Sportsmoney
Saudi Pro League: Ronaldo, Benzema lead revolution in Asian football
English Premier League teams may be struggling to come to terms with Saudi Arabian clubs moving for some of their biggest names but fans in Riyadh, Jeddah and many other big cities of the Middle East and Asia are also having to adjust to football’s new reality.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr – one of the ‘Big Four’ clubs along with bitter Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal and Jeddah giants Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli – in December, the country has been in the international football spotlight and the club’s yellow shirt is an increasingly familiar sight in Europe and beyond.
“Watching ‘The Yellow’ spreading across the world is so satisfying and pleasing to me but I also feel loyal to the local league,” Nassr fan Jana Mohammed tells BBC Sport.
“Seeing player after player agreeing to sign with any Saudi team makes me more excited. It’s really thrilling to witness such quality in our league.”
Talents such as N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Jota have joined champions Ittihad to work with coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Hilal, the 18-time title winners, made bids for Lionel Messi and Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and have signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy left the Premier League to become Al-Ahli players, with Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez set to join them soon.
Expectations are building before the new season starts in August.
“It is clear that the new football season will be a strong one with a lot of big football names that will undoubtedly be great additions,” adds Al-Hilal fan Ayman Al-Hatami.
“As for Al-Hilal, we are satisfied with our new signings as we aspire to be stronger and achieve a better position. As usual, we are the first candidate for every championship.”
Who’s who in the Saudi Pro League?
Ronaldo has talked up the potential of the Saudi Pro League to become one of the top-five competitions in the world and, while that is debatable, there is little doubt that in terms of profile it is the biggest in the Middle East and Asia.
“Europe lost a lot of quality,” the Portugal captain said recently.
“The only one that is one of the best is the Premier League; the Spanish league lost its level, the Portuguese one is not ‘top’, the German one also lost a lot of quality.
“The USA? No, the Saudi championship is much better than the USA. In one year, more and more top players will come to Saudi. In a year the Saudi league will overtake the Turkish league and Dutch league.”
Impact on Middle East and North Africa
The big four Saudi Arabian teams, who were taken over in June by the country’s Public Investment Fund, have long had financial strength in regional and continental terms.
Now all 18 teams in the top tier, newly expanded from 16, have the ability to rival any in the Arab world.
Former Rangers and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has taken over mid-ranking team Ettifaq, who have been linked with another Liverpool legend in captain Jordan Henderson and are reportedly ready to make him one of the best-paid players in the world.
If they are able to offer a package so attractive that it lures Liverpool’s captain from Anfield, it is a stark reality for others in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Storied clubs such as Al-Ahly and Zamalek of Egypt, with 16 continental championships between them, Wydad Casablanca in Morocco as well as Tunisian and Algerian clubs have massive support.
But they are increasingly losing big names to Saudi Arabia, with Egypt players Ahmed Hegazi and Tarek Hamed moving to Al-Ittihad.
Even the region’s biggest stars such as Algeria’s Mahrez and Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech have been closely linked with Saudi moves.
Teams in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have signed big-name players in the past but do not have the fan bases of their big Saudi rivals or the same strength in depth.
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad in June Saudi league set to dominate in Asia?
With the national team appearing at six World Cups as well as winning two Asian Cups and with clubs winning the Asian Champions League six times, Saudi Arabia has always been a regional and continental powerhouse.
The country’s new financial power in football has, however, put it on a completely different level on the pitch.
South Korea’s K-League is the most successful in terms of Asian club titles but even big teams such as Ulsan Hyundai Horangi, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings – thanks to their corporate backing – have never had pockets deep enough to sign big overseas names.
China’s league did make headlines and waves in the previous decade but the days when it rivalled the Premier League in terms of spending are over and, after a number of bankruptcies, clubs are more focused on survival.
Japan is Saudi Arabia’s rival in terms of being the best league in Asia on the pitch but it is falling behind in terms of profile and star power.
