Neymar Backs Ronaldo's Claim: Saudi Pro League Surpasses Ligue 1

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian star currently playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has publicly supported Cristiano Ronaldo's recent statement regarding the superiority of the Saudi Pro League over France's Ligue 1. Ronaldo had previously remarked, 'Of course, the Saudi Pro League is better than the French league. I'm not saying that because I play here; it's just a fact.'

Ronaldo's comments faced criticism, notably from former French international Emmanuel Petit, who suggested that Ronaldo should refrain from making such statements publicly. However, Neymar, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, defended Ronaldo's perspective in an interview with CNN Sport, stating, 'Today, I believe the Saudi league is stronger. The level of the Saudi Pro League is rising, and from what I see, it's better than the French league.'

Neymar acknowledged the strengths of Ligue 1, describing it as a 'very strong league' based on his experience. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the influx of talent into the Saudi Pro League has elevated its competitive standard: 'Nowadays, the players in the Saudi Pro League are of higher quality.'

Expressing his positive experiences in Saudi Arabia, Neymar added, 'Saudi Arabia has pleasantly surprised me—the people, the country, the cities, the culture. I think it's a nation that's continuously growing. Hosting the 2034 World Cup will be incredible.'