Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent statement that the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than the French Ligue 1 has sparked heated discussions in the football world. During the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo declared: “The Saudi league is not inferior to Ligue 1. The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1.” We understand the point of view of CR7, who wants to promote its new championship, but this assertion does not go unnoticed and arouses many skepticisms.
Let’s be realistic: Ligue 1 has a history, talent, and an atmosphere that the Saudi Pro League has not yet managed to match. As commentator Fusaro pointed out, “Obviously he defends the league he plays for, but why attack the French championship? » It’s a bit like criticizing a cult Hollywood film because it’s a new independent production. Not very elegant.
Why the Saudi Pro League is lagging behind Ligue 1
One of the main problems of the Saudi Pro League? Fan engagement is simply non-existent. Some matches do not even bring together 1,000 spectators. In comparison, the Marseille Vélodrome, with its 50,000 fans singing, screaming and vibrating, offers an electrifying atmosphere. Whittingham sums up the situation well: “At the Velodrome, 50,000 fans—and you’re saying this league is over? What are you talking about? Some teams in the Saudi Pro League cannot even attract more than 1,000 spectators. »
Then there is the competitive gap. The Saudi Pro League resembles a school cafeteria where the “Big Four” clubs take everything while the others make do with the leftovers. In contrast, Ligue 1 is much more unpredictable—any team can surprise at any time. Whittingham doesn’t take it lightly: “They don’t have the level to compete with those in Ligue 1 or even with the 10-15 best European leagues. »
Let’s also talk about sustainability. The Saudi Pro League’s strategy of recruiting aging stars looks like a flash in the pan. Sure, it’s spectacular, but where are the investments in youth and grassroots talent development? European leagues like Ligue 1 have a strong network to nurture new talent. And regarding theinternational attractiveness? The Saudi Pro League doesn’t really make a splash. Major broadcasters are reluctant to pay attention, and fans outside Saudi Arabia generally remain glued to their screens to follow European leagues. The heritage, the power of the stars and the quality of the game in Ligue 1 still place it clearly ahead.
The Path to Travel
It is true that the Saudi Pro League is booming, but it still has a lot to prove to compete with the big leagues. Right now, it’s like comparing a newbie to a seasoned MVP. As time goes on, perhaps she will be able to catch up. But in the meantime, Ligue 1 continues to shine with its style.
Taking a step back, it’s clear that football is evolving on a global scale, with leagues like the Saudi Pro League investing heavily in an attempt to compete with European giants. However, money alone is not enough to build a legacy. Ligue 1’s advantage lies in its deep-rooted culture, loyal fan base, and systematic approach to talent development—qualities that cannot be bought overnight. If the Saudi Pro League truly wants to compete with the best, it must work to create a global football ecosystem that prioritizes development, competitiveness and fan experience. Until then, Ligue 1 remains the benchmark, proving that tradition and consistency remain essential in this beautiful game.
It is interesting to wonder how the Saudi Pro League will be able to fill these gaps to attract future talent while maintaining a certain level of competitiveness. The pursuit of a long-term vision will be decisive for its future development, and football, as a whole, could benefit from increased diversity thanks to the emergence of new champions. What will be the next challenges for these developing leagues?
Our editors use AI to help them deliver fresh items from trusted sources to our users. If you find any image or content that is inappropriate, please contact us via DMCA form and we will promptly remove it. / Our editors use AI to help them offer our readers fresh articles from reliable sources. If you find an image or content inappropriate, please contact us via the DMCA form and we’ll remove it promptly.