Never has an Asian league had such ambition and deep pockets.
‘Cristiano did what it takes years to do’
Al-Nassr have witnessed a surge in shirt sales, mainly bearing Ronaldo’s name
Star players do not only bring more quality but are also designed to result in more fans, broadcast deals, sponsorship, merchandise sales and investment.
Saudi Arabia’s target is that the league will be in the world’s top 10 in terms of revenue generation by 2030.
Already, there are positive commercial signs.
Al-Nassr play Benfica on Thursday then face Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan in Japan later this month.
The club have also signed a shirt deal with Nike, with an official telling the BBC the American sportswear giants can help ensure the yellow shirts worn around the world are official.
In November, there were 10,000 visits to the merchandise page of the club’s website. In January – the month Ronaldo signed – that number had increased to 300,000.
“We have seen more Al-Nassr shirts since last season and it’s increasing so much,” says Mohammed.
“Cristiano did immediately what it takes marketing campaigns and trophies many years to do.
“We played against Celta [on Monday] and many fans were there wearing Nassr’s shirt with Cristiano’s name on the back and Nassr’s logo on the front.
“It’s all about raising the bar, it’s such an improvement.”
BBC
Sportsmoney
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers In 2025: Mahrez, Mane & Koulibaly Lead The Rich List
African footballers have never been more dominant—on and off the pitch. The year 2025 shows just how powerful the combination of Saudi Pro League riches and Europe’s financial giants has become, pushing African stars into the upper tier of world football’s earners.
According to official contract figures, Riyad Mahrez currently wears the crown as the highest-paid African footballer in the world, pocketing a staggering £827,448 per week at Al-Ahli.
Mahrez Leads With Record Salary
The 34-year-old Algerian winger joined Al-Ahli in July 2023, becoming one of the marquee faces of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Mahrez remains hugely influential, contributing 29 goals and 35 assists in 78 appearances.
His paycheck—close to £1 million a week—places him far ahead of his peers and cements his status as Africa’s top financial earner in football history.
Sadio Mane & Kalidou Koulibaly Not Far Behind
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Sadio Mane sits second on the list, raking in £634,060 per week at Al-Nassr, where he lines up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. After a mixed stint at Bayern Munich, Mane has rediscovered his form and fortune in Saudi Arabia.
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Kalidou Koulibaly, also from Senegal, takes home £550,047 weekly at Al-Hilal after swapping Chelsea for Riyadh in 2023. The veteran defender’s leadership has been key in keeping Al-Hilal at the top of the Pro League.
Salah Still Europe’s Top Earner
Among African players still in Europe, Mohamed Salah reigns supreme. The Egyptian King earns £350,000 per week at Liverpool, having signed a fresh extension in April 2025. His loyalty was rewarded not just with financial security but also with another Premier League title in 2024/25, keeping him as one of the continent’s most influential athletes.
Osimhen, Hakimi & Kessie Break Into The Top Ten
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Victor Osimhen – Following a successful loan, the Nigerian forward sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray in July 2025, earning £250,000 per week.
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Achraf Hakimi – The Moroccan right-back continues to shine at PSG, with wages of £230,639 weekly.
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Franck Kessie – Since leaving Barcelona for Al-Ahli in 2023, the Ivorian midfielder has been collecting £221,921 per week.
The Veterans: Inaki Williams & Edouard Mendy
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Inaki Williams, loyal to Athletic Bilbao, earns £180,707 weekly, making him one of La Liga’s highest-paid African stars.
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Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, thrives at Al-Ahli with 32 clean sheets in 74 games and wages of £174,366 per week.
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers Weekly Salaries (2025)
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Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – £827,448
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Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) – £634,060
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Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) – £550,047
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – £350,000
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Omar Marmoush (Man City) – £295,000
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Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – £250,000
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Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – £230,639
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Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli) – £221,921
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Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – £180,707
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Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £174,366
The Rise Of African Power Earners
The financial dominance of Saudi clubs on this list reflects a broader shift in world football. African stars are no longer just global icons on the pitch—they are among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
From Mahrez’s record-breaking wages in Riyadh to Salah’s enduring empire at Anfield, 2025 has cemented the fact that African footballers are thriving both in influence and financial power.
