Author: Amrit Santlani
Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Gulf state has come under the spotlight, and many of European soccer’s top stars have followed suit, joining Ronaldo in the Saudi League. While some, like Alex Telles, will play alongside the Portuguese player, others, like his former teammate Karim Benzema, will be on the opposite side.
Saudi clubs dominated the summer transfer window with many big names from around the world heading to the Middle East. Benzema and N’Golo Kante have signed highly successful contracts with Al Ittihad and will be joined by Brazilian midfielder Fabinho.
Roberto Firmino is another big-money arrival at Al Ahly, while former Barcelona player Malcolm has joined Al Hilal.
Even before the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, there were many Brazilian players in the league, but the 38-year-old’s move to the Gulf state has put the Saudi Pro League under the spotlight.
Around 26 Brazilian players will take part in the Saudi Pro League during the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. That number could still rise with the transfer window still open and Saudi powerhouses such as Al Hilal and other teams being linked with many other big names from around the world.
Al Ahly have only one Brazilian in their ranks, Firmino. Coached by Steven Gerrard, Al-Ettifaq have Paulo Victor and Vitinho, while Al-Fayha have Ricardo Ryller.
Petros will play for Al-Fateh, Al-Hazem have three Brazilian players, Bruno Viana, Paulo Ricardo and Vina, and Malcolm will join his compatriot Michael at Al Hilal.
Al-Ittihad have the four best Brazilian players in the league, Fabinho, Igor Coronado, Marcelo Grohe and Romarinho, while Ronaldo’s Al Nassri have Alex Telles and Anderson Talisca.
Al Okhdood have Paulo Vítor and Al Raed have Pablo Santos, Iago Santos and Carlos Júnior, who will be playing for Al-Shabab.
Al-Tawwoun have three Brazilians, Mailson, Matheus and Flávio Medeiros, while Al-Tai, Al-Wehda and Al Khaleej have Victor Braga, Anselmo and Fábio Martins, respectively.