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The Saudi Pro League has been all over the news in the past couple of months. Saudi clubs have splashed their cash this summer and roped in an incredible number of high-profile stars from across the globe. As a result, the Saudi Pro League has now become arguably the biggest league in the world outside Europe.
The players they have been able to sign are not limited to veterans who are in the final leg of their respective careers. There are also several footballers like Allan Saint-Maximin and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, to name a couple, who are currently in their prime.
With all these players coming in, the level of competition in the Pro League will also rise considerably. Without further ado, let's take a look at the five early favourites to win the Saudi Pro League Player of the Year this season.
#5 Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)
Riyad Mahrez is one of the best wingers we have seen in the Premier League in recent times. The Algeria international first turned heads with his mesmerising performances for Leicester City in their 2015-16 Premier League triumph.
He subsequently joined Manchester City. Mahrez's trophy-laden stint at the Etihad culminated in a historic continental treble triumph in the 2022-23 season. Despite turning 32, Mahrez still has plenty to offer.
He scored 15 goals and scored 13 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side last term. Mahrez is tipped to be even more lethal in the Saudi Pro League where the level of competition is considerably lower than the Premier League.
#4 Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli)
Although he seldom found himself in the limelight during his time at Liverpool, Roberto Firmino's contributions to Jurgen Klopp's side in recent years cannot be understated. He has lost a yard of pace over the course of the last couple of seasons and that has curbed his effectiveness.
But in a less competitive league like the Saudi top flight, Firmino is likely to shine. The Brazilian is excellent with the ball at his feet and his movement is intelligent and sharp. Firmino has also got off to a flying start to his Al-Ahli stint, scoring a stunning hat-trick in his first-ever appearance for the club against Al-Hazm.
#3 Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
CAF African Player of the Year 2022, Sadio Mane, enjoyed a rather underwhelming debut campaign at Bayern Munich. He failed to replicate his goalscoring form from his Liverpool days during his first season in the Bundesliga.
Mane was tipped to leave in the summer but a move to the Saudi Pro League did come as a bit of a surprise. The footballing world was of the opinion that Mane had more to offer in Europe but the Senegal international has now joined hands with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Mane is yet to make much of an impact at Al-Nassr, having scored just one goal in five appearances in all competitions. But his quality is expected to shine through once he hits his stride at his new club.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Cristiano Ronaldo is the first big name to make the move to the Saudi Pro League. He joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after he had his Manchester United contract terminated via mutual agreement. The Portuguese legend has since done a great job for Al-Nassr.
The 38-year-old won the Golden Boot at the recently concluded Arab Champions Cup after scoring six goals in six games at the competition. Ronaldo, despite turning 38, is expected to shine in the Pro League this season.
#1 Neymar (Al Hilal)
Neymar is one of the biggest names in the world of football. Injury issues have plagued him of late and the Brazilian missed 15 matches in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain last term. It came as no surprise that PSG wanted to move him on this summer but he was expected to join another big European club.
But Neymar has now joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal. Although the Brazilian icon has struggled for fitness and form intermittently of late, he is still an indomitable footballer on his day. The 31-year-old's playmaking and goalscoring qualities continue to be elite.
In 29 appearances across all competitions for PSG in the 2022-23 season, Neymar scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists. If he can even replicate those numbers at Al Hilal, he will slalom his way to the Saudi Pro League Player of the Year award.
