The Saudi Arabian Professional League has been throwing money at players in Europe to join. The influence of Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo on the league is immense. Since his arrival, several others have followed suit, including multiple African players. In this article, we tell you about African players in the Saudi Pro League.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Get a good water bottle on Amazon.
People Also Read: Head to Head of World Champions: Mbappe vs. Usain Bolt’s Speed
Edouard Mendy
After he arrived at Chelsea with much fanfare from Rennes, the Senegalese international enjoyed three good seasons with the Blues.
He helped the team to win the Champions League in the 2020/21 season.
He was also influential in his country’s win of the African Cup of Nations. After three years, Mendy signed for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.
Devis Epassy
After playing for a couple of clubs in France, French-born Cameroonian goalkeeper Devis Epassy signed for Saudi Pro League Club Abha in 2022. He’s featured in 22 games. He was part of the Cameroon team at the Qatar FIFA World Cup and played three games.
Grab yourself a soccer jersey from Amazon.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Just after one season playing for Chelsea from Italian club Napoli, Koulibaly left for the Saudi Pro League. He signed for Al-Hilalal for £20 million. At Chelsea, he played 32 games, and so far in his new club, Koulibaly has two games to his name.
He’s a highly-rated center back, and several European clubs showed interest in signing him while he was still at Napoli.
People Also Read: Siya Kolisi. The First Black Captain of South Africa
Knowledge Musona
Zimbabwean footballer Knowledge Musona first joined the Saudi Pro League in 2021 from Belgian side Anderlecht. For two years, he represented Al Tai, played 53 games, and scored 41 goals. In 2023, Musona left for Al Riyadh.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Odion Ighalo
Odion Ighalo was at the center of one of Manchester United’s shock deadline-day transfer sagas. In 2020, Ole Gunner signed him on loan just before the transfer window closed, much to the amusement of many.
Ighalo was playing in the Chinese Super League, which isn’t considered a match for the Premier League. He played 12 matches and left at the end of the season.
Since then, Ighalo has been playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al Hilal, Al Shabab, and currently, Al Wehda.
People Also Read: Siya Kolisi. The First Black Captain of South Africa
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez is one of the best African players in the Saudi Pro League. You can’t blame him for finding a new club. He won everything at Manchester City – the Premier League, Community Shield, FA Cup and Champions League. Mahrez signed for Al Ahli for £30 million and a guaranteed payment of about £26 million.
People Also Read: Head to Head of World Champions: Mbappe vs. Usain Bolt’s Speed
Sadio Mane
After his successful time at English Premier League side Liverpool, the Senegalese joined Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in 2022. However, injuries held him back, and he didn’t have the kind of impact he was expected to have.
After a poor season, Mane left for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The forward will play for the club until 2027 and is reportedly on a £650,000 per week.
The Saudi Pro League has shaken the world of football. Its financial muscles allow it to pump as much money as it wants into acquiring the best talents. Do you think joining the league is a good move for players?
Get a good water bottle on Amazon.
Interested in watching the full article video? See below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more original, inspiring videos on the black experiences.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
