The top 20 highest-rated Saudi Arabia players on FIFA 23 before the influx of football superstars

When the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season begins, it is set to look considerably different to the one that began the previous campaign.

Al Nassr welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo to their club in January, with many questioning the wisdom of the Portuguese star in making the move.

Since then, some of the world's top superstars have joined the 38-year-old in Saudi Arabia, including 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema.

Saudi clubs have also been linked with moves for the likes of Bernardo Silva and Neymar as the league looks to further enhance its outreach across the globe.

But prior to Ronaldo's arrival in January, there were not too many household names plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League.

Last season, clubs from the division were allowed to register seven overseas players, meaning the majority of each squad was compiled using home-grown talent.

In December, the Saudi Arabian national team showed off its talent by producing a shock win over Argentina in the group stage of the World Cup.

But who are the highest-rated Saudi Arabian players in FIFA 23? Let's take a look (all ratings via FIFA Ratings and names as shown in FIFA 23).

The top 20 best Saudi Arabian players on FIFA 23

The title of highest-rated Saudi Arabian player on FIFA 23 belongs to winger Salem Al Dawsari, who has a rating of 77.

Al Dawsari plays his club football for Al Hilal, and scored in the famous 2-1 win over Argentina last year. Widely considered as one of the best of his generation in the country, the 31-year-old has netted 21 goals for the national team.

Behind him in second is right-back Saud Abdulhamid (74), who also plays for Al Hilal.

PA)

The 23-year-old has made 40 appearances for the club, having joined from rivals Al Ittihad last year. He was also a key member of the nation's World Cup squad.

And in third place is attacking midfielder Salman Al Faraj (73), who completes the Al Hilal quartet. Al Faraj also featured prominently at the World Cup but, unlike his two team-mates above, did not play against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup in February.

Here is the full list of the top 20 highest-rated Saudi Arabian players on FIFA 23:

• 1. Salem Al Dawsari (LW, Al Hilal) - 77
• 2. Saud Abdulhamid (RB, Al Hilal) - 74
• 3. Salman Al Faraj (CAM, Al Hilal) - 73
• 4. Hassan Tombatki (CB, Al Shabab) - 72
• 5. Mohammed Kanno (CDM, Al Hilal) - 72
• 6. Yasser Al Shahrani (LB, Al Hilal) - 72
• 7. Sultan Al Ghannam (RB, Al Nassr) - 71
• 8. Ahmed Sharahili (CB, Al Ittihad) - 71
• 9. Abdulelah Al Amri (CB, Al Nassr) - 70
• 10. Mohammed Al Owais (GK, Al Hilal) - 70
• 11. Ali Al Bulayhi (CB, Al Hilal) - 70
• 12. Hattan Bahebri (LW, Al Shabab) - 70
• 13. Firas Al Birekan (ST, Al Fateh) - 69
• 14. Sami Al Najai (CAM, Al Nassr) - 69
• 15. Abdulelah Al Malki (CDM, Al Hilal) - 69
• 16. Abdulrahman Ghareeb (RM, Al Nassr) - 69
• 17. Hassan Kadish (LB, Al Taawoun) - 69
• 18. Abdullah Al Mayoof (GK, Al Hilal) - 69
• 19. Saleh Al Amri (LM, Abha Club) - 69
• 20. Mohammed Al Buraik (RB, Al Hilal) - 69

Topics: FIFA 23, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.