Sportsmoney
Inside David Beckham’s £111m Mansions And Manors As Victoria Opens Doors To Netflix Cameras
When it comes to football royalty, few names shine brighter than David Beckham. From Manchester United to Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, Beckham has conquered the football world. But off the pitch, he and his wife Victoria Beckham have built a lifestyle empire that’s now opening up to Netflix cameras once again.
Fans are being treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the Beckhams’ £111 million property portfolio, spread across the UK, Miami, and London. The three-part series starring Victoria Beckham takes viewers beyond the glamour of red carpets and fashion runways, right into the couple’s stunning homes.
A Rustic Retreat In The Cotswolds
The Beckhams’ Grade II-listed farmhouse in the Cotswolds is pure countryside luxury. Purchased in 2016 for £6.15m, the sprawling estate features chandeliers, fireplaces, and a giant orchard. It’s the perfect escape for family gatherings, and yes, cameras capture David casually cooking up family feasts in their giant kitchen.
Miami Mega-Mansion Worth £55m
Across the pond, the Beckhams own one of Florida’s most spectacular properties: a waterfront mansion in Miami, valued at £55m. With six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a private spa, a theatre, and a pool overlooking Biscayne Bay, it’s their most extravagant purchase yet.
Victoria speaks to viewers from this property’s floor-to-ceiling windowed living room, giving fans a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. No surprise, considering David’s heavy involvement with Inter Miami CF – the MLS club that famously brought Lionel Messi to the U.S.
London Luxury In Holland Park
Back in the English capital, the Beckhams’ Holland Park townhouse shines in Victoria’s documentary. The £31.5m property features a bay-windowed dining area with garden views, alongside luxury add-ons like a gym, spa, wine cellar, and even a nail salon. After investing a further £8m in renovations, this home epitomizes celebrity living in London.
More Than Just Mansions
The Netflix documentary doesn’t just highlight luxury; it shows the Beckhams’ balance of family, fame, and legacy. For David, who already has a football-focused Netflix feature under his belt, and Victoria, now stepping into the spotlight with her own series, it’s about more than just homes—it’s about letting fans into their world.
From football legend to lifestyle mogul, David Beckham’s story continues to evolve, and the mansions are simply part of the bigger picture.
Sportsmoney
Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again broken records — this time not on the pitch, but in the world of wealth. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr forward has officially become football’s first billionaire player, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04bn).
A Journey Of Goals And Gold
Bloomberg’s valuation takes into account Ronaldo’s career earnings, endorsements, and investments. The numbers are mind-blowing:
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$550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023.
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A decade-long Nike deal worth nearly $18m (£13.4m) a year.
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His mega Saudi Pro League contract with Al-Nassr, reportedly paying him a record £177m annually.
And if that wasn’t enough, Ronaldo signed a new two-year deal worth over $400m (£298m), keeping him at Al-Nassr beyond his 42nd birthday.
Messi vs Ronaldo: The Financial Rivalry
As always, Lionel Messi isn’t far from the conversation. The Argentine and Inter Miami star has earned over $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his illustrious career. He also secures $20m (£15m) annually since 2023, which, according to Bloomberg, is just about 10% of Ronaldo’s income in the same period.
Messi may not top Ronaldo’s financial status yet, but his retirement plan includes a stake in Inter Miami, setting him up for billionaire territory too.
More Than Just A Player
Ronaldo’s financial empire is built on more than football. With savvy investments, endorsement deals, and a global brand that stretches across fashion, fitness, and lifestyle, CR7 has transformed himself into a global sports business icon.
The billionaire milestone proves what fans already knew: Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a football legend — he’s an empire.
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