List of foreign Saudi Professional League players

Last updated

This is a list of foreign players in the Saudi Pro League , which commenced play in 2008. The following players must meet both of the following two criteria:

Contents

  1. Have played at least one Pro League game. Players who were signed by Pro League clubs, but only played in cup and/or Asian games, or did not play in any competitive games at all, are not included.
  2. Are considered foreign, i.e., outside Saudi Arabia determined by the following:
A player is considered foreign if his allegiance is not to play for the national team of Saudi Arabia.

More specifically,

Clubs listed are those for which the player has played at least one Pro game and seasons are those in which the player has played at least one Pro League game. Note that seasons, not calendar years, are used. For example, "2008–11" indicates that the player has played in every season from 2008–09 to 2010–11, but not necessarily every calendar year from 2008 to 2011. Therefore, a player should always have a listing under at least two years — for instance, a player making his debut in 2011, during the 2011–12 season, will have '2011–12' after his name. This follows general practice in expressing sporting seasons in Saudi Arabia.

112 of the 207 foreign FIFA-affiliated nations have been represented in the Pro League. On 23 August 2024, Mexico became the most recent country to be represented, with Julián Quiñones making his league debut for Al-Qadsiah against Al-Fateh.

In bold: players who have played at least one Premier League game in the current season (2023–24), and are still at a club for which they have played. This does not include current players of a Pro League club who have not played a Pro League game in the current season.

Details correct as of 9 September 2024

Albania Flag of Albania.svg

Algeria Flag of Algeria.svg

In September 2018, Rais M'Bolhi became the first goalkeeper to win a Player of the Month award. Rais M'Bolhi.JPG
In September 2018, Raïs M'Bolhi became the first goalkeeper to win a Player of the Month award.

Angola Flag of Angola.svg

Argentina Flag of Argentina.svg

Argentina international Ever Banega joined Al-Shabab in 2020 FRA-ARG (1) (cropped).jpg
Argentina international Éver Banega joined Al-Shabab in 2020

Armenia Flag of Armenia.svg

Australia Flag of Australia (converted).svg

Brad Jones won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2018-19. Brad Jones Liverpool 2014 (cropped) Roma.jpg
Brad Jones won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2018–19.

Bahrain Flag of Bahrain.svg

Belarus Flag of Belarus.svg

Belgium Flag of Belgium (civil).svg

Benin Flag of Benin.svg

Bolivia Flag of Bolivia.svg

Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg

Brazil Flag of Brazil.svg

Victor Simoes was the joint top scorer in the 2011-12 season, with 21 goals. Victor Simoes de Oliveira (reserva Botafogo-2009).jpg
Victor Simões was the joint top scorer in the 2011–12 season, with 21 goals.
Giuliano won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2018-19 Zenit-AZ (16).jpg
Giuliano won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2018–19
Thiago Neves won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal Thiago Neves Augusto.jpg
Thiago Neves won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal
Fernando Menegazzo won the Pro League with Al-Shabab in 2011-12 Fernando Menegazzo.jpg
Fernando Menegazzo won the Pro League with Al-Shabab in 2011–12
Marquinho won the Pro League with Al-Ahli in 2015-16. He also played for Al-Ittihad during the 2014-15 season. Marquinho (cropped).jpg
Marquinho won the Pro League with Al-Ahli in 2015–16. He also played for Al-Ittihad during the 2014–15 season.
Maicon won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2018-19 Valais Cup 2013 - OM-FC Porto 13-07-2013 - Maicon (cropped).jpg
Maicon won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2018–19

Bulgaria Flag of Bulgaria.svg

Burkina Faso Flag of Burkina Faso.svg

Burundi Flag of Burundi.svg

Cameroon Flag of Cameroon.svg

Canada Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg

Cape Verde Flag of Cape Verde.svg

Djaniny currently holds the record for most goals scored in a single match. He scored five goals against Ohod on 11 January 2019. Jorge Djaniny Tavares Semedo 2013 Catalonia.jpg
Djaniny currently holds the record for most goals scored in a single match. He scored five goals against Ohod on 11 January 2019.

Central African Republic Flag of the Central African Republic.svg

Chad Flag of Chad.svg

Chile Flag of Chile.svg

Ronnie Fernandez was the top scorer in 2017-18 with 13 goals. Ronnie Fernandez.png
Ronnie Fernández was the top scorer in 2017–18 with 13 goals.

Colombia Flag of Colombia.svg

Comoros Flag of the Comoros.svg

Congo Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg

Costa Rica Flag of Costa Rica.svg

Croatia Flag of Croatia.svg

Curaçao Flag of Curacao.svg

Until 2010 Flag of the Netherlands Antilles (1986-2010).svg Netherlands Antilles

Denmark Flag of Denmark.svg

DR Congo Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg

Ecuador Flag of Ecuador.svg

Egypt Flag of Egypt.svg

Mohamed Abdel Shafy won the League once with Al-Ahli in 2015-16. AbdelShafy.jpg
Mohamed Abdel Shafy won the League once with Al-Ahli in 2015–16.
In June 2017, Essam El Hadary became the first foreign goalkeeper to sign for a Saudi Arabian club. Essam El-Hadary.jpg
In June 2017, Essam El Hadary became the first foreign goalkeeper to sign for a Saudi Arabian club.

