Franco-Ivorian defender Nathan Zézé secures lucrative €4m salary at Saudi side Neom SC

Nathan Zézé has officially joined Saudi Arabian outfit Neom SC, departing French side FC Nantes to embark on a new chapter in the Gulf, where he will earn an annual net salary of €4 million.

The 20-year-old central defender, who holds both French and Ivorian nationalities, was developed through the ranks at FC Nantes but has now opted to continue his career in the fast-growing Saudi league.

According to L’Équipe, his deal with Neom SC places him among the highest-paid players of his age, with a wage that would rank him in the top ten earners in France’s Ligue 1.

At Nantes, Zézé had been earning €50,000 per month, a figure that translated to €600,000 annually. The dramatic increase in earnings reflects not only the significant financial muscle of Saudi clubs but also the growing appeal of their league for young European talent.

His market value currently stands at €15 million on Transfermarkt, a valuation that underscores the growing interest he attracted from several European clubs prior to his move.

Spanish side Villarreal CF reportedly tabled an offer for the promising defender, which included a gross monthly salary of €150,000—substantially more than he was earning in France, but well below the package ultimately presented by Neom SC.

Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth, and Liverpool were also tracking Zézé’s development and had considered potential moves for the Franco-Ivorian talent.

Despite the interest from some of Europe’s top leagues, Zézé opted to join the Saudi Pro League, which has increasingly become a destination for both emerging and established players in recent years.

His decision to move at such an early stage in his career has sparked conversation among football circles. Some view it as a financially-driven step that may limit his exposure to elite European competition, while others regard it as a strategic choice to gain regular first-team football and benefit from a thriving league’s resources.

Zézé’s departure also marks another high-profile exit from FC Nantes, a club that has consistently produced talented defenders. While the Canaries were keen to hold on to their academy product, the financial terms of the Saudi offer made the deal too significant to resist from both the club’s and player’s perspectives.

Neom SC’s acquisition of Zézé continues the trend of Saudi clubs investing heavily in international talent. With a long-term project underway to raise the league’s competitive level and global appeal, signings such as Zézé’s reflect both ambition and financial leverage.

As he begins his new journey in Saudi Arabia, the spotlight will remain firmly on Zézé—not just because of the high salary he now commands, but also due to the expectations that come with it.

Whether he can continue his upward trajectory outside Europe will be closely watched by both supporters in his home countries and scouts across the football world.