh new nickname from Al-lttihad fans. Despite this, he has still delivered on the pitch, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in just 29 games during his debut season in the Middle East.

3. Riyad Mahrez | 1.03 million Euros per week:

Riyad Mahrez ranks third on this list, but he trails significantly behind the top two in earnings, nearly 50% of what Benzema makes. Even so, his 8.3 million euros salary at Manchester City now seems like pocket change compared to the eye-watering sum he is earning at Al-Ahli.

Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli, here we go! The documents are being exchanged as Man City and Al Ahli want the deal signed by the end of the week. 🚨🟢🇸🇦 #AlAhli

Mahrez will sign until June 2027 — Man City will receive €35m fee with add ons included.

Medical booked in the next 24h. pic.twitter.com/Vh390HYr6V

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023

Now making more than Five times his City wages, the Algerian international continues to showcase the same dazzling skill in Saudi Arabia that Premier League fans enjoyed weekly. With 12 goals and 14 assists at the time of writing, he is proving his worth, even if Al-Ahli fell short of winning Saudi Pro League title in his debut season.

4. Sadio Mane | 769k euros Per Week: 

Sadio Mane's time at Bayern Munich can fairly be described as pathetic. The Senegalese forward, who once tortured Premier League defenses with Liverpool and Southampton, struggled to find favor in Bavaria. His difficult spells even included a physical argument with teammate Leroy Sane. 

Sadio Mané to Al Nassr, here we go! Deal in place between the two clubs, Bayern have accepted the verbal proposal after advanced talks yesterday 🟡🔵🇸🇦

Paperwork to be checked on player side and then medical will be booked, deal will be done.

Fofana, Brozović, Telles… Mané ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/w0eZqFQxgD

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2023

As a result, securing a move away from the Allianz Arena become Mane's top priority. He ultimately signed for Al-Nassr, joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo. The 32-year-old penned a deal reportedly with around 34 million euros per year, placing him just ahead of another former Premier League star.

5. Kalidou Koulibaly | 667k euros Per Week:

Chelsea fans were confident they had found the perfect defensive partner for Thiago Silva in Kalidou Koulibaly, even handing him John Terry's iconic number. However, the Senegalese defender endured a challenging spell at Stamford Bridge and was moved on in 2023 for 20 million euros.

The moment Kalidou Koulibaly signed for Al-Hilal 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/IrskVaXxO7

— GOAL (@goal) June 26, 2023

Since joining Al-Hilal, Koulibaly has been a steady presence at the back, leaving his Premier struggles behind to help guide his new team to the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League title. 

Earning around 295,000 euros per week in Chelsea, the 33-year-old nearly doubted his wages with the move. In an interview, he even admitted that the amazing financial offer played a major role in his decision.

"I can’t deny it. With this money, I will be able to help my whole family to live well, from my parents to my cousins"

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have acquired the signing of Jhon Duran, the 21-year-old Colombian striker from Aston Villa. 

Duran, who has scored 10 goals for Aston Villa across the Premier League and UCL this season, has signed a gigantic five-year contract with the Cristiano Ronaldo-led club. 

The Colombian youngster is the latest inclusion to follow the footsteps of former Premier League footballers who left the top division of English football to explore new opportunities in Saudi Arabia. 

In this article, Sportz Point assesses every Premier League player who went to play for various Saudi Pro League clubs.

1. N'Golo Kante - Chelsea to Al-Ittihad (2023)

N'Golo Kante is the foremost renowned footballer who left the Premier League to join the Saudi Pro League, bringing a revolution in the business for Saudi Pro League clubs. 

The French World Cup winner and always a fan-favourite, left Chelsea in July 2023 to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. Kante received a 3-year contract at the Saudi club, where he reportedly earns a whopping €100 million per year. 

The 33-year-old midfielder is currently playing for Al-Ittihad, and his contract runs until June 2026.

Read Also | N'Golo Kante has left the Premier League : End of an Era

2. Kalidou Koulibaly - Chelsea to Al-Hilal (2023)

In July 2023, Kalidou Koulibaly signed for the current Saudi Champions Al-Hilal for an undisclosed fee, reportedly worth €23 million. The Senegal international spent only one year in Chelsea, where he joined in 2022 from the Italian side Napoli. 

The 33-year-old defender is currently donning the Al-Hilal shirt, where he is on a contract until June 2026.

