In a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, recently voiced his opinion on the competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was honored as the Best Goalscorer and Fans’ Favourite Player of the Year, Ronaldo declared that the Saudi top tier has surpassed France’s Ligue 1 in terms of quality and competition. This assertion has raised eyebrows and sparked debates among football enthusiasts worldwide.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr after departing from Manchester United over a year ago, backed his claim by drawing from his personal experience in both leagues. He stated, “To be honest, I think the Saudi League is not worse than the French league, in my opinion.” The Portuguese superstar praised the overall competitiveness of the Saudi league, suggesting that it offers fierce competition compared to Ligue 1. Ronaldo acknowledged that while French football boasts a few teams with a good level, the Saudi league has made significant strides and has become incredibly competitive. Despite the potential criticism he may face for this statement, the 38-year-old maintains his confidence in the development of Saudi football.
The major transformation of the Saudi Pro League can be attributed to the infusion of immense financial resources. Last year, the league’s four largest clubs came under the control of the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), resulting in a massive influx of cash. This move attracted elite football players from around the world, including Karim Benzema and Neymar. However, recent reports indicate that some players, such as England midfielder Jordan Henderson, have terminated their contracts with Saudi clubs after a short stint, heightening speculation about player satisfaction and future transfers.
Undeniably, Ronaldo has been a catalyst for the growth of Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League. Scoring an impressive 54 goals for both his club and the Portuguese national team in 2023, Ronaldo emerged as the world’s top male goalscorer of the year. The veteran forward expressed his pride in this achievement, humorously stating, “I was the best goalscorer this season, imagine beating young animals like Erling Haaland. I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon!” When questioned about his retirement plans, Ronaldo remained vague, stating, “At the moment when I finish, I don’t know to be honest. Of course, it will be soon. By soon I mean ten years more. I’m joking!” With his remarkable form and unwavering determination, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations and assert his dominance in the football world.
The Saudi Pro League has undergone a remarkable transformation, propelled by significant investment and the addition of world-class talent. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s declaration of its superiority over France’s Ligue 1 has sparked debates and skepticism, one cannot overlook the progress and intense competition that the Saudi league now offers. As the future unfolds, the rise of the Saudi Pro League may signal a shift in the balance of power within the footballing world. Whether Ronaldo’s opinion is shared by others or not, there is no denying that the Saudi Pro League is making a name for itself on the global stage.