Saudi Arabia does not just have Cristiano Ronaldo as their biggest star player in its pro league, there are other superstars plying their trade in the country.
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a contract with Saudi Arabia team Al Nassr on Friday, which marked an interesting shift in his career.
Regardless of your opinion of Ronaldo, there is no disputing that he belongs among the all-time greats of football. After a spectacular 20-year career in Europe, he is now poised to square up against opponents of a different caliber.
Talisca, Vincent Aboubakar, Luiz Gustavo, and David Ospina are just a few of Al Nassr’s notable players in the Saudi Pro League; who else might he face?
Odion Ighalo
Odion Ighalo moved to Al Shabab when his loan to Manchester United expired in 2021, then he transferred to Al Hilal in January 2022.
Ighalo was the league’s top scorer this season before the World Cup break, scoring 24 goals in 31 appearances in his rookie year. He is the true Golden Boot rival.
Vincent Aboubakar
A striker for Saudi Professional League team Al Nassr and the captain of the Cameroon national team, Vincent Aboubakar was born in Cameroon on January 22, 1992.
Aboubakar started his professional career with Coton Sport before moving to Europe in 2010. He played for Ligue 1 teams Valenciennes and Lorient, making a total of 109 appearances and scoring 26 goals in the top flight of France.
Ever Banega
Ever Banega’s departure from Sevilla in 2020 to join Al Shabab generated several questions. As his career nears its end, the Argentina midfielder decided to take on one more expensive contract while still thriving in La Liga.
At the age of 34, Banega consistently contributes goals and assists to Saudi football.
Talisca
The Brazilian professional footballer Anderson Souza Conceiço, also known as Anderson Talisca or Talisca, was born on February 1st, 1994.
He plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League as an offensive midfielder or forward and is renowned for his deadly finishing skills.
Moussa Marega
Another ex-player from Liga Portugal, Moussa Marega, leads the Al Hilal line with Pereira.
In 2021, the international player from Mali decided to end his stint with Porto and move to the Middle East, where he scored 12 goals in his first season.
Grzegorz Krychowiak
At the World Cup, Grzegorz Krychowiak started each of Poland’s four games, including the group-stage matchup with Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old, who has played for Al Shabab in the past, was formerly with PSG and West Brom.
Luiz Gustavo
Brazilian-born Luiz Gustavo Dias, a defensive midfielder for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, was born on July 23, 1987.
Although he started out as a left back, he has also played as a defensive midfielder and a center back.
David Ospina
David Ospina Ramrez, a goalkeeper for the Colombian national team and Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr, was born in Colombia on August 31, 1988.
Ospina was essential to Napoli’s success in 2020 as they won the Coppa Italia. Ospina signed for SPL team Al-Nassr in 2022 after attempting to renew his contract with Napoli but failing.
Felipe Caicedo
Felipe Salvador Caicedo Corozo, an Ecuadorian professional football player who plays as a striker for the Saudi Arabian team Abha, was born on September 5, 1988.
With 22 goals to his credit, Caicedo ranks sixth all-time in goals scored for Ecuador.
Matheus Pereira
Matheus Pereira, a former star of West Brom and Sporting CP, is one of the greatest names in the Saudi Pro League.
The Brazilian player, 26, appeared to have what it takes to establish himself in Europe but made it known that he wanted to depart for the riches of Saudi football. He eventually signed with Al Hilal in the summer of 2021.