3. Edouard Mendy - Chelsea to Al-Ahli (2023)

Edouard Mendy will always be a legend for Chelsea fans for his towering performance as the goalkeeper in Chelsea's UCL-winning campaign in 2020-21.

However, in a shocking move in July 2023, the Senegal international joined Al-Ahli for a reported fee of €19 million. The 32-year-old goalkeeper is on a three-year contract with Al-Ahli, expiring in June 2026.

4. Demarai Gray - Everton to Al-Ettifaq (2023)

Demarai Gray signed for Al-Ettifaq on the deadline day of the transfer window in Saudi Arabia, on September 7th, 2023. 

The former Everton man also played for Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen before his two-year stint at Everton. 

However, the Jamaican international penned down a four-year contract with the Saudi outfit, keeping him at the club until June of 2027. 

5. Aleksandar Mitrovic - Fulham to Al-Hilal (2023)

Aleksandar Mitrovic has proved himself as arguably the best overseas signing the Saudi Pro League has made since the door opened in 2023. The Serbian forward signed for Al-Hilal in August 2023. He left Fulham, where he had a dream season in 2022-23, scoring 14 goals in just 24 PL appearances. 

However, Al-Hilal paid a reported fee of €52 million to sign Mitrovic from Fulham. Since arriving in Saudi, the 30-year-old striker has netted 60 goals and provided 11 assists in 67 appearances for Al-Hilal, leading the club to the Saudi Arabian League title in 2023-24 and various other accolades. 

6. Ezgjan Alioski - Leeds to Al-Ahli (2021)

Although Kante is the PL footballer who had drawn significant attention from Saudi Clubs, it was Ezgjan Alioski who first joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2021, leaving Leeds United on a free transfer.

However, the Macedonian left-back was loaned to Fenerbahce only after a year, and he spent a one-year loan stint at the Turkish side before permanently returning to Al-Ahli in June 2023. Alioski is in the last year of his contract, as the agreement expires in June 2025. 

7. Fabinho - Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (2023)

Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad in July 2023 for a transfer fee of almost €47 million, leaving his former club Liverpool.

The former Liverpool captain spent a long 5-year spell at Liverpool, winning almost everything with the Merseyside club. The Brazilian defensive midfielder is currently on a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, binding him to the club until June 2026.

8. Roberto Firmino - Liverpool to Al-Ahli (2023)

Roberto Firmino, another cult hero of Liverpool, left the club in July 2023 to sign for Al-Ahli Saudi on a free transfer after his contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 season. 

Firmino played for Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, making him a legend for the Premier League club, where he won almost everything, scoring 111 goals in 362 games. 

The 33-year-old Brazilian is on a three-year deal with the Saudi club, expiring on June 2026.

9. Jordan Henderson - Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq (2023)

The case of Jordan Henderson is a unique instance, as he spent only 6 months in Saudi. The former Liverpool skipper moved to Al-Ettifaq after a €14 million transfer in July 2023, penning a three-year deal with the Saudi side. 

However, things did not go well with the England international as he failed to adjust to the Saudi Arabian climate and also had family reasons. Henderson left Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 as he returned to Europe to play for Ajax Amsterdam. 

Henderson currently captains the Dutch side, where his contract runs until June 2026.

10. Aymeric Laporte - Man City to Al-Nassr (2023)

Aymeric Laporte left Manchester City to join Al-Nassr in July 2023 after the Saudi side paid almost €28 million in transfer fees. 

The dynamic Spanish center-back was handed a three-year contract with the Saudi club, which runs until June 2026. Although he has not moved to any other club, he has recently been linked to a move to the Spanish giants, Real Madrid.

11. Riyad Mahrez - Man City to Al-Ahli (2023)

Riyad Mahrez has always been a silent cornerstone for Manchester City's success in recent years under Pep Guardiola. Mahrez also played a significant part in the iconic Premier League-winning campaign of Leicester City in 2016.

However, the Algerian left City in July 2023 on a €35 million transfer to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old winger was handed a four-year contract that runs until June 2027.

12. Alex Telles - Man United to Al-Nassr (2023)

Alex Telles joined his national teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after joining the Saudi side on a €4.6 million transfer. Telles left Manchester United to start anew in the Middle East.

However, his stint at Al-Nassr was full of obstacles, as only after a year, the Portuguese full-back terminated his contract by mutual agreement and joined the Brazilian side Botafogo on a free transfer in September 2024.

