Saudi League More Competitive Than Ligue 1, Ronaldo Boasts

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the Saudi Pro League is better than the French Ligue 1 in a targeted dig at Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi left PSG in the summer after a topsy -turvy two years in France.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has revealed that the league is already better than the Ligue 1.

Ronaldo said during Dubai’s Globe Soccer Awards event on Friday: “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 added: “I feel so happy at Al Nassr, it’s a great move. Saudi is in a process, it will take long… but step by step-by-step,they will go to the top level. I think the Saudi Pro League will be among top three leagues in the world. People in Saudi will be proud.”

The Portuguese star also stated that he is proud to finish above Erling Haaland as the overall top scorer in 2023.

“I was the best goalscorer this season, imagine beating young animals like Haaland… I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon! I like when people doubt again about me and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.”

Ronaldo scored 54 goals for club and country in 2023 to finish as the overall world top scorer above the likes of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe scored 52 goals apiece while Erling Haaland scored 50 goals.

Ronaldo has scored 44 goals and recorded 13 assists for Al Nassr since joining in 2022.

Ronaldo and Messi will clash again in a friendly match between Al Nassr and Inter Miami in February.