May

Saudi League vs MLS: Who Attracts More Global Football Superstars?

Explore how the Saudi Pro League and MLS compete to sign the biggest football stars. Discover which league is winning the global football talent war in 2025.

Saudi League vs MLS: Which Attracts More Big Names?

Over the past decade, the football world has witnessed a dramatic shift in where global superstars choose to take their careers. While Europe remains the sport’s epicenter, two leagues outside of the continent — Saudi Arabia’s Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States — have emerged as significant players in the race to sign some of the biggest names in Aw8 Pro.

From Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Middle East to Lionel Messi in the United States, the Aw8 Pro transfer landscape has never been more fascinating. But in 2025, one question dominates the conversation: Which league — the Saudi League or the MLS — attracts more big names in football?

In this article, we’ll break down how both leagues have evolved, who they’ve signed, what strategies they use, and ultimately, which one currently holds the edge.

A Brief History: How Each League Built Its Identity

MLS: The Pioneer of Global Expansion

Founded in 1996, Major League Soccer has long aimed to bring world-class football to North America. Its strategy has often been centered around attracting aging but still influential stars to raise the league’s profile — think David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and more recently, Lionel Messi.

Early on, MLS focused on building from the ground up with soccer-specific stadiums, youth development programs, and a strong domestic fan base.
The league’s unique single-entity structure means clubs are centrally managed under one umbrella, giving MLS more control over signings and salaries.

Saudi Pro League: The New Powerhouse

While the Saudi Pro League has existed since the 1970s, its recent rise has been meteoric. Backed by immense financial resources and state-supported initiatives, the league has aggressively pursued top-tier talent.

The turning point came in 2023, when Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, sparking a wave of high-profile signings.
Unlike MLS, the Saudi League allows clubs to negotiate directly, with fewer financial limitations, giving them greater flexibility to lure elite talent.

Who’s Signing the Bigger Names in 2025?

Saudi Pro League:

Saudi Arabia has arguably shifted the power dynamics of world football with a string of blockbuster signings. By 2025, the following top-tier players have joined Saudi clubs:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
Neymar Jr. (Al Hilal)
N’Golo Kanté, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and more
World Cup winners, Champions League veterans, and even managers with European success

The lure? Sky-high salaries, luxurious lifestyles, and a promise to lead clubs in international competitions like the AFC Champions League.

MLS:

MLS remains competitive in attracting high-profile players, especially those interested in expanding their personal brand in the United States.

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, bringing a massive spotlight to the league.
Players like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez have followed, reinforcing the MLS’s appeal.
MLS offers access to commercial markets, celebrity culture, and American lifestyle perks.

While the league doesn’t match the Saudi Pro League in wages, it does provide long-term security through endorsement deals, business opportunities, and post-retirement roles.

Financial Firepower: Saudi League Leads

Let’s be clear — money talks in football, and on this front, the Saudi Pro League has outpaced every league outside of Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly earns over $200 million per year, including image rights and ambassador roles.
Clubs are funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world.
Transfer fees are no obstacle, with Saudi teams offering record sums for elite talent.

In contrast, MLS is governed by a salary cap, limiting how much clubs can spend. The league does have Designated Player (DP) slots, which allow for big-name signings like Messi, but overall, financial flexibility is lower.

Lifestyle, Culture, and Marketability

While finances play a big role, players also consider lifestyle and brand development.

MLS Advantages:

Residing in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, or New York appeals to players with global brands.
Opportunities in entertainment, business, and media are plentiful.
The American market offers a gateway to sponsorships and new audiences.

Saudi League Advantages:

Offers private luxury, safety, and immense wealth.
Players are often treated like royalty, with private jets, villas, and personal staff.
The league is increasingly competitive and has ambitions to compete globally with European leagues.

Competitive Football: Where’s the Quality?

This is where the debate becomes interesting. Critics often claimed both leagues were “retirement homes” for aging stars, but that perception is changing.

Saudi Pro League:

Clubs are now competing in the AFC Champions League and regularly beating top Asian clubs.
The intensity, physicality, and tactics have all improved dramatically.
The influx of world-class managers has raised coaching standards.

MLS:

MLS has a longer development pipeline, producing talents like Alphonso Davies and Tyler Adams.
The league is known for its athleticism and unpredictability, although it lacks the tactical depth of Europe or even Saudi Arabia now.

In 2025, the Saudi League arguably offers higher immediate quality, especially with elite players in nearly every top club.

Global Perception and Broadcasting

Saudi League:

Rapid growth has led to expanded international TV deals.
More fans are tuning in from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The league now hosts global tournaments and friendlies, attracting more eyes.

MLS:

MLS has strong domestic broadcast partners and an exclusive Apple TV deal.
However, its time zones and language make it less accessible to global audiences.
That said, Messi’s arrival significantly increased global attention.

The Verdict: Who Attracts More Big Names?

If we define “big names” by global reach, accolades, and current playing ability, then as of 2025, the Saudi Pro League has the upper hand. The combination of unlimited financial resources, competitive ambition, and willingness to break norms has made Saudi Arabia a top destination for elite footballers.

However, MLS is far from falling behind. With Messi and a growing reputation for infrastructure and youth development, it continues to attract stars — just not at the same volume or price tag as its Saudi counterpart.

The Future Outlook: Coexistence or Competition?

Both leagues may end up coexisting rather than directly competing. While the Saudi League focuses on creating a super-competitive environment with world-class talent, MLS leans on longevity, youth development, and cultural relevance.

Future years could see:

More younger players choosing Saudi Arabia for career-defining contracts.
MLS continuing to nurture American stars and offer post-career opportunities for legends.

The battle is less about who is better and more about what each league represents in the global football ecosystem.