Cristiano Ronaldo is only foreign player worth his pay, says Saudi ex-sports chief
Former minister warns that influx of foreign players is sidelining local talent, calls for urgent reforms to protect national team’s future
Former Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad said Cristiano Ronaldo – who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 – was the only foreign player in the Saudi Pro League who truly deserved his multimillion-dollar salary.
Abdullah, who was in the post from 2014 to 2017 – before the huge influx of foreign players that has transformed the league – also warned that the influx was sidelining local talent and threatening the national team’s future.
In an interview with the Fi Al-Marama TV programme on Al-Arabiya, Abdullah called for urgent reforms to protect Saudi players and ensure competitiveness ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which the kingdom will host.
“Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country,” he said of the Portuguese forward, whose annual salary has been estimated at US$211 million, or US$4 million a week.
“Many others are paid far more than they deserve,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah said Saudi players have become “extras” since the number of foreign players per team on matchdays rose to eight, urging a cut to seven and more investment in youth development.