At Globe Soccer Awards ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that the Saudi Pro League is better than the French Ligue 1. In his words, he said: “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…”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent assertion that the Saudi Pro League surpasses France’s Ligue 1 has sparked considerable debate within the football community. To assess this claim, it’s essential to examine various facets of both leagues, including competitiveness, quality of play, global standing, and infrastructure.
Global Rankings and Competitiveness
According to the Opta Power Rankings, Ligue 1 is positioned as the fifth-strongest league worldwide, while the Saudi Pro League ranks 33rd, alongside Colombia’s Primera A and the Greek Super League. This significant disparity suggests that, on a global scale, Ligue 1 is currently regarded as more competitive and of higher quality than the Saudi Pro League.
Team Performance and Depth
Ronaldo contends that Ligue 1 is dominated solely by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), implying a lack of depth in team quality. While PSG has been dominant in recent years, other clubs like Olympique Lyonnais, AS Monaco, and Lille OSC have demonstrated competitiveness, with Lille notably clinching the Ligue 1 title in the 2020-2021 season. In contrast, the Saudi Pro League has seen increased investment and the emergence of clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, but it has yet to achieve the same level of depth and historical competitiveness present in Ligue 1.
Player Quality and International Recognition
Ligue 1 has been a breeding ground for talent, producing players who have excelled on international stages. The league’s clubs regularly participate in European competitions, providing exposure to high-level football. The Saudi Pro League, while attracting notable players in recent years, does not yet have the same level of international recognition or a track record of developing talent that competes at the highest levels globally.
Environmental Factors
Ronaldo also highlighted the challenging weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, with high temperatures impacting play. While this presents a unique challenge, it does not inherently enhance the league’s overall quality or competitiveness compared to Ligue 1, which operates in more temperate climates.
Conclusion
While the Saudi Pro League is experiencing growth and increased investment, current data and global rankings indicate that Ligue 1 maintains a superior position in terms of competitiveness, team depth, and player quality. Ronaldo’s perspective may be influenced by his personal experiences and the evolving nature of the Saudi league, but objectively, Ligue 1 holds a higher standing in the global football hierarchy at this time.
