'I Don’t Agree with Cristiano Ronaldo’ – Mahrez responds to Saudi Pro League comparison
Former Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez doesn’t agree with Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that the Saudi Pro League is better than France’s Ligue 1. Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo compared the two leagues, stating that the Saudi Pro League was superior to the French League.
"Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished." Ronaldo said.
"It is difficult to become a champion in Saudi.” Ronado added.
In an interaction with L'Equipe, Riyad Mahrez acknowledged the growth of Saudi Pro League but didn’t agree with Ronaldo's claim that it is better than Europe’s top football leagues, such as Ligue 1.
“I don’t agree with Cristiano Ronaldo that the Saudi league's currently in the top five worldwide. Those leagues are still ahead. But we’re not far behind. Our goal isn’t to get there overnight .. It's a long term vision" Mahrez said.
Riyad Mahrez is among the first major stars to join the Saudi Pro League and help kickstart its rapid growth. He officially joined the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023, completing a move from Manchester City to Al‑Ahli Saudi FC in a deal valued at around £30 million.
"Those like me who have arrived are here at the beginning of this adventure, we're a bit like pioneers. We're helping them make this league stronger. And frankly, over my two seasons, I've felt progress in the teams, the coaches, the tactics and the organisation. They're trying to get there, and I think they'll get there. They're putting in the effort and they really want it. "
Lionel Messi goes past Cristiano Ronaldo for non-penalty goals
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in non-penalty goals after he scored a brace against NY Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer on Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo has 763 non-penalty strikes to his name. Messi broke his record after scoring his 764th strike in 167 fewer games. Messi leveled Ronaldo’s tally of goals after netting one in the 60th minute of the game and went past the latter with his second goal of the match in the 75th minute.
