Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited debate over the quality of domestic leagues by claiming the Saudi Pro League is stronger than France’s Ligue 1.
The Portugal international made the remarks during the 15th Globe Soccer Awards, where he argued that Paris Saint-Germain are the only elite side in the French top flight. Softfootball understands Ronaldo insisted the overall standard of competition in Saudi Arabia now exceeds that of Ligue 1.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ronaldo said:
The Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has Paris Saint-Germain. The rest are finished.
It is not the first time the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has voiced such an opinion. He made similar comments at the previous Globe Soccer Awards, maintaining that the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than its French counterpart.
Those remarks previously drew criticism from several figures in French football, including former Lille manager Paulo Fonseca, who argued Ronaldo was not in a position to judge a league in which he had never played.
Despite Ronaldo’s assessment, Ligue 1 clubs have enjoyed encouraging performances in this season’s UEFA Champions League, with Lille, Brest and Paris Saint-Germain all mounting strong campaigns in Europe’s premier club competition.
