Ronaldo had suggested the Saudi Pro League was tougher 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."
