€10m a year: El Shaarawy’s Saudi move reshapes his career

Stephan El Shaarawy is set to earn €10 million per season on a two‑year contract with Saudi Pro League side Al‑Shabab, marking a lucrative payday for the 33‑year‑old free agent. The deal follows the expiry of his Roma contract on 30 June and a season without a renewal.

His contract with AS Roma officially ended on 30 June, and the club did not offer a new agreement, leaving him without a team. As a result, El Shaarawy entered the summer as a free agent, able to negotiate with any interested club.

In the final weeks of the Serie A season, El Shaarawy scored a decisive goal against Verona, securing Champions League qualification for Roma. The strike underscored his continued impact despite approaching the end of his Roma tenure.

Off the pitch, the forward celebrated his marriage to long‑term partner Ludovica Pagani. The personal milestone coincided with his professional transition.

During his spells at Roma, El Shaarawy amassed 348 competitive appearances and found the net 66 times. These figures place him among the club’s most experienced forwards of the modern era.

His career also includes periods at Genoa, AC Milan, AS Monaco and Shanghai Shenhua. These moves highlight his experience across Italy, France and China before the Saudi venture.

Nicknamed the ‘Little Pharaoh’ because of his Egyptian father, El Shaarawy’s heritage has long been a talking point. The moniker has followed him throughout his international and club exploits.

The €10 million annual wage reflects the Saudi Pro League’s strategy of attracting established European talent with high salaries. His contract exemplifies the growing financial pull the league exerts on players seeking new challenges.