"Ligue 1 only has PSG. The other teams are finished" - Cristiano Ronaldo explains why Saudi Pro League is better than French League

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1. He believes that PSG has no competition in the French league as the other teams are not close to its level.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo stated that it is difficult to sprint a lot in the Middle East as the weather drains the players.

“Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see. Ligue 1 only has PSG. The other teams are finished."

He spoke about the two leagues previously as well and stated that the Middle Eastern league is better. He spoke about them earlier this year and claimed that the league was still improving but already better.

"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."

Cristiano Ronaldo was a finalist for the Men's Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards. He missed out on the award, but took home the Best Middle East player of the year.

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Cristiano Ronaldo on the Saudi Pro League and title battle

Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke about the Saudi Pro League in 2023 and stated that the league was getting better. He added that the Middle Eastern league will be in the top five leagues in the world soon and said via GOAL:

"The Saudi League is getting better, next year we will be even better. Step by step I think this league will be in the top five leagues in the world. But they need time, they need players and infrastructure. I believe that this country has amazing potential, amazing people and the league will be great."

Talking at the Globe Soccer Awards on December 27, 2024 about the difficulties of winning the title, he said:

"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."

Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Middle East after getting his contract terminated at Manchester United in November 2022.