In an interview with CNN, Neymar believes that the level of the Saudi championship is higher than Ligue 1, as Cristiano Ronaldo explained a few days ago. The Brazilian speaks with full knowledge of the facts.
The French championship has come under fire in recent days. During the Golden Soccer Awards ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo did not spare the level of Ligue 1, where only PSG is the locomotive according to him. “The others are finished. That's my opinion, I don't care what they say. France is only PSG, sorry,” said the Portuguese.
If the former Madrilenian has never played in France, this is not the case for Neymar. The Brazilian, who arrived at Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023, had a contrasting start to his adventure in Saudi Arabia, with only seven matches on the clock there, mainly due to a major knee injury. Not spared from problems when he played at PSG, the 32-year-old spent six years in Ligue 1 (82 goals in 112 Ligue 1 matches). However, he agrees with CR7's opinion on the level of the championship in France.
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Saudi Arabia, “a country that continues to develop”
“Today, I think so (the Saudi championship is above Ligue 1, editor's note). The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and, from what I see, it is better than that of the Ligue 1. Ligue 1 has its strengths. It’s a very tough championship. I played in this championship, so I know it well,” he said in an interview with CNN.
“Positively surprised” by Saudi Arabia, Neymar is nevertheless convinced that “the players of the Saudi Pro League are better” than those encountered in France. “The people, the country, the cities, the culture. I think it's a country that continues to develop. The country will also host the World Cup in 2034, which I think will be incredible,” he said. continued the Brazilian, who suffered an ischial injury at the end of 2024.
The Brazilian may praise the merits of Saudi Arabia, but he does not close the door to a departure for MLS and Miami, where he would reform the MSN with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. “They are my friends. We still talk to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio. I am happy in Al-Hilal, I am happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.”
