Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League has overtaken France’s Ligue 1.
In the past year, the Saudi top division has enjoyed significant investment, with several high-profile players including Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Fabinho leaving clubs in Europe to move to the Middle East.
The 38-year-old forward joined Saudi side Al Nassr in January 2023 and now believes that the league has overtaken Ligue 1, the top flight of French football, stating that the Saudi league has become more competitive.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, he said: “To be honest, I think the Saudi league is not worse than the French league, in my opinion. In the French league, I think you have two or three teams who are a good level. In Saudi, I think it is more competitive.
“They can say whatever they want it is just opinion. I have played here for one year so I know what I am talking about. But, I think right now we are better than the French league.”
The 38-year-old has scored 44 goals in 50 appearances for Al Nassr since joining the club a year ago.
Ahead of his 39th birthday in February, Ronaldo hinted at when he may retire and joked that he could play for another 10 years.
He added: “The moment I finish? I don’t know to be honest, but of course, it will be soon. By soon, I mean ten years more. I don’t know, let’s see.”
(Getty Images)
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