In a striking endorsement for the Saudi Pro League, renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo has declared it superior to France’s Ligue 1. Speaking at the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, expressed his firm belief in the competitive edge of the Saudi league.
Ronaldo’s statement came as he was honored with the Best Middle East Player award, coupled with the Maradona award. He argued that, contrary to popular opinion, the Saudi Pro League rivals, if not eclipses, the French Ligue 1 in terms of competitive spirit and skill level. “In the French league, the competition is primarily among two or three top teams. In contrast, the Saudi league presents a more balanced and competitive scenario,” Ronaldo explained.
🇸🇦 “Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue1”, Cristiano Ronaldo says. pic.twitter.com/nTCfGaeA3T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2024
Addressing some skepticism from the audience, Ronaldo, with a year’s experience in the Saudi Pro League, confidently reiterated his stance. He emphasized his first-hand experience in the league, lending credibility to his assessment. Looking ahead, Ronaldo expressed optimism about the league’s future, confidently stating, “The league will be top, top, top.”
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr last year marked the beginning of a trend of international football stars, including Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Neymar, choosing to play in the Saudi Pro League. This influx of talent is seen as a significant boost to the league’s global standing and competitive quality.