Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has once again defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League, insisting it is stronger and more competitive than both the Portuguese Primeira Liga and France’s Ligue 1.
In a recent interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner passionately dismissed critics who continue to downplay his achievements since moving to Saudi Arabia.
“The Saudi League is much better than the Portuguese league and also better than Ligue 1, as it’s only PSG,” Ronaldo said confidently. “Saying that I just score because it’s Saudi League… excuses, excuses, excuses. Year by year, I score more. Even in a bad season, I scored 25 goals. They can say what they want, but numbers don’t lie.”
The Portuguese superstar, now 40, joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after his high-profile departure from Manchester United in late 2022. His arrival marked the beginning of a massive transformation in Saudi football, ushering in a wave of international talent and global attention.
Since his move, Ronaldo has continued to make headlines both on and off the pitch. His goal-scoring form has remained exceptional, and his leadership has been instrumental in Al-Nassr’s growing dominance in the Saudi Pro League. He has also played a key role in raising the global profile of the league, inspiring several other European stars—including Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., N’Golo Kanté, and Riyad Mahrez—to make the switch to Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo’s assertion about the league’s quality reflects his belief that Saudi Arabia is building one of the most ambitious football projects in the world. Over the past two seasons, the Saudi Pro League has attracted unprecedented investment, signing world-class players and coaches, upgrading stadiums, and enhancing club management systems.
Football analysts have also noted a sharp rise in competitiveness within the league. Clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli have bolstered their squads with top-tier talent, creating a more balanced and unpredictable championship race.
Ronaldo’s comments come amid ongoing debates in Europe over whether Saudi football can match the intensity, skill level, and prestige of Europe’s elite leagues. Many European pundits argue that while the Saudi league is improving, it still lacks the tactical sophistication and historical depth of competitions like the Premier League or La Liga.
However, Ronaldo remains firm in his conviction. He has repeatedly emphasized that the pace of development in Saudi football is unmatched, with major financial backing and growing international exposure set to propel the league into global relevance within the next few years.
His critics, on the other hand, claim that the 39-year-old striker’s comments stem from pride and self-justification. They argue that his success in the Saudi Pro League cannot be directly compared to his time in top European competitions. Yet, even his harshest detractors cannot ignore his impressive statistics. Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has scored more than 60 goals across all competitions, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent and prolific goal scorers in football history.
Fans across the world remain divided. Some view his statements as a bold but valid endorsement of Saudi football’s rapid rise, while others see them as exaggerated. Still, for Ronaldo, the results speak louder than words.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Ronaldo has also become a key ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s broader sports vision. His move coincided with the kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global sports hub under its Vision 2030 initiative. From hosting major boxing bouts to securing rights for the FIFA Club World Cup and Formula 1 races, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the heart of international sports entertainment.
The Portuguese legend’s influence extends beyond football. His immense global following has amplified the visibility of Saudi clubs, bringing millions of new fans and viewers to the Pro League. Merchandise sales, digital engagement, and international TV rights have all surged since his arrival.
Speaking about his personal motivation, Ronaldo has often stated that he thrives on challenges.
“I’ve played in the best leagues in the world—England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia. Every time, I’ve proven myself,” he once said. “People doubted me when I came here, but I love to prove people wrong. I’m proud of what we’re building.”
Ronaldo’s continued success and outspoken confidence have inspired a new generation of footballers to look beyond Europe. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host more major tournaments and expand its football infrastructure, many see Ronaldo as the face of this transformation.
His statement comparing the Saudi Pro League to the Portuguese and French leagues may be controversial, but it highlights an undeniable truth: Saudi football is no longer an afterthought. With big names, big money, and big ambitions, the league is fast becoming a global powerhouse—and Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the center of that evolution.
As he summed up in his interview:
“Numbers don’t lie. The world is watching Saudi football now, and it’s only the beginning.”
— Africa Live News
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