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Fortune

Chloe Taylor

Saudi Arabia has so much money to spend on sports no one else can compete, says one of world’s most popular athletes

Saudi Arabia Ben Stokes Lionel Messi Cricket Cristiano Ronaldo AlHilal Oil Soccer United States

Ben Stokes of England celebrates scoring 100 runs during day 2 of the 3rd Test match between South Africa and England at St Georges Park on January 17, 2020 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Credit: Ashley Vlotman—Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia wants the world’s biggest sports stars and it isn’t afraid to pay big bucks to win them over. And according to one of the world's most popular athletes, no one else can compete.

The country is investing billions into its fledgling sports scene. As well as building huge stadiums and sponsoring and hosting major events, Saudi Arabia has spent a fortune to poach star athletes from legacy teams.

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