Saudi Pro League: Africa’s growing ‘brotherhood’ in Saudi Arabia

African footballers will play an important role as the Saudi Pro League season moves towards its climax in May, with more than 50 talents from across the continent spread around the division’s 18 teams.

Some are world-famous names such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez, but plenty of lesser-known players are also thriving.

Morocco striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, Cameroon forward Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, The Gambia’s Musa Barrow and Myziane Maolida of Comoros have all joined Aubameyang in hitting double figures for goals in the top flight.

Alongside the well-trodden European path, such accomplishments mean Saudi Arabia is now an increasingly attractive alternative for Africans.

“It is a different lifestyle and culture but if you love what you do and love the game, you can sacrifice anything,” Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru told BBC Sport Africa.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeepers like Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and defenders including Kalidou Koulibaly and William Troost-Ekong, both captains for their respective countries Senegal and Nigeria, have proven just as valuable.

“African players are doing well in the Pro League because the climate is similar. We are used to the heat,” said 31-year-old Troost-Ekong, who is also captain of his club Al-Kholood.

“There are often big spaces in games which gives us an opportunity to show our athletic abilities – the power, the speed.

“Saudi Arabia is, in general, quite an easy place to adapt, especially from a place like Nigeria where half the population is Muslim.”