Neymar Jr. AGREES with Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1 despite playing for PSG

Neymar Jr. agrees with Cristiano Ronaldo about the quality of Saudi Pro League being better than Ligue 1 at the moment.

Neymar Jr. AGREES with Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1 despite playing for PSG

Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, image courtesy: X

The footballing world is always abuzz with discussions about which national league gets the cherry. Although it is mostly discussed by fans, at times, players join in too. At one such recent event, Cristiano Ronaldo opened up about the quality of the Saudi Pro League being better than Ligue 1. To add to what he had to say, Neymar Jr., who has formerly been a part of PSG, corroborated the Portuguese marksman’s words.

During the Globe Soccer Awards, Cristiano Ronaldo said that the Saudi Pro League has more money and the best players. He further added that apart from PSG, Ligue 1 hasn’t got too many good clubs. His statement drew severe flak as French legend Emmanuel Petit blatantly disagreed with his view. However, Brazilian international Neymar Jr. surprisingly agreed with Ronaldo’s statement.

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Today, I think it is [stronger]. The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and, from what I see, it’s better than Ligue 1. Ligue 1 has its positives. The league is very strong. I played in it, so I know this well. Today (though), the players in the Saudi Pro League are better. Saudi Arabia has surprised me in a positive way. The people, the country, the cities, the culture. I think it’s a country that’s continually growing.

Neymar Jr told CNN Sport

Neymar Jr. himself played for PSG from 2017 to 2023. On arrival from Barcelona to the Parisian stalwarts, he made 112 appearances, scoring 82 goals. Following his successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he decided to move to Saudi Arabia, where he was signed by Al Hilal. Much to his woes, however, an injury-plagued season saw him appearing in just three games for the Saudi-based outfit.

Roberto de Zerbi not in agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of Ligue 1 quality

As the flames of debate kept on getting fanned about the prowess of the Saudi Pro League, Marseille coach Roberto de Zerbi expressed his opinion on the matter. De Zerbi made it clear that Ligue 1 is way stronger than people comprehend it to be. However, he also stated that the lack of promotion has somewhat dented the league’s popularity.

Neymar Jr
Roberto de Zerbi, image courtesy: X

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, La Liga 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.

Roberto de Zerbi told the Mirror

De Zerbi had further support in his corner as French defender Adil Rami was against what Ronaldo had to say. Rami pointed out that defenders in Ligue 1 have been ‘machines’. He believes that it is more of a PR stunt for the Saudi Pro League. Rami also highlighted that he is pro Cristiano Ronaldo, but the statement about the Saudi Pro League wasn’t something he was expecting from the Portuguese icon.