OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai after winning the titles of Best Goalscorer and Fans’ Favourite Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United just over a year ago, attested that the high-spending Saudi Pro League is already better and more competitive than France’s top division, Ligue 1.
Asked where the level of the Saudi top tier is, Ronaldo responded on stage: “To be honest I think the Saudi League is not worse than French league, in my opinion.
“In [the] French league I think you have two, three teams with a good level. In Saudi now I think it’s more competitive. They can say whatever they want, it’s just my opinion and I played there one year so I know what I’m talking about.
“But I think right now we are better than [the] French league, we still improve.”
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The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia acquired ownership of the four largest clubs in the league last year, bringing in a substantial amount of funding for the sport. Several well-known figures have moved to Saudi Arabia with Ronaldo, including Brazilian sensation Neymar and former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
But this week, England midfielder Jordan Henderson ended his six-month contract with Al Ittifaq to rejoin Ajax in Europe, and according to ESPN, Karim Benzema is dissatisfied at Al Ittihad and is thinking of leaving during the January transfer window.
Ronaldo, 38, has enjoyed more success, scoring 54 goals for Al Nassr and Portugal in 2023 to finish the year as the world’s top male goalscorer.
The tally meant he finished above Manchester City’s treble-winner Erling Haaland, who took home the award on Friday for Best Men’s Player. Spain’s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmatà took home the Best Women’s Player Award.
“I was the best goalscorer this season, imagine beating young animals like Haaland. I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon!” Ronaldo said.
“I like when people doubt me and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.”
The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward was also asked about his future and when he might consider retirement.
“At the moment when I finish I don’t know to be honest,” he said. “Of course it will be soon. By soon I mean 10 years more. I’m joking! I don’t know, let’s see.”
Espn