Cristiano Ronaldo doubles down on criticism of Ligue 1 at Globe Soccer Awards as Man United legend claims 'France only has PSG'
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Cristiano Ronaldo has doubled down on his sensational claim at the start of 2024 that the Saudi Pro League was better than Ligue 1. The Portuguese legend was speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he was once again honoured, this time round picking up the Best Middle East player 2024 gong.
Ronaldo moved to the Middle East and Saudi Arabia when he signed for Al-Nassr at the start of 2023, and has gone on to inspire a mass exodus of talent from Europe to the Saudi Pro League. As such, Ronaldo had claimed earlier this year that the quality of the division was now superior to that of the French top-flight, and took the opportunity on Friday night to underline that hypothesis.
'Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. 'Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see...'. . He added: 'It is difficult to become champion in Saudi. This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions.
'I've been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I've won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level.'. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are yet to win the Saudi top-flight, with leaders Al-Ittihad some 11 points ahead of Ronaldo and Co, who are down in fourth.
