"There are unique challenges that players face" - USMNT legend defends Cristiano Ronaldo's stance on Saudi Pro League

MLS legend Alexi Lalas has backed Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about the Saudi Pro League being better than Ligue1. He believes the league does not get credit, similar to MLS, because of the challenges.

Speaking on his podcast, Lalas stated that Ronaldo was right to mention the challenges of playing in the Middle Eastern weather. He added that Ronaldo defending the country and the league was good to see and said:

“I like that he is defending Saudi Arabia. I like that he has taken this unconventional pathway, notwithstanding how much money he’s making. It’s not as traditional as the past, and it has shown him some of the challenges out there—both on and off the field—when playing in leagues that many people don’t fully understand or appreciate.”

“But from an MLS perspective, I can appreciate it. I’ve always tried to say, whether it’s Saudi Arabia—which, to be clear, I’ve never played in, though I visited many years ago—or any other league, there are unique challenges that players face which others don’t often consider. I can guarantee there are difficulties players encounter there that are hard to comprehend unless you’ve experienced them. These challenges likely make it a more competitive league than many assume — similar to how MLS is often undervalued by people around the world.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has not signed a new deal at Al Nassr and is in the final months of his contract at the club. He has hinted that he wants to remain at the club until his retirement.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about the Saudi Pro League and Ligue1?

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about the Saudi Pro League and the challenges of playing in the Middle East in December. He stated that the weather makes it hard to play but believes that the league is already better than the Ligue1. He said:

“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."

It was not the first time he stated it as a fact, as he said earlier in his Al Nassr career:

"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 won the Best Middle East Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards last month.