Cristiano Ronaldo speaks highly of the level in Saudi Arabia. According to the forty-year-old Portuguese star, who recently extended his contract with Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League is one of the top five leagues in the world.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has once again made headlines not just for his performances on the pitch, but for his bold statements off it.
In a recent interview on Al-Nassr’s official media channels, the Portuguese superstar declared that the Saudi Pro League has already reached the elite level of global football, placing it among the top five leagues in the world.
“We keep improving we have time but I believe one hundred percent that we’re already in the top five,” Ronaldo stated confidently. “Over the past two years, we’ve shown that the league is constantly improving, it’s very competitive… those who have never played in the Saudi Pro League and say it’s not in the top five know nothing about football.”
Ronaldo's words reflect not only his belief in the growth of football in Saudi Arabia, but also his personal commitment to the project. Since arriving at Al-Nassr in late 2022 in what was a landmark move for the league, the 40-year-old has become the face of a new footballing era in the Middle East one defined by aggressive investment, global recruitment, and a vision that extends beyond the pitch.
Unlike other aging stars who have used foreign leagues as retirement destinations, Ronaldo insists that his move was motivated by ambition, not comfort. “I want to stay because I believe in this project that’s laid out through the 2034 World Cup that remains my goal,” he explained, referring to Saudi Arabia’s long-term football development plan that includes not only domestic league growth but also major international ambitions, culminating in the country's bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
His dedication comes as no surprise given his current form. In the most recent Saudi Pro League season, Ronaldo finished as Al-Nassr’s top scorer, netting 25 goals and providing three assists. His goal tally placed him among the league’s most prolific forwards, despite Al-Nassr ultimately finishing third, behind champions Al-Ittihad and perennial contenders Al-Hilal.
But for Ronaldo, the league’s standings are only part of the story. What matters more is the overall quality and evolution of the competition. Since his arrival, the Saudi Pro League has seen a dramatic shift in global perception, thanks in large part to an influx of international stars. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and many others have followed Ronaldo’s path, drawn by a combination of lucrative contracts and the challenge of building something new.
That shift has been accompanied by significant structural changes within Saudi football: improved stadiums, increased broadcasting deals, strategic partnerships with European clubs, and youth development programs intended to cultivate local talent alongside imported experience. Ronaldo believes these efforts are paying off and that critics in Europe or South America who continue to dismiss the league are out of touch.
“People need to come here, play here, see the intensity, the fans, the atmosphere,” he insisted. “Only then will they understand what’s really happening in Saudi football.”
Beyond his club success, Ronaldo continues to lead his national team with distinction. He recently helped Portugal win the Nations League, adding another piece of silverware to an already unparalleled international career. With Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, and now the prospect of supporting Saudi Arabia’s football rise through 2034, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner seems as motivated as ever.
Critics may question whether the Saudi Pro League truly belongs among the likes of the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, or Ligue 1 but if Ronaldo’s career has proven anything, it’s that he rarely bets against himself. And now, he’s betting big on Saudi football.
