Since joining the Saudi Pro League (SPL) in 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has become its most outspoken advocate, frequently praising the league’s growth and potential. He has seized every opportunity to promote the SPL’s reputation, and in June, he stirred controversy by claiming that the Saudi league was superior to Major League Soccer (MLS), the league now home to his longtime rival, Lionel Messi. This time, however, Ronaldo shifted his focus to Ligue 1, one of Europe’s top leagues, making bold and provocative comments.
At the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where Ronaldo was honored as the Best Middle East Player for his stellar performances with Al-Nassr, the 39-year-old forward, who has been in exceptional form this season with 16 goals and 3 assists in just 19 games, made a statement that quickly grabbed attention. Ronaldo boldly declared that the Saudi Pro League is superior to Ligue 1, adding that “France only has Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the rest are finished.”
Ronaldo didn’t stop there. He continued with more critical remarks, emphasizing the physical difficulty of playing in Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate. He challenged people to try playing in the sweltering 38-40°C temperatures in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the physical demands of the Saudi league far outweigh those of the French league.
Despite his strong words, the statistics tell a different story. According to the Opta Power Rankings, Ligue 1 is ranked as the fifth-best league globally, while the Saudi Pro League sits far behind in 33rd place, alongside Colombia’s Primera A and Greece’s Super League. Even Major League Soccer, which Ronaldo previously downplayed, ranks higher than the SPL, holding the ninth spot in the global rankings.
Ronaldo’s efforts to promote the SPL are understandable, given his prominent role in the league, but his remarks have sparked mixed reactions. While some view his comments as part of his role as an ambassador for Saudi football, others see them as exaggerated or even inflammatory.
In a previous interview, Ronaldo also expressed confidence in the future of Saudi football, claiming that the SPL could eventually rank among the world’s top leagues. He suggested that Saudi Arabia’s footballing landscape is rapidly evolving and will continue to grow in stature. According to Ronaldo, “the whole world is changing,” and Saudi Arabia, with its investment in football, truly deserves recognition.
However, not everyone shares Ronaldo’s optimistic view. His Al-Nassr teammate, Aymeric Laporte, has voiced frustrations with the difficulties players face during contract negotiations in Saudi Arabia, claiming that many players, including himself, have been unhappy with the process. Meanwhile, former Liverpool player Stan Collymore criticized the SPL, calling it “irrelevant” and arguing that traditional European leagues like those in England, Spain, and Italy have established a legacy and history that the Saudi league cannot yet match. He expressed doubt that the SPL would ever be considered one of the top five global leagues in his lifetime.
Despite the criticisms, Ronaldo remains a fervent supporter of the Saudi Pro League, consistently hyping up its potential and its future success. His comments continue to stir debate, leaving many to question whether his predictions for the SPL’s rise are realistic or merely part of his attempt to boost the league’s profile.