Top 5 players who moved to Saudi Arabia in 30s ft. Joao Cancelo

Following in the path of Cristiano Ronaldo, a number of prominent players from European clubs decided to join the Saudi Pro League during the 2023–2024 season. Undoubtedly, the Portuguese talisman's December 2022 relocation to Al-Nassr served as a spark, as additional celebrities joined him in the Middle East.

Their primary incentive to complete a transfer was the money they would receive, even though the possibility of a fresh challenge may have crossed their minds occasionally. But which five of the world's top football players made the decision to go to Saudi Arabia after reaching the age of thirty?

Here are the five best players who left for Saudi Pro League after turning 30: -

5. Joao Cancelo

In order to sell defender Joao Cancelo, Manchester City and Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League have reached a £21.2 million agreement. Although Cancelo has not yet approved the transfer, personal terms shouldn't prove to be an issue. Cancelo has missed City's first two matches in the Premier League of the current season. He was also absent from the Community Shield match against Manchester United due to the absence of other City players who had competed in the European Championship in Germany.

4. N’Golo Kante

After his Chelsea contract expired last summer, Kante signed with the Saudi team. He signed a three-year contract and has since played for them in 46 games across all competitions. Although the French star is a legend in the English Premier League, injuries limited his playing opportunities in England in the latter part of his career. Kante, whose Ittihad contract expires in 2026, is presently a key member of the squad for the forthcoming campaign. 

3. Neymar Jr.

Since joining Hilal last summer, Neymar has only appeared in five games for the team because of a cruciate ligament tear he suffered while playing for his country in September. With a contract that expires in 2025 in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has expressed his desire to rejoin the team and play football. Hilal, who won the league crown in 2023–24, is adamant that he will be a major player in the upcoming campaign.

2. Karim Benzema

The 35-year-old striker shocked everyone last year when he signed a three-year deal worth an estimated 100 million euros annually to join Saudi team Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid. Unfortunately, Al-Ittihad's 2023–24 campaign has been disappointing; the team is presently eighth in the league, and their top striker is not performing up to par. Just one year into his deal, which lasts until 2026, Benzema is said to be looking for a loan to come back to Europe since he is apparently unhappy with his experience in the Gulf.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Many people were surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's January 2023 relocation to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia for various reasons.  The 39-year-old Portuguese player is currently competing in Asia after spending his whole career playing in Europe, where many believe he would ultimately start to wind up his career. Ronaldo made a difficult decision to join Al Nassr, albeit his final choice was undoubtedly influenced by the club's tantalising offer.