Legends like Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema have been plying their trade in the Saudi top flight.
The Saudi Pro League has witnessed a remarkable influx of world-class athletes post the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Qatar. The tournament not only showcased Qatar’s hospitality and the Asian passion for football but also highlighted the fervent love for the game in the Arab world. This profound enthusiasm was a catalyst for several elite footballers to transition to Saudi clubs, following distinguished careers in top-tier European competitions.
The Saudi Pro League truly emerged into the global spotlight when Cristiano Ronaldo made his groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr FC in January 2023. This monumental signing opened the floodgates for other high-profile talents to bring their expertise to the Saudi footballing scene. Following Ronaldo’s lead, a cavalcade of stars such as Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., Riyad Mahrez, Ruben Neves, Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mane, among others, have joined the league.
In this feature, we delve into some of the highest-rated players in the Saudi Pro League, as recognized in the EA FC 25 game. Fasten your seatbelts, as this list might surprise you and provoke contemplation on whether the Saudi Pro League has the potential to surpass Europe’s top leagues to become the world’s premier football competition.
10. Sadio Mane – 84 Overall
Sadio Mané, the prolific Senegalese forward currently playing for Al-Nassr FC, embarked on his professional journey with Metz, where he made 22 appearances and netted two goals. His burgeoning talent soon saw him transitioning to Red Bull Salzburg, where he honed his skills in Austria’s top division. In 2014, Mané made a pivotal move to the English Premier League by signing with Southampton, which set the stage for his breakthrough season at Liverpool in 2016.
Over a remarkable six-year tenure with the Reds, Mané made 196 appearances and scored 90 goals, becoming an indispensable part of Liverpool’s attacking force. After a successful spell in the Premier League, he moved to Bayern Munich, where his performances continued to draw attention. In 2023, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mané decided to embark on a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League by joining Al Nassr FC.
Since his arrival, he has been a dynamic force, playing 34 matches and scoring 13 goals. Mané is also a cornerstone of the Senegalese national team, with 43 goals in 107 caps. His high levels of intensity and focus were lauded by his Liverpool teammate Fabinho, while Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, hailed him as a world-class winger. As Al Nassr aim to dethrone Al Hilal in the race for the Saudi Pro League Championship this season, Sadio Mané’s role will be pivotal in their quest for supremacy.
9. Kalidou Koulibaly – 84 Overall
Kalidou Koulibaly, the formidable Senegalese centre-back and current captain of the Senegalese national team, has carved a remarkable career in world football. Born in France, the 6-foot-1-inch defender is currently a key player for Al Hilal, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, where he dons the number 3 jersey. Koulibaly’s breakthrough came in 2014 when he signed with Napoli, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most solid defenders over an eight-year period.
During his tenure at Napoli, he made over 236 appearances and scored 13 goals, contributing significantly to their defence and their Coppa Italia triumph in the 2019-20 season. In 2022, Koulibaly moved to the Premier League with Chelsea, making 23 appearances and scoring two goals before transferring to Al Hilal. Since joining the Saudi club, Koulibaly has made 31 appearances and scored two crucial goals, continuing to display his exceptional defensive capabilities.
Known for his no-nonsense defending style, Koulibaly combines physical strength with elegance and aggression, showcasing remarkable aerial ability, anticipation, positioning and tackling skills. His defensive excellence has been recognized multiple times, including four inclusions in the Serie A Team of the Year and being honoured as the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion in 2022. Koulibaly’s leadership and defensive acumen will be vital as Al Hilal aim to maintain their dominance in the Saudi Pro League.
8. Yassine Bounou – 84 Overall
Yassine Bounou, the Moroccan goalkeeper currently plying his trade for Al Hilal, has become a celebrated figure in Asian football, particularly after his remarkable performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Capturing the hearts of fans across Asia, Bounou was instrumental in Morocco’s historic journey to the semi-finals, where they defied expectations by defeating European heavyweights such as Spain and Portugal. His heroic efforts between the posts were pivotal in maintaining clean sheets against some of the world’s most formidable attacking teams, elevating Morocco to unprecedented heights on the global stage.
This exceptional display of goalkeeping prowess brought Bounou into the international spotlight, cementing his reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper. Before joining Al Hilal in 2023, Bounou had a successful stint with Sevilla, where his performances were consistently outstanding, earning him a place in the LaLiga Team of the Season for 2021-22 and recognition as the league’s Best African Player. Since his arrival at Al Hilal, Bounou has made 32 appearances, becoming an indispensable figure for the Saudi Pro League champions.
His command of the penalty area, quick reflexes and ability to pull off spectacular saves make him a formidable presence in goal. As Al Hilal aim to sustain their dominance in the league, Bounou’s role as the last line of defence will be crucial in their pursuit of continued success.