England Flag of England.svg

Equatorial Guinea Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg

Eritrea Flag of Eritrea.svg

Estonia Flag of Estonia.svg

France Flag of France.svg

Former France international Bafetimbi Gomis joined Al-Hilal in July 2018 Bafetimbi Gomis.JPG
Former France international Bafétimbi Gomis joined Al-Hilal in July 2018

Gabon Flag of Gabon.svg

Gambia Flag of The Gambia.svg

Georgia Flag of Georgia.svg

Germany Flag of Germany.svg

Ghana Flag of Ghana.svg

Prince Tagoe spent two seasons with Al-Ettifaq Princetagoe.jpg
Prince Tagoe spent two seasons with Al-Ettifaq

Greece Flag of Greece.svg

Giannis Fetfatzidis won the Pro League with Al-Ahli during the 2015-16 season. Fetfatzidis.JPG
Giannis Fetfatzidis won the Pro League with Al-Ahli during the 2015–16 season.

Guinea Flag of Guinea.svg

Guinea-Bissau Flag of Guinea-Bissau.svg

Honduras Flag of Honduras.svg

Hungary Flag of Hungary.svg

Iceland Flag of Iceland.svg

Iraq Flag of Iraq.svg

Italy Flag of Italy.svg

Former Italy international Sebastian Giovinco won two league titles with Al-Hilal. Sebastian Giovinco 2019.jpg
Former Italy international Sebastian Giovinco won two league titles with Al-Hilal.

Ivory Coast Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg

Jamaica Flag of Jamaica.svg

Jordan Flag of Jordan.svg

Kazakhstan Flag of Kazakhstan.svg

Kenya Flag of Kenya.svg

Korea Republic Flag of South Korea.svg

Lee Young-pyo won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal. Leeyoungpyo.jpg
Lee Young-pyo won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal.

Kuwait Flag of Kuwait.svg

Lebanon Flag of Lebanon.svg

Liberia Flag of Liberia.svg

Libya Flag of Libya.svg

Lithuania Flag of Lithuania.svg

Luxembourg Flag of Luxembourg.svg

Madagascar Flag of Madagascar.svg

Malawi Flag of Malawi.svg

Mali Flag of Mali.svg

Mauritania Flag of Mauritania.svg

Mexico Flag of Mexico.svg

Moldova Flag of Moldova.svg

Montenegro Flag of Montenegro.svg

Morocco Flag of Morocco.svg

In 2018-19, Abderrazak Hamdallah won the Player of the Year award and was the top scorer with a record breaking 34 goals. Abderrazak Hamdallah.jpg
In 2018–19, Abderrazak Hamdallah won the Player of the Year award and was the top scorer with a record breaking 34 goals.
Hicham Aboucherouane was the joint-top goalscorer in the Pro League in 2008-09, scoring 12 goals for Al-Ittihad. Hicham Eboucherouane (2).jpg
Hicham Aboucherouane was the joint-top goalscorer in the Pro League in 2008–09, scoring 12 goals for Al-Ittihad.

Mozambique Flag of Mozambique.svg

Netherlands Flag of the Netherlands.svg

Niger Flag of Niger.svg

Nigeria Flag of Nigeria.svg

At EUR16.5 million, Ahmed Musa is the most expensive player in Pro League history. Ahmed Musa 20180625.jpg
At €16.5 million, Ahmed Musa is the most expensive player in Pro League history.

North Macedonia Flag of North Macedonia.svg

Until 2019 named Republic of Macedonia

Norway Flag of Norway.svg

Oman Flag of Oman.svg

In 2017-18, Ali Al-Habsi became the first foreign goalkeeper to win the Pro League. Ali Al Habsi portrait, Wigan Athletic v Birmingham, 19 March 2011.jpg
In 2017–18, Ali Al-Habsi became the first foreign goalkeeper to win the Pro League.

Palestine Flag of Palestine.svg

Panama Flag of Panama.svg

Paraguay Flag of Paraguay.svg

Peru Flag of Peru.svg

Poland Flag of Poland.svg

Adrian Mierzejewski won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2014-15. Adrian Mierzejewski 2011 (2).jpg
Adrian Mierzejewski won the Pro League with Al-Nassr in 2014–15.

Portugal Flag of Portugal.svg

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo WC2022 - 01.jpg
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023.

Puerto Rico Flag of Puerto Rico.svg

Qatar Flag of Qatar.svg

Romania Flag of Romania.svg

Mirel Radoi won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal. Mirel Radoi (cropped).PNG
Mirel Rădoi won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal.

