Cristiano Ronaldo made a shocking claim that the Saudi Pro League is already better than France's top division Ligue 1.
The former Manchester United legendary forward uttered this statement at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, on Friday, January 19, where he was honored as the Best Goalscorer and Fans' Favourite Player of the Year.
Ronaldo, who now plays for Al Nassr, stated that the Pro League is more competitive and of a higher standard compared to Ligue 1.
The five-time Ballon d'Or holder commented during the Dubai's Globe Soccer Awards event that the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, stating: "The Saudi league is not worse than Ligue 1."
"The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now", he said.
The Portuguese added: “I feel so happy at Al Nassr, it’s a great move. Saudi is in a process, it will take a long… but step by step they will go to the top level. I think the Saudi Pro League will be among the top three leagues in the world. People in Saudi will be proud”.
The former Juventus forward was also questioned about his future and potential retirement, he replied: "Honestly, I don't know when I'll hang up my boots."
"It will be shortly. Just kidding, maybe in another 10 years. Who knows, we'll see."
The Saudi game saw a huge financial boost when the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of the league's four biggest clubs last year.
Since Ronaldo's transfer to Al Nassr, other high-profile players such as Karim Benzema and Neymar have also joined him in Saudi Arabia.
It's worth noting that the former Real Madrid star, Ronaldo has never played in the French top-flight, and his remarks could be interpreted as a subtle jab at his former rival Lionel Messi, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami.
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has made 44 appearances and scored 38 goals, while also registering 13 assists.
By the end of 2023, he had become the world's top scorer, surpassing Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
This accomplishment meant he also finished ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who won the award for Best Men's Player on Friday.
Al-Nassr's next match will be on January 24th against Shanghai Shenhua in a friendly match.
Afterward, there will be a mouth-watering clash as two legendary soccer icons, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, bring their sensational football skills to the pitch.
The duo will be facing off in a prestigious friendly match between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami on February 1st.
The former Manchester United legendary forward uttered this statement at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, on Friday, January 19, where he was honored as the Best Goalscorer and Fans' Favourite Player of the Year.
Ronaldo, who now plays for Al Nassr, stated that the Pro League is more competitive and of a higher standard compared to Ligue 1.
The five-time Ballon d'Or holder commented during the Dubai's Globe Soccer Awards event that the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, stating: "The Saudi league is not worse than Ligue 1."
"The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now", he said.
The Portuguese added: “I feel so happy at Al Nassr, it’s a great move. Saudi is in a process, it will take a long… but step by step they will go to the top level. I think the Saudi Pro League will be among the top three leagues in the world. People in Saudi will be proud”.
The former Juventus forward was also questioned about his future and potential retirement, he replied: "Honestly, I don't know when I'll hang up my boots."
"It will be shortly. Just kidding, maybe in another 10 years. Who knows, we'll see."
The Saudi game saw a huge financial boost when the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of the league's four biggest clubs last year.
Since Ronaldo's transfer to Al Nassr, other high-profile players such as Karim Benzema and Neymar have also joined him in Saudi Arabia.
It's worth noting that the former Real Madrid star, Ronaldo has never played in the French top-flight, and his remarks could be interpreted as a subtle jab at his former rival Lionel Messi, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami.
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has made 44 appearances and scored 38 goals, while also registering 13 assists.
By the end of 2023, he had become the world's top scorer, surpassing Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
This accomplishment meant he also finished ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who won the award for Best Men's Player on Friday.
What's next?
Al-Nassr's next match will be on January 24th against Shanghai Shenhua in a friendly match.
Afterward, there will be a mouth-watering clash as two legendary soccer icons, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, bring their sensational football skills to the pitch.
The duo will be facing off in a prestigious friendly match between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami on February 1st.