Ronaldo 's 'excuse'
"The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1. In France , only PSG (meaning a lack of competition)." That's probably the statement that has drawn the most ridicule for Cristiano Ronaldo since his arrival at Al Nassr.
In January 2023, CR7 caused a sensation when he left European football to join a Saudi Arabian team. That decision not only marked a turning point in the Portuguese superstar's career, but also initiated a wave of big names entering the Saudi Pro League.
Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, and then Joao Felix all chose Saudi Arabia as their destination. However, the skepticism never disappeared.
The 2026 World Cup not only marks Ronaldo's final appearance on the biggest stage in world football, but it also signifies a special responsibility he will shoulder.
PHOTO: REUTERS
In the eyes of many fans, the Saudi Pro League is simply a league of huge contracts, where stars earn money in the final chapter of their careers because they are no longer competitive enough on the continent. Many believe that moving to Saudi Arabia means leaving the top level of football behind.
Therefore, when Ronaldo repeatedly asserts that the Saudi Pro League possesses high professional quality and is competitive with many European leagues, those comments are often seen as lacking objectivity. In the eyes of many, CR7 is simply acting as an ambassador for the league that pays him the highest salary in football history.
Like a lawyer defending his client, Ronaldo talked a lot. But words alone cannot be used as evidence. And the Saudi Pro League needs a real "trial." The 2026 World Cup could be that place.
Witnesses from the Saudi Pro League
If the 2026 World Cup were a trial, Ronaldo wouldn't be the only one defending himself. The list of players currently playing in the Saudi Pro League participating in the 2026 World Cup ranges from title contenders to teams capable of causing surprises. Portugal brings Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Ruben Neves. France has Theo Hernandez. England places its faith in Ivan Toney. Brazil calls up Roger Ibanez. Uruguay has Darwin Nunez. Senegal still relies on Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy. Algeria has Riyad Mahrez, and Morocco continues to trust goalkeeper Yassine Bono.
More notably, behind these decisions are a host of renowned coaches. Thomas Tuchel of England, Didier Deschamps of France, Carlo Ancelotti of Brazil, and Roberto Martinez of Portugal all do not see the Saudi Pro League as a barrier in their personnel selection.
Felix earned his place in the 2026 World Cup thanks to his outstanding form for Al Nassr, with 25 goals and 17 assists in all competitions.
PHOTO: REUTERS
That's a huge change compared to a few years ago. When Steven Bergwijn moved to Al Ittihad, manager Ronald Koeman had declared he was practically closing the door on the Dutch national team for the player. The prevailing view at the time was that Saudi Arabian football wasn't capable of maintaining the standards of a top national team player.
But things are different now. Coaches are more interested in playing time, physical condition, and actual form than the league a player is competing in. A regular starter in Saudi Arabia can be more valuable than a star who only sits on the bench in the Premier League or La Liga. This shift in mindset has helped the Saudi Pro League gradually break free from the shadow of prejudice.
However, full recognition has yet to come. To this day, many still view the Saudi Pro League as more of a wealthy league than a strong one. Huge investments may bring in stars, but they cannot instantly change the world's perception of football.
That's why the 2026 World Cup holds special significance for the Saudi Pro League. If Ronaldo continues to shine at 41, if Ivan Toney scores crucial goals for England, if Theo Hernandez contributes to France's deep run, those performances will be the most compelling evidence of the quality of the environment in which they compete every week.
At that point, the Saudi Pro League would no longer be seen as a "retirement home" for superstars. Instead, the league could be considered a truly attractive destination, capable of helping players maintain their level and compete on the world's biggest stage.
Three years ago, Ronaldo made a controversial statement. Three years later, he and a host of his colleagues playing in Saudi Arabia enter the World Cup with a special mission: to prove that the Saudi Pro League not only buys stars, but also has the ability to keep them at the highest level. And in this trial, the final verdict rests on what happens on the pitch.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/luat-su-ronaldo-truoc-phien-toa-world-cup-185260606093251483.htm
