Owen Sanders
Just over a year ago, Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, sent shockwaves through the football world with his audacious move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. Leaving Manchester United under a cloud of controversy, Ronaldo signed a deal rumoured to be worth a staggering £177 million a year, making him the highest-paid footballer in the world.
More than just a payday, Ronaldo’s transfer was seen as a pioneering move, paving the way for other big names like Neymar Jr. and Sadio Mane to follow suit. But beyond the financial windfall, Ronaldo has sparked debate about the Saudi Pro League’s rising profile and its claim to competitive legitimacy.
Having pocketed a cool £204 million in his first year, Ronaldo boasts not only about his earnings but also the league’s improvement. In a bold statement, he declared the Saudi Pro League “more competitive” than the French league, a claim that ignited controversy.
Eden Hazard, the Belgian star playing for Lille in Ligue 1, vehemently disagreed, stating that while individual talent might be present in Saudi Arabia, “they’re not big teams.” This sparked a debate about the true level of the league, raising questions about its global standing and potential to rival established European leagues.
Ronaldo’s move and subsequent comments highlight the growing influence of money in football and the allure of the Saudi Pro League as a potential new destination for top players. Whether it can truly compete with established leagues in terms of overall quality and sporting prestige remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Ronaldo’s reign in Saudi Arabia has generated as much wealth as debate, solidifying his status as a financial powerhouse and leaving the football world divided on the league’s true standing.
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