Cristiano Ronaldo Says Saudi Pro League Is Better Than France's Ligue 1

Cristiano Ronaldo believes that the Saudi Pro League is already superior to France's Ligue 1.

Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in January last year and was later joined in Saudi Arabia by the likes of Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Many spectators were taken by surprise when the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon moved to the Middle East.

However, he believes that it was a good move - both for him and for the development of Saudi soccer. 

Ronaldo attended the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.

He won three awards but Erling Haaland was crowned Best Men's Player.

Before the main awards were presented, Ronaldo took part in a Q&A session on stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo pictured speaking at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards ceremony in Dubai on Friday

Globe Soccer Awards/YouTube

Ronaldo was asked about some of the public reaction to his move to Al Nassr and how he was able to turn negativity into motivation.

He replied: "I thought it would be a good move for me. Why not give a chance to another country?

"With my football, with my passion... to change mentalities, why not? I am capable to do that.

"I'm not being arrogant but I said that one year ago. The things change, the world changes, football changes, the rules change, everything changes.

"So my move, I think it was a good move. I feel so happy. Many players moved there. Now coaches, directors, even nutritionists are moving there.

"The Saudis are in a process that will take long, but step by step, we will reach the highest level.

"I believe they are going to be in the top three or four in the world. Step by step, I think we are going to reach that."

Asked where Saudi soccer sits currently in the global landscape, Ronaldo replied: "The level right now? To be honest, I think the Saudi league is not worse than France's league in my opinion.

"In the French league, I think you have two-three teams with a good level. In Saudi, I think it is more competitive.

"They can say what they want. This is just my opinion and I have played there for one year, so I know what I'm talking about.

"But I think right now we are better than France's league."