13. Allan Saint-Maximin - Newcastle to Al-Ahli (2023)

Allan Saint-Maximin emerged as one of the best forwards in the Premier League, before making a shocking move to Al-Ahli from Newcastle United for a transfer fee worth almost €28 million.

However, Maximin is now playing for Fenerbahce after being loaned out in July 2024, although he has a contract with Al-Ahli until June 2026.

14. Ruben Neves - Wolves to Al-Hilal (2023)

Ruben Neves etched his name in the history of Wolverhampton Wanderers; playing for the English side for almost seven years.

The Portuguese defensive midfielder left his beloved Wolves to join Al-Hilal in July 2023 on a huge €55 million transfer. Neves is contracted with Al-Hilal until June 2026.

15. Moussa Diaby - Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad (2024)

Moussa Diaby proved himself as one of the best emerging talents in world football but he unexpectedly signed for Al-Ittihad in July 2024, leaving Aston Villa on a huge €60 million transfer.

The 25-year-old French midfielder also played for renowned European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and a significant four-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen. 

16. Ivan Toney - Brentford to Al-Ahli (2024)

Ivan Toney entered the England national team following his masterful performance with Brentford in the Premier League. However, he left the English side in August 2024, as Al-ahli paid a transfer fee of €42 million for the English forward.

The 28-year-old forward is currently playing for Al-Ahli where he is on a mega contract that runs until June 2028.

17. Johann Berg Gudmundsson - Burnley to Al-Orobah (2024)

Johann Berg Gudmundsson played an integral part in Burnley's promotion to the Premier League for the 2023-24 season. However, the Iceland international moved to Al-Orobah in August 2024 for an undisclosed fee. 

The 34-year-old winger is in the last year of his contract with Al-Orobah as it ends in June 2025.

18. Marek Rodak - Fulham to Al-Ettifaq (2024)

Marek Rodak, the Slovak international, left Fulham to join Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer in August 2024.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper is on a contract until June 2027.

19. Joao Cancelo - Man City to Al-Hilal (2024)

Joao Cancelo spent a tumultuous year in 2023, as he spent two different loan spells in Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. However, Barcelona failed to trigger his release clause in August 2024 as Manchester City sold the Portuguese international to Al-Hilal on a modest €25 million transfer.

The 30-year-old fullback signed a three-year contract that runs until June 2027.

20. Kurt Zouma - West Ham to Al-Orobah (2024)

Kurt Zouma left West Ham United in August 2024 after spending almost three years at the English side, as he was loaned to Al-Orobah for a year. The French defender's loan ends in June 2025. 

21. Jhon Duran - Aston Villa to Al-Nassr (2025)

Jhon Duran is the latest Premier League footballer to leave top-tier English football to join Saudi Pro League. 

Al-Nassr has signed the Colombian youngster from Aston Villa for a huge €77 transfer fee including the add-ons. The 21-year-old striker, who signed a mega five-year contract, will stay at Al-Nassr until June 2030.

Saudi Pro League gains another former football icon to work in Saudi Arabia as Pavel Nedved, the 2003 Ballon d'Or winner has signed for Al-Shabab FC as the new Sporting Director of the club.

The Czechia and Juventus legend is set to take the helm at Al-Shabab from 9 January 2025.

“Pavel Nedved”, the Ballon d’Or legend, writes a new chapter with #AlShabab

🗣️ Black & White for me is EVERYTHING 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/bxrtzxORuj

— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) January 8, 2025

The club announced his appointment via a social media post that reads: "Czech legend Pavel Nedved appointed Sporting Director of Al Shabab."

Nedved set to bring his administration experiences to Saudi

Considered one of the greatest Czech footballers of all time, Pavel Nedved etched his name in history books while playing for Juventus and Lazio. After joining Lazio in 1996, Nedved won 7 trophies before joining Juventus in 2001. 

His 9-year-long and illustrious career with Juventus also earned him 5 silverware, and most remarkably, Nedved won the 2003 Ballon d'Or while playing for the Turin club with 65 goals and 81 assists to his name.

However, after retiring in 2009, Nedved started his chapter in football administration as he joined the Juventus Board of Directors in October 2010. Since October 2015, Nedved served as the club's vice president before leaving the position in November 2022.

