“Only Ronaldo is worthy of his salary,” the former Saudi sports chief claims

Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022, is the only international player in the Saudi Pro League who genuinely earns his multimillion-dollar contract, according to former Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad.

Prior to the massive influx of foreign players that has revolutionized the league, Prince Abdullah held the position from 2014 to 2017. He also cautioned that the surge is neglecting local potential and endangering the future of the national team.

Ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which the kingdom will host, Abdullah urged immediate reforms to safeguard Saudi players and maintain competition in an interview with the Fi Al-Marama TV program on Al-Arabiya.

“Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country,” he remarked in reference to the Portuguese striker, whose weekly salary is reported to be between $211 million and $4 million.

“Many others are paid far more than they deserve.”

Prince Abdullah called for a reduction to seven foreign players per club on matchdays and increased funding for youth development, claiming that Saudi players have become “extras.”

“Right now, building a strong league is coming at the expense of the national team,” he stated. “We need a clear plan to prepare for 2034.”

In addition, he urged the employment of top coaches for youth divisions and cautioned that Saudi athletes would find it difficult to reclaim their prominence in the absence of institutional reforms.

In order to provide top European referees the opportunity to take charge, Prince Abdullah, whose worries about officiating quality during his tenure led him to employ veteran English referee Howard Webb as director of referees for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, also proposed holding important games on Thursdays.