Brazilian superstar Neymar has backed Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous comments about the Saudi Pro League (SPL) being more competitive than France’s Ligue 1. Ronaldo’s statements at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards have sparked widespread debate, and Neymar’s recent move to Al Hilal has given him direct insight. The stature of the league is growing.
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 transfer of the Brazilian forward, which brought PSG an impressive €90 million fee, marks another major change in the football landscape as the migration of top players to Saudi Arabia continues. Speaking to CNN Sports, Neymar agreed with Ronaldo’s claimsDrawing inspiration 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 rising, and from what I see, it is better than Ligue 1. Ligue 1 has its positives – it’s a strong league, and I know it’s good, 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 move to the SPL comes as a remarkable approach. During his time in France, Neymar played 173 matches, scoring 118 goals and providing 77 assists. He also helped PSG achieve 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 given them a different perspective on competitiveness.
Despite his limited appearances for Al Hilal, where he managed only one goal and three assists in seven games before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, Neymar’s transition highlights the growing allure of the SPL. His move is in line with a wider trend of established stars seeking new challenges in the growing Saudi league.
The SPL’s increasing competitiveness and quality of play has begun to reshape perceptions in global football, with Neymar’s comments further underscoring the league’s growing prominence.