In recent years, the soccer scene in Saudi Arabia has undergone a major transformation, becoming one of the most vibrant and ambitious centers of the sport in the world. This growth is the result of major investments, especially those made to build the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia.
One of the pillars of this work has been investment in renowned international players .
Saudi clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad have attracted global talent with impressive financial offers, bringing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to their teams.
These signings not only raise the level of competition, but also increase the visibility of the Saudi league, attracting the gaze of fans and media from all over the world.
But what are the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia? Who are the most valuable players in each team?
These are two questions we’ll answer below,
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10 most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia [2024/25 season]
The most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia are:
- Al-Hilal SFC: 205.65 million euros
- Al-Nassr FC: 160 million euros
- Al-Ahli SFC: 124.83 million euros
- Al-Ittihad Club: 90.58 million euros
- Al-Ettifaq FC: 52.33 million euros
- Al-Shabab FC: 48.65 million euros
- Al-Qadsiah FC: 38.28 million euros
- Al-Taawoun FC: 31.5 million euros
- Damac FC: 17.53 million euros
- Al-Fateh SC: 15.65 million euros
The figures above represent the market value of each team and were taken from the Transfermarket website.
The market value of a soccer team is calculated taking into account a number of factors that directly influence the monetary value of the players and the club itself. Here are the main components assessed to determine the market value of a soccer team:
- value of the players;
- the club’s income and finances;
- club assets;
- sporting performance;
- recent transfers and more.
Therefore, the market value of a soccer team is a complex combination of various economic, financial and sporting factors.
We are therefore talking about a dynamic process that can change rapidly based on sporting performance, market changes and management decisions.
However, as we saw above, one of the most important factors in defining the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia (and beyond), is the value of the players in the team.
A team with highly valued players is usually a team with a high squad value.
This “value” is represented by high amounts of capital, as well as quality of work and achievement of results.
With this in mind, below we present some of the most valuable players in Saudi Arabia’s most expensive squads, which today include the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meet the most valuable players in Saudi Arabia’s most expensive squads
Here’s a look at each of the clubs with the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia and the main players who drive up the price.
1. Al-Hilal SFC: 205.65 million euros
Leading the list of the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal SFC have a squad valued at 205.65 million euros.
This figure reflects major signings such as Neymar and Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, allowing the team to dominate the local league.
Most valuable players:
- Rúben Neves (midfielder): 32 million euros
- Neymar (Left winger): 30 million euros
- Sergej Milinković-SavićMeia (Central midfielder): 30 million euros
2. Al-Nassr FC: 160 million euros
With one of the best strikers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, in their squad, Al-Nassr FC are getting closer and closer to Al-Hilal.
The signings of high-caliber players have significantly raised their competitive capacity, aiming not only for success on the pitch, but also for the club’s international projection.
Most valuable players:
- Otávio (Attacking Midfielder): 25 million euros
- Aymeric Laporte (Defender): 20 million euros
- Cristianos Ronaldo (Center forward): 15 million euros
3. Al-Ahli SFC: 124.83 million euros
With a market value of 124.83 million euros, Al-Ahli SFC is another club that has invested heavily to remain competitive, assembling one of the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia.
The mix of local talent and quality foreigners makes Al-Ahli a formidable opponent in the Saudi league.
Most valuable players:
- Gabri Veiga (Central Midfielder): 25 million euros
- Roger Ibañez (Defender): 20 million euros
- Franck Kessié (Central Midfielder): 18 million euros
Read also: 10 most expensive squads in Europe and their BILLION-dollar investments
4. Al-Ittihad Club: 90.58 million euros
Al-Ittihad Club, with a squad worth 90.58 million euros, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic clubs.
Its recent signings demonstrate its interest in continuing to compete for titles with its great rivals, who keep bringing talent into their teams.
The club’s development and infrastructure show a clear commitment to sporting excellence and an ambition to return to the top of the national game.
Most valuable players:
- Fabinho (Midfielder): 25 million euros
- Luiz Felipe (Defender): 13 million euros
- Karim Benzema (Center forward): 10 million euros
5. Al-Ettifaq FC: 52.33 million euros
Valued at 52.33 million euros, Al-Ettifaq FC has shown consistent growth. The club has focused on a balanced approach of developing local talent and bringing in foreign players who can make a difference on the pitch, including Dembélé, who has previously played for Lyon and Atlético de Madrid.
Most valuable players:
- Moussa Dembélé (Center Forward): 12 million euros
- Demarai Gray (Left winger): 8 million euros
- Berat Özdemir (Midfielder): 6 million euros
6. Al-Shabab FC: 48.65 million euros
Al-Shabab FC, with a squad worth 48.65 million euros, continues to be a significant force in the Saudi league.
Their signing strategy has been prudent, always seeking a balance between youth and experience.
Most valuable players:
- Yannick Carrasco (Left winger): 14 million euros
- Habib Diallo (Center Forward): 11 million euros
- Cristian Guanca (Attacking midfielder): 5 million euros
Read also: 10 most expensive squads in South America in 2024 [Brazil and Argentina excluded]
7. Al-Qadsiah FC: 38.28 million euros
With a market value of 38.28 million euros, Al-Qadsiah FC has invested to position itself better in the league. Although smaller compared to the giants at the top of this list of Saudi Arabia’s most expensive squads, the club is focused on sustainable management and gradual growth, with good players and a balanced team.
Most valuable players:
- Julián Quiñones (Center forward): 10 million euros
- Koen Casteels (Goalkeeper): 6 million euros
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Center forward): 5 million euros
8. Al-Taawoun FC: 31.5 million euros
Al-Taawoun FC has stood out for its ability to compete with more expensive squads.
Their strategic signings and focus on tactical development have brought positive results.
Most valuable players:
- Musa Barrow (Left winger): 8 million euros
- João Pedro (Center Forward): 5.5 million euros
- Andrei Girotto (Defender): 3.8 million euros
9. Damac FC: 17.53 million euros
Damac FC is an example of a club that is growing. Although with a smaller budget, the club has performed well in the Saudi league, focusing on signings that offer good value for money.
Most valuable players:
- Georges-Kevin N’Koudou (Left winger): 5 million euros
- Nicolae Stanciu (Attacking Midfielder): 4.5 million euros
- Adam Maher (Central Midfielder): 2 million euros
10. Al-Fateh SC: 15.65 million euros
Closing out the list of the most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia, Al-Fateh SC has a squad valued at 15.65 million euros.
The club continues to invest in players who can contribute to its long-term stability and growth, while remaining competitive in the league.
Most valuable players:
- Lucas Zelarayán (Attacking Midfielder): 4 million euros
- Djaniny (Center Forward): 3.2 million euros
- Jason Denayer (Defender): 3 million euros
With this list of the 10 most expensive squads in Saudi Arabia, it’s possible to see a scenario of growth in the country’s soccer, even with major differences in power and capital still present.
With substantial investments, mainly in international players, Saudi clubs are increasingly positioning themselves as protagonists not only in the Middle East, but also on the global stage.
The combination of modern infrastructure, development of local talent and strategic signings puts Saudi soccer on an upward trajectory, with a promising future ahead, especially for Saudi Arabia’s most expensive squads.
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