Sport

the Saudi Pro League is “better” than Ligue 1 claims Ronaldo

Published

8 months ago

January 19, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo says the Saudi Pro League is BETTER than Ligue 1 because of one key reason.

Ronaldo is in Dubai for the 14th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards – along with the likes of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.

The 38-year-old called himself the ‘best goalscorer’ in front of the 23-year-old Norwegian phenom, who had a priceless reaction to his claim.

He also aimed a dig at France’s top flight as he said Saudi Arabia’s fledging league is a better competition.

“You want my opinion? I don’t think the Saudi League is worse than French Ligue 1,” said the Al Nassr superstar.

The former Manchester United man, who has plied his trade in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal, believes the Saudi Pro League is ‘more competitive’ than Ligue 1.

“In Saudi Arabia, I find it’s more competitive, they can say what they want, it’s my opinion, I play here and I know what I’m saying,” he added.

“I think now we are better than Ligue 1.”

Neymar, who left France to sign for Al Hilal, has previously agreed with Ronaldo’s claim.

Since Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia there has been a huge influx of talent swapping Europe for the Middle East.

His former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, ex-Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, among many others, have moved to Saudi clubs.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia also tried to sign Kylian Mbappe, who turned down their advances.

Not to mention Lionel Messi, who had a spell at PSG following his departure from Barcelona.

Mbappe still operates in France with Paris Saint-Germain, having been the subject of intense transfer speculation as he enters the final six months of his current deal.

Ronaldo calling the Saudi Pro League ‘more competitive’ could stem from the fact that PSG have won nine league titles since the 2012/13 season.

Only AS Monaco and Lille have managed to break up PSG’s dominance in that period.

The French giants currently sit at the top of the table, eight points clear of second-placed Nice.

As for the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal are seven points ahead of Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has described himself as the ‘best goalscorer’ in world football while speaking at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards ceremony – and the comment drew a reaction out of Erling Haaland.

Ronaldo was, in fact, the top goalscorer in the world’s top divisions during 2023, ending the year with 54 goals for Al Nassr and Portugal.

He beat out competition from Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, who both got 52, while Haaland netted 50 for City and Norway.

But the reigning Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winner missed the last seven games of the year through injury, meaning he surely would have had a realistic chance of beating Ronaldo’s 54 if fully fit.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, which celebrates the top players and footballing figures of the previous 12 months, Ronaldo reminded everyone of his record.

He said: “I was the best goalscorer. I had to beat the young lions, like Haaland for example, so I’m proud.”

While the 38-year-old said his comment with a laugh at the end, the cameras then cut to Haaland – who had a deadpan look.

He did then produce a smirk, though, with Ronaldo adding: “And I still look good, so I’m proud.”

The awards, which are being announced at a ceremony in Dubai, sees Ronaldo featured a nominee in a number of different categories.

According to Globe Soccer’s official website, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the first round of public voting for the Best Men’s Player award.

Ronaldo is also on the shortlist for Fans’ Favourite Player, whilst he is also among the leading names in contention to win the all-new Best Middle East Player award.

The Al Nassr star did miss out on a nomination for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, which was won by Lionel Messi earlier this week.

Ronaldo also missed out on a nomination for the 2023 Ballon d’Or despite his incredible goalscoring numbers – the first time since 2003 that he was not on the final shortlist.