"It’s better than Ligue 1" - Neymar Jr backs up Cristiano Ronaldo's claim about Saudi Pro League being better than the French league

Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has backed Cristiano Ronaldo's claims that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1. The Al-Hilal ace played in the French league between 2017 and 2023 during his stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

During the Globe Soccer Awards in December, Cristiano Ronaldo boldly claimed that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1. His comments resulted in a lot of controversy, with many icons, including French legend Emmanuel Petit, disagreeing with his views.

"The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. (...) In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players," Ronaldo said.

In an interview with CNN Sport, Neymar Jr. agreed with Cristiano Ronaldo's claims about the Saudi Arabian league being superior to the French league. He said (via GOAL):

"Today, I think it is [stronger]. The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and, from what I see, it’s better than Ligue 1. Ligue 1 has its positives. The league is very strong. I played in it, so I know this well. Today (though), the players in the Saudi Pro League are better."

"Saudi Arabia has surprised me in a positive way. The people, the country, the cities, the culture. I think it’s a country that’s continually growing. It will also host the World Cup in 2034, which I think will be incredible."

Neymar Jr. played 112 games in the Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), contributing 82 goals and 50 assists. He has won the French league five times.

In the summer of 2023, the Brazilian left PSG to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. However, Neymar has been injured for the majority of his stint in Saudi Arabia owing to an ACL injury picked up in October 2023. He has made only seven appearances for Al-Hilal, contributing one goal and three assists.

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"Everybody called him ‘crazy'" - When Neymar Jr credited Cristiano Ronaldo for the growth of the Saudi Pro League

L to R: Neymar and Ronaldo - Source: Getty

In an interview with Al-Hilal's social channels in August 2023, Neymar Jr. credited Cristiano Ronaldo for facilitating the growth of the Saudi Pro League. He said (via CNN):

"I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him ‘crazy,’ and this and that. Today, you see the league grow more and more."

Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January 2023 after his contract with Manchester United was mutually terminated. Following the Portuguese legend's transfer, multiple big stars, including Neymar Jr, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante, Marcelo Brozovic, and Roberto Firmino moved to play in the Middle East.

The Portuguese talisman also continued to create history as he became the highest goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League (35 goals) in the 2023-24 season. However, he has yet to win silverware with Al-Nassr.