7. Sergej Milinkovic Savic – 85 Overall
Following the ranks of Kalidou Koulibaly and Yassine Bounou, another Al Hilal standout graces the list. A formidable presence in the heart of the midfield, Milinković-Savić arrived at Al Hilal in 2023 after an illustrious stint with Lazio, where he made 267 appearances and netted 57 goals. His tenure at Lazio not only solidified his reputation as a top-tier midfielder but also earned him multiple accolades, including the Serbian Best Midfielder of the Year award for the 2018-19 season and Lazio’s Player of the Season honours twice.
A mainstay in the Serbian national team, Milinković-Savić has scored nine goals in 54 international matches, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability from midfield. His impact at Al Hilal was immediate and profound. In October 2023, he was named the Saudi Pro League Player of the Month, followed by winning the Arab Club Champions Cup Player of the Tournament award, a testament to his exceptional skill and influence on the pitch.
Additionally, his performance in the U20 World Cup earned him the Bronze Ball, further highlighting his prowess. Milinković-Savić’s contributions to Al Hilal extend far beyond any individual accolades, as his dynamic presence, vision and tactical awareness are critical to the club’s dominance in the midfield.
6. Riyad Mahrez – 85 Overall
Thus far, our list has celebrated three distinguished African players who have made a significant impact in the Saudi Pro League. Joining their ranks is Riyad Mahrez, the captain of the Algerian national team. Mahrez’s stellar performances at Leicester City and Manchester City have cemented his status as a prominent figure in English football, earning him admiration at both the King Power Stadium and the Etihad Stadium.
Currently, he plies his trade with Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, bringing his considerable skill and experience to the forefront of the competition. Mahrez was instrumental in Leicester City’s historic 2015-16 Premier League title win, a season that defied all expectations and stunned the footballing world. His tenure at Manchester City further showcased his abilities as a key player, contributing to the club’s dominance in English football, where they clinched the Premier League title four times during his spell.
His remarkable performances did not go unnoticed, as he was honoured with the CAF African Footballer of the Year award and was named Algerian Footballer of the Year in 2015. Despite advancing in age, the French-born Algerian winger remains a crucial asset for Al Ahli FC. Mahrez’s blend of creativity, vision and technical proficiency continues to set him apart, making him one of the league’s standout performers.
5. Ngolo Kante – 85 Overall
N’Golo Kanté stands as a testament to the enduring quality and resilience of players who some might prematurely deem past their prime. Contrary to the notion that the Saudi Pro League is a haven for ageing players with dwindling abilities, Kanté’s recent performances firmly establish him as one of the finest midfielders currently gracing the Asian continent. His remarkable display at the Euro 2024, where a seemingly uninspired France squad reached the semi-finals, showcased his ability to transcend the limitations of his team and shine as a beacon of excellence.
Despite his team’s underwhelming performance, it was Kanté who emerged as the standout figure, proving that his talents remain undiminished. Currently plying his trade with Al-Ittihad, Kanté is renowned not only for his defensive prowess and tireless work ethic but also for his humility and dedication—qualities that have made him one of the most beloved footballers globally. Wearing the number 7 jersey, his journey to Saudi Arabia has been marked by the same commitment and tenacity that characterized his time in Europe.
His earlier stints saw him rise to prominence with Leicester City, where he played a crucial role in their historic Premier League victory, making 37 appearances. His subsequent move to Chelsea solidified his reputation as a midfield dynamo, endearing him to fans at Stamford Bridge with 11 goals in 190 appearances. Kanté’s transfer to Al-Ittihad was a poignant moment for Chelsea supporters, who had grown accustomed to his relentless energy and selfless play.
However, in Saudi Arabia, he has continued to demonstrate the same exceptional form that made him a stalwart of European football. With 61 caps for the French national team, Kanté’s influence extends beyond club football. He remains a dominant force on the international stage, constantly redefining what it means to be a world-class midfielder. His journey is a powerful reminder that true talent and determination can defy the constraints of age and expectations, continuing to inspire both fans and fellow players alike.
4. Joao Cancelo – 86 Overall
João Cancelo, the Portuguese fullback who currently plies his trade with Al-Hilal, has embarked on a remarkable journey through some of Europe’s most illustrious clubs, including Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona, before arriving in the Saudi Pro League. Since 2016, Cancelo has been an indispensable figure for the Portuguese national team, showcasing his versatility and offensive prowess despite his primary role as a defender. His knack for contributing to the attack is evident in his record, having netted ten goals in 58 appearances for his country—a remarkable feat for a fullback.
Cancelo’s professional journey began with Benfica’s second team, but it was his time at Valencia where he truly began to garner attention and admiration from fans, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic presence on the pitch. His career-defining moment arrived when he joined Manchester City in 2019, where he spent a significant period demonstrating his exceptional abilities. His spell at the Etihad Stadium was marked by creativity and flair, particularly in his preferred position on the left flank, earning him a reputation as one of the most inventive and articulate fullbacks in modern football.
