Not long ago, a move away from Europe’s top leagues was viewed as the final chapter in a footballer’s career — a choice typically reserved for veterans seeking one last payday in a less competitive environment.
In the mid-2000s, this was the prevailing reality. When David Beckham signed with LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS), he still had ambitions to represent England. But then-manager Fabio Capello made it clear: only those competing at the highest European level would be considered for national duty.
Back then, playing in the United States or elsewhere outside Europe often meant shutting the door on international selection.
Today, the football landscape is very different.
The New Era: Prime Players Moving Abroad
High-profile transfers to leagues once considered secondary are now routine — and they no longer signal the end of a player’s peak years.
Recent examples include:
- Heung-min Son – Leaving Tottenham Hotspur for MLS side Los Angeles FC while remaining central to South Korea’s national team.
- Darwin Núñez – Moving from Liverpool to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, with Uruguay still counting on him for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
They join a growing list of players in their prime who continue to play key roles on the international stage while competing in leagues outside Europe.
Global Icons Leading the Shift
Two of the game’s most recognisable names — Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — have been at the forefront of this shift.
- Messi has been starring for Inter Miami in MLS since 2023.
- Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia that same year, reportedly earning $250 million per season, and continues to produce world-class performances for Portugal.
Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martínez, summed it up best: “It’s about using the best players to have the best team and win titles.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Push
The Saudi Pro League has rapidly become one of football’s most attractive destinations, driven by unmatched salaries and aggressive recruitment of global stars.
Recent arrivals include:
- Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad)
- Ruben Neves and Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal)
- Chris Smalling (Al-Fayha)
- Georginio Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq)
The league even made headlines with a record-breaking $332 million offer for Kylian Mbappé — an offer he ultimately declined, but one that underlined Saudi Arabia’s intent.
MLS’s Star Power Surge
Across the Atlantic, MLS has also become home to world-class talent. Inter Miami alone boasts Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba — all bringing European pedigree and competitive intensity to the league.
Raising Standards & Changing Perceptions
These moves have elevated the quality and competitiveness of both the Saudi Pro League and MLS. As Ronaldo recently claimed, Saudi’s top flight is already among the top five leagues globally — and improving every year.
For players, the appeal is clear: lucrative contracts, a growing level of competition, and the ability to remain in contention for international football. For the leagues, the influx of talent has transformed their profile and marketability worldwide.
365247 Media Insight:
The global football map is being redrawn. Non-European leagues are no longer “retirement” destinations but strategic platforms for players to extend their peak years, grow their personal brands, and still perform on the world’s biggest stage. For clubs, sponsors, and investors, this shift represents a massive opportunity to engage with new audiences and markets.
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