São Tomé and Príncipe Flag of Sao Tome and Principe.svg

Scotland Flag of Scotland.svg

Senegal Flag of Senegal.svg

Serbia Flag of Serbia.svg

Vladimir Stojkovic won the Golden Glove award in 2021-22 with 13 clean sheets. Vladimir Stojkovic 2018 (cropped).jpg
Vladimir Stojković won the Golden Glove award in 2021–22 with 13 clean sheets.

Sierra Leone Flag of Sierra Leone.svg

Slovakia Flag of Slovakia.svg

Slovenia Flag of Slovenia.svg

Spain Flag of Spain.svg

Sudan Flag of Sudan.svg

Suriname Flag of Suriname.svg

Sweden Flag of Sweden.svg

Christian Wilhelmsson won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal. Christian Wilhelmsson (cropped).jpg
Christian Wilhelmsson won two Pro League titles with Al-Hilal.

Switzerland Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg

Syria Flag of Syria.svg

Omar Al Somah finished as top scorer three consecutive times, and is the highest-scoring foreign player in Pro League history Omar Al Somah, Al-Ahli vs. Persepolis 20190422.jpg
Omar Al Somah finished as top scorer three consecutive times, and is the highest-scoring foreign player in Pro League history
Jehad Al-Hussain holds the record for most assists in Pro League history with 51. Jehad Al Hussain.gif
Jehad Al-Hussain holds the record for most assists in Pro League history with 51.

Timor-Leste Flag of East Timor.svg

Togo Flag of Togo (3-2).svg

Trinidad and Tobago Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg

Tunisia Flag of Tunisia.svg

Farouk Ben Mustapha won the Golden Glove award in 2018-19 Farouk Ben Mustapha.jpg
Farouk Ben Mustapha won the Golden Glove award in 2018–19

Türkiye Flag of Turkey.svg

Ukraine Flag of Ukraine.svg

United Arab Emirates Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg

United States Flag of the United States.svg

Uruguay Flag of Uruguay.svg

Uzbekistan Flag of Uzbekistan.svg

Server Djeparov won the Pro League with Al-Shabab in 2011-12 Server Djeparov playing for Esteghlal against Tractor Sazi 02.jpg
Server Djeparov won the Pro League with Al-Shabab in 2011–12

Venezuela Flag of Venezuela.svg

Zambia Flag of Zambia.svg

Zimbabwe Flag of Zimbabwe.svg

Notes

  1. ^
    Born in Argentina
  2. ^
    Born in Angola
  3. ^
    Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina (then part of Yugoslavia)
  4. ^
    Born in Brazil
  5. ^
    Born in Canada
  6. ^
    Born in Chad
  7. ^
    Born in Colombia
  8. ^
    Born in Croatia
  9. ^
    Born in Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia)
  10. ^
    Born in England
  11. ^
    Born in France
  12. ^
    Born in The Gambia
  13. ^
    Born in Germany
  14. ^
    Born in Georgia (then part of the Soviet Union)
  15. ^
    Born in Guinea-Bissau
  16. ^
    Born in the Ivory Coast
  17. ^
    Born in Kosovo (then part of Yugoslavia)
  18. ^
    Born in Kuwait
  19. ^
    Born in Mali
  20. ^
    Born in Montenegro (then part of Yugoslavia)
  21. ^
    Born in Morocco
  22. ^
    Born in the Netherlands
  23. ^
    Born in Nicaragua
  24. ^
    Born in Nigeria
  25. ^
    Born in North Macedonia (then Macedonia, part of Yugoslavia)
  26. ^
    Born in Portugal
  27. ^
    Born in Saudi Arabia
  28. ^
    Born in Scotland
  29. ^
    Born in Serbia (then part of Serbia and Montenegro)
  30. ^
    Born in Serbia (then part of Yugoslavia)
  31. ^
    Born in Slovakia (then part of Czechoslovakia)
  32. ^
    Born in Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia)
  33. ^
    Born in Somalia
  34. ^
    Born in Spain
  35. ^
    Born in Sweden
  36. ^
    Born in Switzerland
  37. ^
    Born in Togo
  38. ^
    Born in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union)
  39. ^
  40. ^
    Born in Uzbekistan (then part of the Soviet Union)
  41. ^
  42. ^
  43. ^
  44. ^
  45. ^
  46. ^
  47. ^
  48. ^
  49. ^
  50. ^
  51. ^
  52. ^
  53. ^
  54. ^
  55. ^
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  57. ^
  58. ^
  59. ^
  60. ^
  61. ^
  62. ^
  63. ^
  64. ^
  65. ^
  66. ^
  67. ^
  68. ^
  69. ^
  70. ^
  71. ^
  72. ^
  73. ^
  74. ^
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  76. ^
  77. ^
  78. ^
  79. ^
  80. ^
  81. ^
  82. ^
  83. ^
  84. ^
  85. ^
  86. ^
  87. ^
  88. ^
  89. ^
  90. ^
  91. ^
  92. ^

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References