Brazilian superstar Neymar has backed Cristiano Ronaldo’s earlier comments about the Saudi Pro League (SPL) being more competitive than France’s Ligue 1. Ronaldo’s statements at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards sparked widespread debates, and Neymar’s recent move to Al Hilal has given him firsthand insight into the league’s growing stature.
Neymar joined Al Hilal in 2023 after Paris Saint-Germain informed him that he was not part of new manager Luis Enrique’s plans. The Brazilian forward’s transfer, which saw PSG receive an impressive €90 million fee, marked another major shift in the footballing landscape as top players continued to migrate to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to CNN Sports, Neymar agreed with Ronaldo’s claims, drawing from his own experiences since joining Al Hilal in 2023.
“I agree with Cristiano. Today, I think the Saudi League is above Ligue 1…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—it’s a strong league, and I know this well, having played there. But today, the players in the Saudi Pro League are better,” Neymar said.
With six years of Ligue 1 experience at PSG, Neymar’s endorsement of the SPL comes as a notable viewpoint. During his time in France, Neymar played 173 matches, scoring 118 goals and providing 77 assists. He also helped PSG secure 14 trophies, becoming one of the league’s standout players. However, Neymar’s move to Saudi Arabia and the influx of global stars into the SPL have provided him with a different perspective on competitiveness.
Despite his limited appearances for Al Hilal, where he managed just one goal and three assists in seven matches before sustaining a season-ending ACL injury, Neymar’s transition highlights the SPL’s growing allure. His move aligns with a broader trend of established stars finding new challenges in the burgeoning Saudi league.
The SPL’s growing competitiveness and quality of play have begun to reshape perceptions in global football, with Neymar’s comments further underlining the league’s rising prominence.
