Author:Soorya G
Roberto Firmino joined the exclusive group of the highest paid Brazilian footballers in the world with his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, securing third place in this esteemed ranking. Only Neymar and Oscar surpass him in this regard.
The Saudi soccer market has experienced a significant increase in popularity, attracting renowned players of ever greater stature. Firmino became the first Brazilian player to reap the benefits of the substantial financial opportunities offered by the Saudi government, positioning the league as a key destination beyond European soccer.
The magnitude of Firmino’s new wealth is unprecedented in his career. Although his previous contract with Liverpool already earned him a substantial salary, his current earnings of 22 million euros a year represent a significant leap in terms of income. Despite his absence from the Brazilian national team over the last two years, Firmino now surpasses iconic players such as Marquinhos, Casemiro and Vinícius Júnior in terms of remuneration.
Firmino’s contract with Al-Ahli runs until 2026, ensuring that he will receive a substantial sum of 66 million euros over that period, excluding possible bonuses and incentives. As a result, he is undeniably among the highest paid footballers in the world.
This paradigm shift in soccer has gained momentum since legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after his unsuccessful second spell at Manchester United. The Portuguese maestro has reportedly signed a contract worth an incredible 200 million euros a year, exemplifying Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach the upper echelons of world soccer. Several players subsequently followed suit, with Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema recently moving to Al-Ittihad. Ruben Neves also completed a move to Al-Hilal, while Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly joined forces with Neves.
The allure of the Saudi soccer market, backed by substantial financial support, has created a remarkable transformation in the sport’s landscape. These substantial signings reflect the country’s aspirations to compete at the highest levels of the soccer world. As the Saudi Arabian league continues to attract prestigious players, it demonstrates its commitment to securing a prominent position in the global soccer arena.