The Saudi Pro League's massive spending on foreign players has come under intense scrutiny, with former Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad stating that Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player who justifies his salary. In a recent interview on Al-Arabiya's Fi Al-Marama program, Prince Abdullah, who held the sports minister position from 2014 to 2017, before the league's major financial transformation, expressed his concerns about the impact of these high-profile signings on the development of local talent and the national team.
Prince Abdullah argued that Ronaldo's estimated $211 million-a-year deal with Al Nassr is warranted due to the global exposure he brings to the league and the country. However, he believes that the vast majority of other foreign players are "paid far more than they deserve". He warned that the influx of overseas stars, with clubs now allowed to field up to eight foreigners per match, has relegated Saudi players to the role of "extras," negatively affecting the national team's long-term prospects as they prepare to host the 2034 World Cup.
The former minister called for immediate reforms, including reducing the foreign player quota to seven, significantly increasing investment in youth academies, and hiring world-class coaches for development squads. He emphasized that "Right now, building a strong league is coming at the expense of the national team," urging a clear strategic plan to ensure homegrown talent is not permanently sidelined. He also suggested scheduling big matches on Thursdays to enable top European referees to take charge.
Prince Abdullah's criticism echoes concerns raised by others regarding the Saudi Pro League's approach. While the league has attracted numerous high-profile players with lucrative contracts, questions remain about the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of this strategy. Some observers have pointed out that focusing solely on attracting established stars may not be the most effective way to develop a strong and competitive domestic league.
There have also been reports of some Saudi clubs not paying the wages of their foreign players, which raises concerns about the league's financial stability and treatment of players. FIFPRO, the international players' union, has cautioned players against joining Saudi Arabian teams, citing the recurring problem of "non-payment of salaries".
Furthermore, some players who moved to the Saudi Pro League have expressed dissatisfaction with their experience. Aymeric Laporte, who joined Al Nassr from Manchester City, admitted that many players are unhappy with life in Saudi Arabia and that clubs "haven't made it easy for us". He also noted instances where agreements were not honored after signing, and that the level of care provided by clubs was not up to par compared to Europe.
Despite the influx of foreign talent, the Saudi Pro League faces challenges in attracting a wider audience and generating significant global interest. The league's long-term success will likely depend on its ability to develop local talent, ensure fair treatment of players, and address concerns about financial sustainability. While the Saudi Pro League's ambitious project has undoubtedly shaken up the football world, its ultimate success remains to be seen.