البالندوري "بافيل نيدفيد" يبدأ فصلاً جديدًا بالأسود والأبيض 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/wXJ95eJfgv

— نادي الشباب السعودي (@AlShababSaudiFC) January 8, 2025

Al-Shabab has made a significant move in signing Nedved, as they eye for youth football development and a revamped footballing structure at the club. The newly-appointed Turkish coach Fetih Tarim will also combine with Nedved to bring the coveted glory to the club.

Currently dwelling in sixth place in the Saudi Pro League table, the club has adopted an ambitious approach to compete with the echelons of the Saudi Arabian football arena.

Karim Benzema has become the official ambassador for Saudi Arabia's official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Benzema expressed his confidence in the competence of Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 during a recent meeting with young footballers in Jeddah.

Looking to the future with the @Saudi2034bid 🇸🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/Z8ZsUDaFUr

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 8, 2024

Saudi Arabia strengthens its position through the collaboration

Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad in 2023 as one of the most prominent faces of world football to feature in the Saudi Pro League. Many promising footballers have joined the Saudi Pro League in recent years to elevate their footballing careers. Saudi Arabian Football Federation has shown greater aspirations by submitting an official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Following Australia's withdrawal, which was Saudi's only contender in the bidding process, Saudi Arabia is now in the pole position to win the hosting rights for the biggest event of football in 2034.  Saudi Arabian Football Federation has tied knots with the French icon to strengthen their position in the premises of world football.  

The 36-year-old forward announced his appointment as the ambassador during a visit to Al-Balad. He stated:

I believe Saudi football is changing. I think that in 10 years, Saudi Arabia will be ready. I believe that visitors will be surprised by the passion of Saudi fans at every match,

Recent controversies regarding human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have struck the football environment, as human rights activists have also expressed their concern about FIFA's decision. However, Benzema conveyed his personal views regarding the criticisms.

People who have preconceived notions about Saudi Arabia should come and see for themselves. There are incredible things and iconic places. The people are welcoming. You feel good here. It's a country worth exploring. There is so much to do. It's not just about the desert, even though there are incredible experiences to be had in the desert as well. You must come and visit Saudi Arabia.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

Benzema addressed the importance of grassroots developments in football

The French icon recently met the trainees from the Saudi Football Federation’s regional training centers in Jeddah and offered his understanding to develop a better environment for football in the region. Benzema said:

Saudi football is developing, and I am confident that after 10 years Saudi Arabia will be fully prepared (for the World Cup).

Training and development begin with the young players, and this is the most important thing — creating a generation that can reach the highest level.

An official statement by FIFA to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup may arrive this month after the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.  

Different clubs in Saudi Arabia, including clubs of the Saudi Pro League, are reportedly not paying the salaries of foreign players. The unnamed players are hesitating to report the non-payment issue to FIFA or to go on strike. 

According to acclaimed journalist Romain Molina, Saudi Pro League clubs i.e. Al-Orobah, Al-Kholood, and Saudi second-division club Al-Safa FC are denying the payment of the foreign players. There might be other clubs as well. 

Plusieurs clubs d'Arabie saoudite (Al-Oruba, Al-Kholood, Al-Safa...) accusent des retards de salaire vis-à-vis de leurs joueurs étrangers. Certains hésitent à faire grève ou porter l'affaire devant la FIFA

Several clubs in Saudi Arabia (Al-Oruba, Al-Kholood, Al-Safa, etc.) are…

— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) November 17, 2024

Another backlash hits Saudi football

Another controversy has hit the Saudi Arabian football circuit, and the tensions are about to mount. Recent times have unveiled several controversies including player security and human rights issues. There have been various controversies about Saudi Arabia winning the hosting rights of FIFA World Cup 2032 as well. 

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

However, the clubs Molina mentioned, have some renowned players who have moved to Saudi after successful stints in other continents. 

Here are the foreign players who are playing in the Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah, Al-Kholood; and Al-Safa FC which competes in the second-tier Saudi Arabian league, called the Saudi First Division League. 

Al-Orobah FC

💛💚#العروبة_الاتحاد | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/UyQxnjFUei

— نادي العروبة السعودي (@ALOROBAH_FC) November 7, 2024

Al-Kholood FC

15th minute
alkholoodclub 1 ✖️ alnassr 0
⚽️Mziani Maulida pic.twitter.com/iUk8MeDBD9

— Alkholood Saudi Club (@AlkholoodClubEN) October 25, 2024

Al-Safa FC