Cristiano Ronaldo: Saudi league better than France’s Ligue 1

Cristiano Ronaldo said Friday that the big-spending Saudi Arabian Pro League is already better and more competitive than France's top division Ligue 1.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United just over a year ago, was speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai after being honored as the club's top scorer and fans' favorite player year.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

When asked about the level of the Saudi league, Ronaldo replied on stage: “To be honest, I think the Saudi League is not worse than the French league, in my opinion.

“In [the] In the French championship, I think there are two, three teams with a good level. In Saudi Arabia, I think it's more competitive now. They can say whatever they want, it's just my opinion and I played it for a year so I know what I'm talking about.

“But I think right now we are better than [the] In the French championship, we are still progressing.”

Saudi football received a massive influx of money after the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of the league's four biggest clubs last year. Since Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, several other big names have joined him in Saudi Arabia, including former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Brazilian star Neymar.

However, this week England midfielder Jordan Henderson ended his contract with Al Ettifaq after just six months in order to return to Europe with Ajax, while ESPN reported that Benzema was unhappy at Al Ittihad and was considering to move away 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 scorer.

“I was the top scorer this season, imagine beating young animals like [Erling] Haaland. I am proud. And I will soon be 39!”

“I like it when people doubt me and I succeed. I don't let criticism affect me.”

The former Real Madrid and Juventus striker was also asked about his future and when he might consider retiring.

“By the time I’m done, I don’t know to be honest,” he said. “Of course, it will be soon. By soon, I mean 10 more years. Just kidding! I don't know, let's see.”