Table of Contents
- Saudi-based European footballers playing are opting to spend quality time in Bahrain where partying is not as restrictive as Saudi
- Former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi in 2022 and he has since inspired many top players to move to the gulf country
- Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy are just some of the big name players currently plying their trades in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi-based European footballers playing are opting to spend quality time in Bahrain where partying is not as restrictive as Saudi.
Former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia in 2022 after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag. The Gulf nation has better perks for footballers and the like of Ruben Neves, Roberto Firmino, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy have all joined Ronaldo.
Every transfer window several top players are linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. While these footballers are bringing their skills to the Saudi Pro League, their wives and relatives choose Bahrain.
WHY SAUDI-BASED EUROPEAN FOOTBALLERS PREFER STAYING IN BAHRAIN OVER SAUDI ARABIA
Ruben Neves pictured with wife Debora Lourenco. Photo/Daily Mail
This country is easy-going on alcohol lovers and players and agents are considering moving their family members and close friends there. Mails Sports also adds that alcohol is permitted in Bahrain, unlike in Saudi Arabia, although public intoxication is against the law.
Given that Bahrain’s capital, Manama, is only 43 miles from Dammam; Bahrain is well-positioned as the best destination for Saudi emigrants. Furthermore, it is in Manama where Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq are headquartered.
Even those who have chosen to remain in Saudi, like Ronaldo and his fiance Georgina Rodriguez, can visit Bahrain easily because Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is just about 300 miles from Manama.
People from the more conservative Saudi Arabia flock to the tiny nation of Bahrain on weekends, making it a popular weekend getaway. What’s more is that with the Saudi Pro League getting top talent from Europe; football wags are lighting up Bahrain in a big way.
WHICH ARE THE CLASSSY EATERIES IN BAHRAIN FOR FOOTBALL WAGS?
Bahrain has several upscale eateries and stylish pubs fitting the bill and one of the most famous is CUT owned by Wolfgang Puck. It is located at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay whose proprietor is a Michellin-starred celebrity chef.
This American steakhouse is located in a luxurious setting with 180-degree views of Manama’s skyline. CUT has other subsidiaries in Hollywood, Las Vegas, London, and New York. Moreover, those who want a cocktail and a Mediterranean menu with a Japanese touch can get it at The PLAY Restaurant and Lounge which is popular.
Cantina Kahlo. Photo/Explain More/Bahrain.com
Other well-known locations in Bahrain include the Cantina Kahlo and the Royal Thai at the Gulf Hotel, which also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Manama’s city lights. Additionally, there are many shopping options available in Bahrain, so it’s not only about the food and alcohol.
However, WAGS may be more likely to visit the Bahrain World Trade Center, which houses over 80 high-end designer brands, including Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Another favourite spot for them is A the Avenues, a waterfront shopping complex with over 130 shopping brands and more than 60 restaurants and cafes.
Lastly, there is the Seef Mall, housing 360 stores and is a top shopping destination for family vacations. It features a kid-friendly play area, nurseries, and an indoor Magic Island theme park.
Which Players Joined The Saudi League?
As already stated, former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward started the journey to the Middle East. After signing with Al Nassr, a good number of top European-based players have since joined clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Below are some of the big names who have played in the Saudi League:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr
- Neymar – Al Hilal
- Karim Benzema – Al Ittihad
- Sadio Mane – Al Nassr
- Fabinho – Al Ittihad
- Rúben Neves – Al Hilal
- Yannick Carrasco – Al Shabab
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Al Qadsiah
- Anderson Talisca – Al Nassr
- Franck Kessié – Al Ahli
- Aymeric Laporte – Al Nassr
- João Cancelo – Al Hilal
- Malcom – Al Hilal
- Sergej Milinković-Savić – Al Hilal
- Riyad Mahrez – Al Ahli
- Chris Smalling – Al Fayha
- Kalidou Koulibaly – Al Hilal
- Aleksandar Mitrović – Al Hilal
- Yassine Bounou – Al Hilal
- Moussa Diaby – Al Ittihad
- Nacho Fernández – Al Qadsiah
- Otávio – Al Nassr
- Marcelo Brozović – Al Nassr
- Jordan Henderson (Al Ettifaq; he terminated his contract in January and joined Dutch club Ajax)
