Jordan Henderson, Karim Benzema and more: Why football stars want to leave Saudi Arabia?

Jordan Henderson joined Ajax until 2026, just six months after a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq. Karim Benzema has reportedly missed multiple training sessions with Al-Ittihad and a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea interested, looks imminent. A host of other players could follow their way out of the Saudi Pro League. The latest reports out of Saudi Pro League are in stark contrast to the jaw-dropping recruitments in the summer. What started with a multi-million dollar move for Cristiano Ronaldo by Al Nassr in December 2022 grew in summer of 2023. Benzema, Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves, Aymeric Laporte all moved from big European clubs to the league looking to expand. Fast forward to January 2024 and Henderson is back in Europe. Benzema could join soon. Neves has been linked with Newcastle which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Firmino could return to Europe, with Sheffield United and Fulham reportedly interested, or Brazil from Al-Ahli. Jota has been approached by three clubs to end the winger’s time at Al-Ittihad. Also Read | Saudi Arabian clubs sign world's best footballers, time now to justify it But why are these players, and potentially more, considering deferring their big salaries and return to countries with higher tax rates? Brutal heat [caption id=“attachment_12823292” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia during the summer. Reuters[/caption] The players are literally suffering under scorching temperatures in Saudi Arabia. Even though trainings and matches take place in the evening to avoid high temperatures in the day, it can still get 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the gulf kingdom. As the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar showed, it is a massive concern for professional footballers with the tournament taking place in winter - away from its traditional spot in June. Additionally, cooling breaks were needed in each half to deal with tough conditions. Ronaldo admitted it took him time to adapt to the high temperatures and humidity. “The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler,” he told Live Score. Poor attendance [caption id=“attachment_13005242” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut. AP[/caption] For all of the riches and glittering star cast, Saudi Pro League games don’t always bring in big numbers to the stadiums. Henderson, who was used to playing in front of tens of thousands during his 12-year spell at Anfield, represented Al-Ettifaq against Al-Feiha in front of just 610 people. In sharp contrast, Henderson’s last appearance at Anfield came in front of 53,306 fans. The average attendance at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, home of Al-Ettifaq, has been 7,854 this season. The highest attendance this season in the Saudi Pro League has been at Al Hilal’s King Fahd International Stadium with 2,68,419 fans across 10 matches (average of 26,842 per fixture) which is 39% of the capacity. At the other end of the spectrum, Al-Riyadh has drawn just 13,935 fans in 10 games for an average 1,394 fans per game - a paltry 9.3% of the 15,000 seater capacity. Four matches have been played in front of less than 500 fans. Al Riyadh vs Al Khalee (144 fans), Abha vs Al Hazm (257), Al Riyadh vs Al Hazm (264) and Al Wehda vs Al Khaleej (447). Inability to adapt to social changes One aspect that goes on behind the scenes is the massive difference in social construct. For many players and their families, life in Saudi Arabia is a big change. While Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women drives, it is an uncommon practice still. Additionally, women aren’t allowed to go out in public alone. All citizens and visitors are also barred from consuming alcohol. Future with national teams [caption id=“attachment_12880232” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Cristiano Ronaldo became the first big face to join Saudi Arabia when he moved to Al Nassr. Reuters[/caption] As per an AFP source, “The player (Henderson) justified his desire to leave the club by the request of England national team coach (Gareth Southgate) to move to a European club, to be able to participate in the European Cup (Euro 2024).” Henderson has been part of the England squad since his big-money move but that wasn’t set in stone with the Euros approaching. With James Ward-Prowse and Curtis Jones showcasing their skills in the Premier League, Henderson was playing at a lower level in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has continued to be a regular for the Portuguese national side. The 38-year-old has been rewarded by Roberto Martinez for what he brings to the side as a leader and striker. Does help that he’s scored 24 goals in 25 games for Al Nassr this season. However, there are some like Benzema and Firmino who are out of contention with their national teams. France’s Benzema retired last year while Firmino has not been part of the Seleccao for some time, including being omitted from the squad for the 2022 World Cup.