Globe Soccer Awards: Saudi Pro League can be one of ‘the top three or four’ leagues in the world’ – Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo believes that the Saudi Pro League can become “one of the top three or four” leagues in the world in the coming years.

The Portuguese striker, who now plays in the Middle East for Al Nassr, controversially became the first high-profile name to make the move to the kingdom, after his contract at Manchester United was mutually terminated.

Ronaldo, now 39, has scored 20 goals in 18 SPL games this season, and Al Nassr sit second in the table, seven points behind Al Hilal, who boast Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ruben Neves amongst their ranks.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai – shown live on TNT Sports – Ronaldo asserted his belief that the Saudi league could become one of the world’s leading divisions, and that he was happy with the decision that he took to start the domino effect of big-name players arriving in Saudi Arabia.

“I believe they are going to be in the top three or four [leagues] in the world and, step by step, we are going to reach that,” Ronaldo said.

“I thought [Saudi Arabia] would be a good move for me. Why not give a chance to another country, with my football and passion, to change mentalities? Why not? I’m capable of doing that. I’m not being arrogant; I said that one year ago.

“Things change; the world changes, football changes, rules change. Everything changes.

“My move was a good move. I feel so happy; many players, coaches, directors, even nutritionists are moving there. The Saudis are in the process. It will take [a long time], but in life, we say, step by step, [to] reach the highest level.”

Ronaldo, who hopes to play a prominent role at the 2024 European Championship this summer, also claimed that the SPL was better in standard than France’s Ligue 1.

“I think the Saudi League is not worse than the French league. In the French league, you have two or three teams with a good level,” he said.

“In Saudi, it’s more competitive. People can say what they want, but I have my opinion and I’ve played there for a year so I know what I’m talking about. Right now, we are better than the French league. We are still improving.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was quick to brush off the criticism that was thrown his way upon his transfer a year ago.

“[The criticism of my move] is part of the journey,” Ronaldo said. “I’m always dealing with that. I’m a professional [of] 22 years. It’s part of my journey to be a better man and a better player; a better father.

“I like when people doubt me, and I prove again that [after] one year, [I’ve been] successful. Last year I had a bit of a difficult journey, but I’m glad that happened because it made me feel stronger, and as you can see, this year I [played] a fantastic season.

“I was the best goalscorer. Imagine [beating] that, the young lions like [Erling] Haaland, for example. I’m proud. I’m 39 soon, and I’m still looking good.”

Ronaldo was joined on stage in Dubai by Manchester City players Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias, and the Portuguese was quizzed on his opinions about the treble winners, as well as their ability to retain the UEFA Champions League.

“[Manchester City] did amazing,” Ronaldo said. “Congratulations to them.

“The players, the coach. Amazing. Finally they won the Champions League, they [probably] deserved [it] two years ago. I enjoy watch[ing] them play. They have a very good team and a very good coach, [and] system [in which] they play.

“They have potential to do the same. I hope not, but they have potential, because they still have a good team, and some players are in their prime.

“They play good football, and I think they have a good chance to win the Champions League again. But we will see. There are many factors [that come into play]. [The favourites are] always the same clubs. Bayern [Munich], Manchester City, Real Madrid… those three will be the [semi] finalists.”

Walker also named Bayern, Real and City as the three teams that he thought were most likely to clinch the famous trophy.

“Those three are all there with good players and have a chance of winning it, but you also need luck to make sure that you get to the final, and then it’s down to big players in big moments to win you that game,” the right-back said.

“We’ve got a lot [of those] in the dressing room. What’s key with our team is that there is no standout; we’re a collective and a team. We rely on each other to make sure that we can get over the line.

“You look at the other night [against Newcastle], where Kevin [de Bruyne] came on, and you think about the capabilities that [he] has, but it’s a process and a team game, and that’s what we’re in it for. We make sure we get to places that we can for a collective.”