Cristiano Ronaldo Claims Saudi Professional League is Superior to Major League Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer who currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, recently made headlines when he stated that the Saudi league is superior to Major League Soccer (MLS). This statement has sparked a debate among football fans and experts alike. In this article, we will delve into Ronaldo’s comments and analyze the implications of his statement.
Ronaldo’s statement came in response to a question about the possibility of him joining Lionel Messi in MLS. After his team’s 5-0 defeat in a friendly match against La Liga club Celta Vigo, Ronaldo firmly stated, “No, I think that Arabia is a much better league than the United States.” This declaration has raised eyebrows, considering the growing popularity and competitiveness of MLS in recent years.
Ronaldo, who is currently the highest-paid player in the world, earns a staggering £175 million ($217.4 million) annually. However, sources close to Al Nassr reveal that the club only pays a tenth of his wage, with the rest covered by the Saudi state. On the other hand, Messi recently signed a deal with Inter Miami, an MLS team, which will see him earn around $50-60 million per year, including the value of his equity in the franchise.
Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, responded to Ronaldo’s comments by stating that he is “not threatened” by the growing influence of the Saudi Professional League. Garber drew parallels between MLS’s early days and the current situation, emphasizing that MLS has come a long way and is now an established league with global recognition.
The debate surrounding Ronaldo’s comments stems from the comparison between the quality and competitiveness of the Saudi Professional League and Major League Soccer. While Ronaldo’s statement may be seen as biased due to his current affiliation with Al Nassr, it raises questions about the overall standard of the Saudi league.
It is worth noting that in January, sports intelligence agency Twenty First Group ranked the Saudi Professional League as the 59th-best domestic league in the world, while MLS was ranked 29th. This ranking suggests that MLS is considered to be of a higher standard than the Saudi league. Additionally, the star-driven approach to growth in the Saudi league has drawn comparisons to the recently deflated Chinese Super League, which faced challenges due to unsustainable spending on high-profile players.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia and Messi’s decision to join MLS have added a new dimension to their storied rivalry. Both players have chosen to extend their legacies by playing in leagues outside of Europe, where they have previously dominated. Ronaldo’s move has been met with some controversy, as he faced allegations of sexual assault in Las Vegas in 2009. Although the case was dismissed in June 2022, it is possible that this experience has influenced his perspective on anything related to the United States.
In conclusion, Ronaldo’s claim that the Saudi Professional League is superior to Major League Soccer has sparked a debate within the football community. While Ronaldo’s statement may be seen as biased, it raises questions about the overall quality and competitiveness of the Saudi league. However, rankings and comparisons suggest that MLS is currently considered to be of a higher standard. Regardless, Ronaldo and Messi’s moves abroad have added an intriguing new chapter to their legendary rivalry. Only time will tell how their decisions will impact their legacies and the global football landscape.
Required reading:
– Cristiano Ronaldo Claims Saudi Professional League is Superior to Major League Soccer (The Athletic)