His contributions were pivotal in Manchester City’s domestic dominance, helping the club secure three Premier League titles and an EFL Cup. Cancelo’s talents were recognized beyond the English Premier League as well, with his performances earning him a place in the Serie A Team of the Year twice, underscoring his impact during his stint in Italy. However, following his departure from Manchester City, there have been whispers and allegations that he has yet to replicate his best form.
As he now takes on a new challenge with Al-Hilal, Cancelo faces the task of silencing his critics and reaffirming his status as one of the world’s elite fullbacks. The 2024-25 season will be a crucial period for Cancelo to demonstrate that his talents are far from diminished and that he still possesses the quality to excel at the highest level, potentially leading Al-Hilal to further glory.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 86 Overall
If there is one player who unquestionably deserves acclaim for the influx of extraordinary talents from across the globe and for elevating Saudi football to a stage of international recognition and media attention, it is Cristiano Ronaldo. His arrival in the Saudi Pro League ensured that the world began to take Saudi football seriously. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game, Ronaldo, after stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and a return to Manchester United, joined Al Nassr in 2023.
His decision to move to a club outside of the European football circuit, where participation in the UEFA Champions League was not possible, sparked much speculation. However, Ronaldo demonstrated that his move was far from a spontaneous choice. It was a meticulously calculated decision aligned with the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious vision to promote football and its belief in the sport as a powerful catalyst for positive global change.
As a global ambassador for the Saudi Pro League and Saudi tourism, Ronaldo has undeniably been a transformative figure in raising the profile of Saudi football. Since joining Al Nassr, he has continued to affirm his status as one of the finest players in the sport’s history. His impressive record, comprising 74 appearances and 68 goals—a remarkable almost goal-per-game ratio—speaks volumes about his enduring quality and determination.
His presence has not only enhanced the league’s competitiveness but also attracted a global audience, eager to witness his performances. In the 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on Ronaldo to see if he can continue to perform at his peak and lead Al Nassr to wrest the Saudi Pro League title from the grasp of Al Hilal, further cementing his legacy in this burgeoning chapter of his illustrious career.
2. Karim Benzema – 86 Overall
Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti once hailed Karim Benzema as the finest striker in the world, a testament to the French forward’s extraordinary prowess on the field. Now at Al-Ittihad, Benzema stands as the solitary force ensuring that the club are not overshadowed or sidelined in the fierce competition with Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. With every match, he demonstrates that Al-Ittihad is a formidable adversary, never to be underestimated or taken lightly.
Benzema’s illustrious career at Real Madrid is etched in history. He is the club’s second-highest all-time goalscorer and a top assist provider, underscoring his dual threat as both a finisher and a creator. Over his 14-year tenure with Los Blancos, he amassed an impressive collection of 25 trophies, including four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey victories and five UEFA Champions League triumphs. His record-breaking 439 appearances and 238 goals for Real Madrid speak volumes about his enduring quality and influence.
The decision to leave Real Madrid in 2023 was undoubtedly a difficult one for Benzema, yet his impact at Al-Ittihad has been immediate and profound. In 22 appearances for the Saudi club, he has already netted nine goals, showcasing his continued ability to perform at the highest level. Additionally, his contributions to the French national team, with 37 goals in 97 appearances, further cement his reputation as a world-class forward.
Born to parents of Algerian descent, Benzema carries a rich heritage that fuels his passion and determination on the field. As Al-Ittihad strives to assert itself as a strong contender for the Saudi Pro League title, Benzema’s experience, skill and leadership will be indispensable. His presence not only elevates the team’s performance but also brings a wealth of knowledge and a winning mentality that could very well propel Al-Ittihad to new heights.
1. Neymar – 87 Overall
There may be ongoing debates regarding Neymar‘s decision to join Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League, with some arguing that he still possesses the talent to compete at the highest echelons of European club football. However, one indisputable fact remains: Neymar is undeniably one of the finest players of his generation. His flamboyant style of play, extraordinary dribbling abilities and two-footed skillset are nothing short of exceptional.
He holds the title of the all-time leading goalscorer for the Brazilian national team and is the highest-scoring Brazilian in UEFA Champions League history. Before his move to Al-Hilal, Neymar made significant marks at Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Notably, he has only played for these three clubs in his professional career prior to his current stint, underscoring his loyalty and dedication to the teams he has represented.
With over a century of appearances for the Brazilian national team and 79 record goals to his name, Neymar’s international career further solidifies his reputation as a footballing great. Renowned as a master dribbler, Neymar possesses an uncanny ability to perceive opportunities where others see none. His creativity on the ball allows him to craft scoring chances out of thin air, often delivering the decisive finish or final pass that matches his inventive approach.
Despite his brilliance, Neymar’s time at Al-Hilal has been marred by injuries, which have also impacted his performances for Brazil, particularly as the national team fell short in the Copa America this season. As he looks ahead, Neymar will aim to recover fully from his injuries and eliminate any lingering setbacks. He is determined to return to form and contribute significantly to Al-Hilal’s quest to reclaim the Saudi Pro League title.
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