Sadio Mane, 4 other African stars who joined Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League

The Saudi Pro League has been the new craze this summer, with over 15 top players dumping the top European leagues to move to the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo sparked a chain reaction when he signed for Al-Nassr in January and since then several other big-name players, including the reigning Ballon d'Or holder, Karim Benzema, have joined him.

Manchester City's head coach, Pep Guardiola, has sounded a warning that deals on offer for the players in the oil-rich country might just be a little bit difficult to compete with.

Victor Osimhen has become the latest player to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Sky Sports reporting the Napoli striker has been offered a salary of €1 million per week to join Al-Hilal.

At 24 years old, the Nigerian seemingly has to choose between wealth and legacy - and should he choose the former, no one can really blame him.

Sports Brief takes a look at the top African players who have already joined the Saudi Pro League.

1. Sadio Mane

Ronaldo is set to get a new teammate and as far as quality players go, Mane is among the best. His Bayern Munich stint did not go as planned and the two-time Africa player of the year decided to move east for newer pastures.

2. Kalidou Koulibaly

Mane is set to play with his national team captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, in the same league. Like the forward, the towering defender also ditched his new club, Chelsea, after just one season to join Al-Hilal.

3. Riyad Mahrez

After Mane and Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez is easily the best African player in recent years. In fact, others might put him ahead of the Senegalese and his former Liverpool captain, given his exploits for Manchester City.

After winning the treble, the 32-year-old accepted Al-Ahli's offer - a deal that Guardiola stated they could not have said 'no' to, as quoted by the Guardian.

Riyad Mahrez officially joins Al Ahli from Manchester City.

What a run he had in the Premier League ???? pic.twitter.com/Xos0IMAVJT

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 28, 2023

4. Edouard Mendy

Mendy enjoyed a brilliant season in the limelight when he helped Chelsea win their second Champions League title before winning the maiden Africa Cup of Nations title for Senegal. But he quickly fell out of favour in west London, with Kepa Arrizabalaga usurping him for the number one spot. The outcome - the 2021 FIFA The Best goalkeeper packed his bags and signed a two-year deal with Al-Ahli.

5. Seko Fofana

The aforementioned players perhaps did not turn heads given they had already won a lot in the European leagues and were over 30 years old. However, for Fofana, many expected him to join a top Euro club after an impressive season with Lens in Ligue 1. The 28-year-old Ivorian surprised many when he agreed to join Al-Nassr until 2026.