At the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines by asserting the Saudi Pro League (SPL) surpasses France’s Ligue 1 in quality and competitiveness.
The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr, defended his bold claims by highlighting the challenging conditions and competitive nature of the Saudi league.
“The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course,” Ronaldo stated during the event. “I’m not saying that because I play here. I don’t care what people think about it.
Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees… Come and you will see. If you don’t believe me, come.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticized Ligue 1’s lack of competition, saying, “In France, they only have PSG; everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players.”
Not Ronaldo’s First Critique of Ligue 1
This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has taken a swipe at Ligue 1. Earlier this year, the 38-year-old commented on the competitive edge of the SPL compared to the French league.
Reflecting on his experience after Al-Nassr fell short of the Saudi Pro League title, Ronaldo remarked, “To be honest, I think the Saudi League is not worse than the French league. In [the] French league, I think you have two, three teams with a good level. In Saudi now, I think it’s more competitive.”
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after a storied career in Europe, emphasized his firsthand knowledge. “They can say whatever they want; it’s just my opinion. I played there one year, so I know what I’m talking about. But I think right now we are better than [the] French league, though we still improve.”
Chasing Glory Amid Challenges
Ronaldo’s remarks come amid a challenging season for Al-Nassr. Despite his stellar performances, including topping the league’s scoring charts, his team has struggled to secure silverware.
The SPL title remains elusive, with fierce rivals Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal leading the standings. This marks Ronaldo’s third season in Saudi Arabia, and his quest for league glory continues to face stiff opposition.
While some critics attribute Ronaldo’s comments to frustration over the lack of titles, others view them as a genuine endorsement of the league’s growing stature.
The SPL has garnered significant attention in recent years, attracting top talents such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté. This influx of star players has bolstered its reputation, positioning it as a burgeoning force in global football.
The Bigger Picture
Ronaldo’s outspoken nature has often drawn polarizing opinions, but his statements underline a broader narrative: the transformation of football landscapes.
The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive investments and ambitious goals aim to challenge established European leagues, reshaping the global perception of Middle Eastern football.
As Ronaldo continues to light up the SPL with his performances, his remarks serve as both a challenge and an invitation to skeptics.
“They can say whatever they want,” Ronaldo reiterated. “But come and see for yourself.” Whether his predictions hold true or not, one thing is certain: Ronaldo remains a magnetic figure, driving discussions wherever he goes.
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