Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese forward, sent shockwaves through the footballing world on Friday night by declaring the Saudi Pro League to be more competitive than France’s Ligue 1.
This audacious statement, delivered at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, has ignited a fervent debate among fans and pundits alike.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, made his mark as the first major footballing figure to grace the Saudi league when he signed a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in January 2023. Since then, other prominent players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane have followed suit, lured by the Gulf kingdom’s hefty financial packages.
When questioned about the Saudi Pro League’s standing, Ronaldo confidently said, “They can say whatever they want, it’s just my opinion. I have played there for a year so I know what I’m talking about.
“ I think that now we are better than the French championship and we continue to improve.”
His assertion, undoubtedly bold, has drawn mixed reactions. Some view it as a reflection of the Saudi league’s recent influx of talent and investment, while others dismiss it as an attempt to justify his move to a less prestigious league.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that while the Saudi Pro League has undoubtedly witnessed an upsurge in its profile and competitiveness, it still faces hurdles in matching the established European leagues. The gap in infrastructure, fan culture, and overall league depth remains significant.
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