Former Premier League Stars Now Playing in Qatar
While many footballers have made the move to Saudi Arabia in recent years, Qatar has also become a popular destination for former Premier League players. The Qatar Stars League may not receive as much global attention as the Saudi Pro League, but it continues to attract talent with its financial incentives.
Here’s a look at 11 former Premier League players currently playing in Qatar.
Goalkeeper: Sergio Rico
Sergio Rico, the Spanish goalkeeper, began his career in England with Fulham on loan in 2018. Despite making 29 appearances, he couldn’t prevent the club from being relegated. After that season, Rico moved to PSG and later joined them permanently as a backup keeper. In 2024, he made the switch to Al-Gharafa, continuing his career in the Qatari league.
Centre-Backs: Mason Holgate and Romain Saiss
Mason Holgate, who played for Everton, quietly joined Al Gharafa earlier this year. The Cheetahs finished third in the previous season, and even Rio Ferdinand gave his approval by commenting “Love this” on the announcement.
Romain Saiss spent six years at Wolves before moving to Besiktas and then Al Sadd. After a brief loan spell, he joined Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. His contract expired in June, and he is now seeking his next opportunity.
Defender: Marc Muniesa
Marc Muniesa, who came through Barcelona’s academy, moved to Stoke City in England and stayed there for five years. He later returned to Spain with Girona and eventually joined Al-Arabi in Qatar in 2019. In 2023, he played for Lyngby in Denmark before returning to Qatar with Al Shahaniya on a short-term deal.
Midfielders: Pablo Sarabia, Ibrahima Diallo, and Aron Gunnarsson
Pablo Sarabia, a Spanish midfielder, had a journey that took him through Madrid, Getafe, Sevilla, PSG, and Sporting before arriving at Wolves in the Premier League. He left for Al-Arbai on a two-year deal.
Ibrahima Diallo, a defensive midfielder, has already played for six clubs. He spent three seasons with Southampton before joining Al-Duhail in Qatar. He later moved to Al Khor and was recently loaned to Al Ahli.
Aron Gunnarsson, part of Iceland’s famous Euro 2016 squad, moved to Al-Arabi after spending eight years at Cardiff. He had a brief stint back in Iceland before returning to Qatar, this time at Al-Gharafa.
Wingers: Rodrigo and Luis Alberto
Rodrigo, signed by Leeds United during their return to the Premier League, helped keep them in the top flight for two seasons. After their relegation, he moved to Al-Rayyan. A season later, he joined Al-Gharafa on loan before returning to Al-Rayyan.
Luis Alberto, who made just nine league appearances for Liverpool, found more consistent action at Lazio. His performances earned him a move to Al-Duhail for €12 million in June 2024.
Strikers: Roberto Firmino and Joselu
Roberto Firmino, after two years in Saudi Arabia, is expected to join Al Sadd in Qatar. He previously won the AFC Champions League Elite with Al-Ahli.
Joselu’s career took an unexpected turn when he moved from Newcastles to Real Madrid on loan. He scored crucial goals against Bayern Munich, helping the team reach the final. After being bought by Madrid, he was sold to Al Gharfa for the same fee.
These players highlight the growing appeal of the Qatari league as a destination for former Premier League stars. With strong financial backing and competitive competition, Qatar continues to attract high-profile names looking for new challenges.
