Cristiano Ronaldo Praises Saudi Pro League, Calls It Stronger Than Ligue 1
Cristiano Ronaldo Praises Saudi football as he highlights the rapidly evolving scene in the kingdom.In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, the Al-Nassr forward made a striking statement that quickly went viral across the sports world.
Ronaldo claimed that the Saudi Pro League (SPL) has now reached a level that not only surpasses his home country’s Portuguese Primeira Liga, but has also overtaken France’s Ligue 1 — a league that has long been considered one of Europe’s top five competitions.
His words have reignited debate over how far the Saudi league has come, and whether its growing financial power and influx of international stars can truly rival Europe’s established football systems.
Ronaldo’s Statement: “The Saudi League Is Better Than Ligue 1”
Speaking with confidence and conviction, Ronaldo reportedly told Piers Morgan:
“The Saudi league is much better than the Portuguese league, and even better than Ligue 1 — since, essentially, there’s only PSG there.”
This quote was both bold and strategic. By contrasting the Saudi Pro League with Ligue 1, Ronaldo underscored his belief that the Saudi competition offers more depth and competitiveness than a league often dominated by a single club — Paris Saint-Germain.
His comments immediately divided fans and analysts. Supporters of the Saudi Pro League saw it as validation from one of football’s greatest players, while European purists accused Ronaldo of exaggerating. Nonetheless, his statement reflects a broader trend: Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global football landscape.
The Rise of the Saudi Pro League
In just two years, the Saudi Pro League has undergone a transformation unprecedented in modern football. Following Ronaldo’s groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr in late 2022, several world-class players followed, including:
- Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
- Neymar Jr. (Al-Hilal)
- Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)
- Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)
- Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli)
- Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
This massive influx of talent, combined with major financial investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), has rapidly elevated the league’s profile. Stadium attendances have improved, television rights deals have expanded, and international media coverage has become routine.
Ronaldo’s arrival was the catalyst. His move legitimized the SPL’s ambitions and attracted a wave of global attention, reshaping perceptions of Middle Eastern football.
Comparing Leagues: Saudi Pro League vs. Ligue 1
Ronaldo’s comparison to Ligue 1 wasn’t random. It reflects a genuine question: Is the Saudi league closing the gap on Europe’s top competitions?
1. Competitiveness
Ligue 1 has long faced criticism for being a “one-team league.” Paris Saint-Germain has dominated French football for nearly a decade, winning nine of the last eleven titles. In contrast, the Saudi league currently showcases four heavily competitive clubs — Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli — each boasting elite players and world-class coaches.
This balance has created more unpredictable matches and a more diverse title race.
2. Star Power
While Ligue 1 has produced many stars, most have used it as a stepping stone to other leagues. The Saudi Pro League, meanwhile, has become a destination for established international icons at the peak or twilight of their careers. Players who once competed in the UEFA Champions League now bring their experience and charisma to Saudi football — adding both glamour and maturity to the league.
3. Financial Investment
The financial muscle behind Saudi clubs is unmatched outside of Europe’s elite leagues. Massive transfer fees, high salaries, and state-backed investment have allowed clubs to build top-tier squads quickly. In contrast, most Ligue 1 teams struggle financially, especially after the pandemic and reduced broadcasting revenue.
4. Fan Experience and Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in modern stadiums, training facilities, and fan engagement. Attendance numbers continue to rise, especially for matches involving Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. The government’s “Vision 2030” program emphasizes sports as a pillar of tourism and international image-building. This focus ensures that the SPL isn’t just about football — it’s about creating a complete entertainment ecosystem.
Why Ronaldo’s Words Matter
Ronaldo isn’t just another player offering an opinion — his voice carries enormous weight. Wherever he goes, global attention follows. When he first moved to Saudi Arabia, skeptics dismissed it as a retirement move. But two seasons later, the league’s transformation is undeniable.
By comparing the SPL to Ligue 1, Ronaldo isn’t merely boasting — he’s amplifying the progress of a league he helped elevate. He has become not only Al-Nassr’s captain but also a global ambassador for Saudi football.
His statement reflects pride, but also strategy: positioning Saudi Arabia as the next global football hub. For a player who has already conquered England, Spain, and Italy, his endorsement of the SPL sends a clear message — football’s center of gravity is shifting.
The Broader Context: Football’s Changing Map
Football is entering a new era of globalization. Once dominated exclusively by Europe and South America, the sport is expanding its influence into Asia and the Middle East. The Saudi Pro League’s rise parallels the growth of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States — but with far more aggressive investment and faster results.
Unlike MLS, the SPL’s approach isn’t about slow, steady growth. It’s about making bold moves that grab headlines, attract elite talent, and raise standards overnight. Ronaldo’s presence, combined with other international superstars, ensures that Saudi Arabia remains in daily football conversations worldwide.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Not everyone agrees with Ronaldo’s assessment. Many European analysts argue that despite the influx of stars, the Saudi Pro League still lacks the tactical sophistication, youth development systems, and competitive intensity of top European competitions.
Ligue 1, for instance, continues to produce world-class players like Kylian Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni — products of elite academies and structured development pipelines. The SPL, by contrast, relies heavily on imported stars and is still building its grassroots ecosystem.
However, what Saudi Arabia lacks in history, it compensates for with ambition. The league’s administrators are working to establish stronger academies, better coaching systems, and long-term investment in local talent — a plan that could make Ronaldo’s prediction come true sooner than expected.
Fan Reactions: A Divided Conversation
Social media exploded after Ronaldo’s comments, with fans taking sides across continents.
- Saudi fans hailed his words as validation of their league’s rise.
- European fans, especially from France and Portugal, accused him of disrespecting their domestic competitions.
- Neutral observers saw it as another example of Ronaldo’s confidence and his knack for staying in global headlines.
Regardless of opinions, one fact is clear — Ronaldo’s influence transcends the pitch. Every time he speaks, the football world listens.
What It Means for Saudi Football’s Future
Ronaldo’s statement, though controversial, aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — a national initiative to diversify the economy and enhance its international profile through sports and entertainment. Football is central to that vision.
The country is already hosting global tournaments, investing in women’s football, and preparing bids for future World Cups. The goal isn’t just to compete with Europe — it’s to build a new global football identity centered in the Middle East.
If the league continues to attract talent, build world-class infrastructure, and improve its domestic players, Ronaldo’s bold claim may not sound exaggerated in the coming years.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest statement about the Saudi Pro League being “better than Ligue 1” has once again placed him at the heart of global football debate. Whether you see it as arrogance or insight, there’s no denying that his words carry weight.
The Portuguese legend has helped transform the SPL into one of the fastest-growing leagues on the planet. With international stars joining every season, modern facilities being built, and fan enthusiasm surging, the league’s progress is real and measurable.
Ronaldo’s opinion might shock traditionalists, but it also reflects the shifting dynamics of world football. The power of the game is expanding — and Saudi Arabia, with Ronaldo leading the charge, is determined to be at the forefront of that transformation.
