October 5, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, global football icons, have made sensational moves to the Saudi Pro League. This unexpected shift highlights the league's ambitions and its growing appeal, drawing significant attention to Saudi Arabia's expanding football landscape.
The realm of football has seen a seismic shift, with global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema making the unexpected move to Saudi Arabian clubs. The Saudi Pro League, once not as prominent in the global soccer stage, now boasts names that have dazzled fans in Europe's top competitions for over a decade. The transition of these elite players has elevated the Saudi Pro League's status and generated unparalleled excitement. As the 2023-24 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike are keenly observing the performances of Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema with many sports bookmakers adjusting their soccer odds, including Vietnam and their popular "Keonhacai". While each brings a unique style and legacy, early indications suggest they are adapting and making their mark. The debate about their impact and dominance in this new arena is fervent, adding another thrilling chapter to their illustrious careers. Saudi Arabia's football scene is undoubtedly enjoying its golden era. With such immense talents gracing the fields in the Middle East now, the inevitable question arises: who among these three is performing the best?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema- Living in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia's football scene underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of these high-profile players.
Here's a quick glance at their journey so far:
• Cristiano Ronaldo: He had previously made a mark in clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
• Neymar: The Brazilian forward, said goodbye to Paris Saint-Germain to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
• Karim Benzema: The French striker transitioned to the Saudi Pro League, adding his expertise to a squad in the league.
While all three players have illustrious careers in European leagues, their transition to the Saudi Pro League has been met with varying levels of success and challenges:
• Cristiano Ronaldo: Known for his goal-scoring prowess and unmatched determination on the field, Ronaldo's journey in Saudi Arabia has been filled with highs and lows. While specific stats aren't mentioned, it's evident that he's made a mark given the significant media coverage around him.
Appearances: 35
Goals: 31
• Neymar: The Brazilian sensation, known for his flair and skill, has showcased his signature style in the Saudi Pro League. His transfer to Al-Hilal made significant waves, hinting at notable performances.
Appearances: 5
Goals: 1
• Karim Benzema: Benzema's time in the Saudi Pro League seems to have had its share of turbulence. Reports indicate that he has faced issues since joining, suggesting that his adaptation to the new league might be more challenging than anticipated.
Appearances: 10
Goals: 6
* As of October 5, 2023
Another fascinating dimension to their journey in Saudi Arabia is their participation in the Asian Champions League. All three, backed by their Saudi Arabian clubs, have had the opportunity to play in Iran for this season's Asian Champions League games. This exposure adds another layer to their experience in Asia, further solidifying their roles as global ambassadors of the sport.
While the exact numbers remain undisclosed to the public domain, it's logical every one of these 3 players is earning a lot more in Saudi Arabia than they were earning while playing in Europe. This is how much money Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema are winning in Saudi Arabia, combining their salaries and bonuses:
• Cristiano Ronaldo: 213 million USD /year
• Neymar: 219 million USD /year
• Benzema: 214 million USD /year
Every league has its dynamics, playing style, and challenges. Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema are no strangers to adapting to new leagues, having played in various countries throughout their careers. However, the Saudi Pro League presents a unique set of challenges, both on and off the pitch.
While Benzema has reportedly faced issues, it remains to be seen how these challenges shape the careers of these players in Saudi Arabia. Their resilience, experience, and sheer talent will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in their success in this new chapter of their careers.
In summary, the Saudi Pro League's transformation with the arrival of Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema has brought a global spotlight to the region. Each player's journey, marked by their performances, challenges, and contributions, will be keenly watched by football enthusiasts worldwide.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on October 6 for the Saudi Pro League, against Abha. You can watch Al Nassr vs Abha, Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami, Luton Town vs Tottenham, Liverpool vs Union SG, Marseille vs Brighton and Burnley vs Chelsea, all matches provided from our live football game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Nassr vs Abha kick-off time (06-10-2023):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 23:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 20:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+3: 18:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 17:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 16:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 12:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 11:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 08:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / cnbc.com / sportingnews.com
