In a stunning display that caught the soccer world by surprise, Saudi Arabia made a significant impact on the transfer market. After securing the services of Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of 2022, Saudi has continued its pursuit of top talents, splashing a considerable amount of money to draw in some of the biggest names in the sport. Neymar Jr. and Karim Benzema are two of the most notable signings after Ronaldo. While we can’t wait to witness them facing off with their skillful performances, one question arises; ‘Who is richer among these two?’
Both soccer superstars left the top fight in Europe to enter the Saudi Pro League as Neymar joined Al Hilal while Karim Benzema signed with Al Ittihad. Their on-field performances have remained a topic of great debate throughout the years. With both players now plying their trade in Saudi Arabia, their financial standings make for an interesting comparison.
Neymar vs. Karim Benzema- Who has the bigger net worth?
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Neymar Jr., widely regarded as one of the most popular and marketable soccer players on the planet, has had a remarkable journey in his career. Having played for renowned clubs such as Santos FC, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), it is no surprise that he has built a significant net worth over the years. Estimated to be somewhere around $250 million, Neymar’s financial stature is truly impressive.
One significant boost to Neymar’s net worth came in 2017 when he decided to leave Barcelona and join PSG. The move fetched him a lucrative 5-year contract with a staggering $78 million salary. This deal made him the highest-paid player at that time. Besides his salary, Neymar also earned an estimated $20-40 million per year from various bonuses and endorsements. Additionally, he has emerged as the face of several prominent brands, including Red Bull, Puma, Qatar Airways, and Epic Games.
On the other hand, lies Karim Benzema, an illustrious name in the soccer world who has primarily made his mark in Real Madrid. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, Benzema’s net worth stands around $70 million, a significant $180 million less than that of Neymar.
However, it is essential to note that Benzema’s financial worth remains substantial and reflects a storied career in the sport.
In 2022, Benzema was honored with the prestigious Ballon d’Or. This accolade undoubtedly increased his brand appeal. He was even named as an ambassador by video game maker EA for the FIFA series. Additionally, Big Benz has endorsed various companies, including Hyundai, BuzzMobile, and Bwin. Adidas also recognized his star power and hired him as a brand ambassador for several television advertisements.
How much are both superstars earning at their new Saudi clubs?
Neymar Jr., known for his exceptional skills and young age of 31, did not come cheap for Al Hilal. The club had to dig deep into their pockets to secure the services of the talented winger. Neymar’s move to Al Hilal was sealed with a whopping deal worth approximately $418 million.
However, it is his salary that truly stands out, with reports suggesting that the Brazilian star earns a staggering $175 million per year for a two-year contract. In addition to his base salary, Neymar has the potential to earn around $87,000 for every victory he helps secure on the field. With such astronomical figures, Neymar currently ranks as the third highest-paid soccer player in the world.
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Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad saw him become the second-highest earner in the world, surpassing even Neymar in terms of salary. The French striker signed a jaw-dropping contract that is worth an astounding $220 million per year. To put into perspective how ludicrous this contract is, Benzema makes almost $27,101 per hour with his contract. Still, the highest-paid player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns approximately $225 million per year with Al Nassr.
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