“It’s a shame that it’s not properly appreciated” - Roberto De Zerbi responds to Cristiano Ronaldo claiming Saudi league is better than Ligue 1

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has responded to Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo's claims that the Saudi Pro League is tougher than Ligue 1. The Portuguese had suggested that the French top tier only had one top team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

In December 2024 at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo suggested that the harsh weather conditions in Saudi Arabia made the Pro League tougher. He said (via Mirror):

"Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see. It is difficult to become champion in Saudi.

"This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions. I've been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I've won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level."

De Zerbi, who joined Marseille last summer from Brighton and Hove Albion, responded to the aforementioned comments by saying that Ligue 1 didn't get the recognition it deserved. He said (via Mirror):

"It is a stronger league than people outside of France may think," De Zerbi insisted. The players and coaches are very strong, the stadiums are full and the atmospheres are great. Maybe this league is badly promoted or not as well as Premier League, Serie A, LaLiga or Bundesliga. I don't know if this is a communication or a management issue. France is a football-loving country so it's a shame that it's not properly appreciated."

De Zerbi's Marseille are currently second in the Ligue 1 table behind PSG, while Ronaldo's Al Nassr are fourth in the Saudi Pro League table.

Adil Rami hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo's claims

Former France international Adil Rami had hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo's claims that the Saudi league was better than Ligue 1. He opined that the Portuguese would get 'eaten' in the top tier of French football.

He said on his Twitch account (via Mirror):

"He talks s***. You want me to show you images of the defenders in Saudi Arabia. It's not because he's had a crazy career that as soon as he says something it's the truth. I think it's a PR stunt. We have defenders, they are machines!

"You put him in Ligue 1 and he gets eaten. Cristiano Ronaldo, you know, I'm a fan. I'm Team Cristiano Ronaldo but he made a mistake. When he says that the Saudi championship is better than the one in France, he brings a lot of people with him."

Adil Rami and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off in eight matches during their time together in LaLiga. The Portuguese scored five goals in those games, winning four, losing two and drawing two in the process.