In Cristiano Ronaldo's company: Look at the superstars joining him in Saudi League

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Saudi League was both surprising and unexpected, yet it has set off a domino effect of star relocations to Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo's transition from Manchester United, a Premier League powerhouse, to Al-Nassr marked a milestone under a record-breaking contract.

The Saudi Pro football league, bolstered by Saudi Arabia's colossal $776 billion Public Investment Fund, was in its nascent stages of development. During the 2023 summer transfer window, the nation's football clubs have exhibited remarkable dynamism, securing significant signings of superstar calibre. 

This roster includes the likes of Karim Benzema, the current Ballon d'Or awardee and Ronaldo's former teammate from Real Madrid. The ramifications of these transfers have rippled through the international football community.

Below is a compilation of all the superstar athletes who have joined the Portuguese GOAT in making their way to Saudi Arabia this summer:

Sadio Mane

The former Liverpool player parted ways with the German club Bayern Munich after merely a year, opting to unite with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr for a sum of $30 million.

Karim Benzema

The reigning Ballon d'Or champion, Karim Benzema, made a significant move to Al Ittihad from the esteemed Spanish club Real Madrid in June, completing a free transfer.

The 35-year-old striker has allegedly committed to a two-year contract, reportedly valued at $436 million.

Neymar

The summer's most surprising development will involve Brazilian sensation Neymar, who may be departing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a move to Al Hilal in exchange for a "massive contract."

N'Golo Kante

Joining forces with fellow countryman Benzema at Al-Ittihad is N'Golo Kante, a victor in both the World Cup and Premier League. 

The French international will depart from Chelsea, embarking on a four-year contract valued at $110 million annually.

Roberto Firmino

Liverpool's veteran Brazilian star will be joining Ronaldo and Benzema in the exclusive group of top-notch forwards participating in the Saudi league. 

Firmino made his entry into Al Ahli at no cost and marked his debut with a remarkable hat trick.

Riyadh Mahrez

The Algerian talent departed from the Premier League titleholders Manchester City, making a move to Al Ahli for a transfer fee of $39 million.

Ruben Neves

A significant surprise occurred when Portuguese standout Ruben Neves made the decision to transition from the English team Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al Hilal for a reported fee of approximately $60 million. 

Neves, who is currently at the peak of his career, was anticipated to join one of Europe's dominant clubs.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal have gone on to secure yet another Premier League player as they recruited Chelsea's Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly for a fee of $21.6 million. 

The 32-year-old is widely recognized as one of the world's premier talents in his position.

Sergej Milinkovic Savic

Despite attracting interest from multiple prominent European clubs, the 28-year-old Serbian ultimately chose to make the move from Lazio to Al Hilal for a substantial fee of $44 million.

Jordan Henderson

A revered figure in the Premier League and the captain of Liverpool joined Al Ettifaq for a significant sum of $15.4 million.

Allan Saint Maximinin

The lightning-fast winger in the prime of his career made the switch from Newcastle United to Al Ahli for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Franck Kessie

A midfielder from Barcelona completed a transfer to Al Ahli for a fee of $13 million.

Fabinho

Yet another midfield maestro from Liverpool, the Brazilian star, secured a staggering move to Al-Ittihad for an impressive sum of $51 million.

Seko Fofana

In a move to bolster their midfield, Al-Nassr, led by Ronaldo, acquired the services of Ivory Coast star Seko Fofana from the French club Lens for a substantial fee of $28 million.

Edouard Mendy

Yet another prominent figure hailing from Chelsea and Senegal, the goalkeeper, completed a transfer to Al Ahli for a fee of $21 million.

Marcelo Brozovic

Despite Barcelona's expressed interest, the accomplished midfielder from Inter Milan and Croatia chose to unite with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr for a fee of approximately $20 million.

Jota

Another major surprise came in the form of young and speedy winger, Jota, who, at the age of 24, opted to depart from Europe for Saudi Arabia. 

The Portuguese talent had been a burgeoning star during his time at Glasgow.

Alex Telles

A 30-year-old Brazilian defender departed from Manchester United to make a move to Al-Nassr.

Malcom

A 26-year-old Brazilian player made a significant transfer to Al Hilal from Zenit St Petersburg, commanding an impressive fee of $66 million.

Moussa Dembele

The French forward transitioned to Al Ettifaq from Lyon.