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January 20, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1 in France – Saudi Pro League

The Portuguese player says he has no immediate plans to retire and is content and settled at Al Nassr. 

Cristiano Ronaldo jokingly suggested on Friday that he might play for another ten years, asserting that the Saudi Pro League is superior to France’s Ligue 1. His remarks were made during the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards at Atlantis, The Palm.

At the event, the 38-year-old captain of Al Nassr was the center of attention, winning three prestigious awards. He won the Best Middle East Player award, the Globe Soccer Maradona Award for the most goals scored in the past year, and the Fans’ Favorite Player of the Year award.

Ronaldo was the leading goalscorer at the end of 2023 men’s football, highlighting his continued dominance. His success has also raised the profile of the Saudi Pro League, making it an increasingly attractive destination for top players.

Ronaldo discussed the redesigned Saudi Pro League during a Dubai International Sports Conference panel. He highlighted the improvements in competitiveness and talent, noting that the league has become more appealing to fans. He emphasized the rising quality of football, which enhances its profile in Saudi Arabia and attracts global attention, showcasing its potential to compete with top leagues.

“To be honest, I think the Saudi league is not worse than the French league, in my opinion,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “In the French league I think you have two, three teams at a good level. In Saudi, now I think it’s more competitive.

“People can say whatever they want, it’s just my opinion. And I’ve played there one year, so I know what I’m talking about.”

“But I think right now we are better than the French league; we can still improve.”

It has been said that Ronaldo was a contributing factor in the influx of well-known athletes to the kingdom. Late in December 2022, he signed a contract with Nassr. N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Riyadh Mahrez, Karim Benzema, and Neymar have followed him to the top division.

Ronaldo has yet to take home a significant trophy with Nassr. However, he is in a good position to do so, given that the Riyadh team is still fighting this season on three fronts and is currently sitting second in the league, seven points behind, after 19 rounds.

The Portuguese forward has been playing brilliantly this season, leading the league in scoring (20) and assists (nine) heading into the 2023 Asian Cup break.

With two more goals than Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, Ronaldo scored 54 goals in 2023, breaking the record for most international men’s scorers with Portugal. February 5 is his 39th birthday.

“I was the best goalscorer this season,” Ronaldo said. “Imagine beating young animals like Erling Haaland. I’m proud, and I’ll be 39 soon. I like when people doubt me and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.” On how long he can continue playing – his contract with Nassr has another 17 months to run – Ronaldo replied: “At the moment, when I finish, I don’t know, to be honest. Of course, it will be soon.”

“By soon, I mean 10 years more. I’m just joking. I don’t know; let’s see.”

He added: “I feel so happy at Al Nassr, it’s great move. Saudi is in a process; it will take long… but step by step they will go to the top level.”

“I think Saudi Pro League will be among top three leagues in the world. People in Saudi will be proud.”

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