Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has left football fans around the world guessing about the greatest football player of all time following his hilarious speech on January 19, 2024.
The Portuguese forward was speaking during the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony held in Saudi Arabia, in which he emerged with prestigious awards.
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Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United just over a year ago, was honored as the Best Goal scorer and Fans’ Favorite Player of the Year
Addressing fans after receiving the awards, Ronaldo downplayed the French Ligue 1, one of Europe’s top 5 leagues, ranking the Saudi Pro league over it.
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“They can say whatever they want, it’s just my opinion. But I think right now we are better than the French league, we still improve,” uttered Cristiano.
His sentiments left fans guessing as his main rival, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, once featured in the league playing for Paris St Germain (PSG).
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Ronaldo trashes French league
Cristiano maintained that the big-spending Saudi Pro League is already better and more competitive than France’s top division.
The Saudi game got a massive influx of cash after the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of the league’s four biggest clubs last year.
Since Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr, several other big names have joined him in Saudi Arabia, including Brazilian star Neymar former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
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“To be honest I think the Saudi Pro League is not worse than French league, in my opinion.
“In the French league I think you have two, three teams with a good level. In Saudi now I think it’s more competitive,” he said.
Additionally, the prolific forward went on to claim that the Saudi Pro League can become “one of the top three or four” leagues in the world.
“I believe they are going to be in the top three or four leagues in the world and, step by step, we are going to reach that,” Ronaldo said.
Impressive form
The 39-year-old has scored 20 goals in 18 SPL games this season, maintaining his electric form since his move to Saudi Arabia.
He has featured 44 times for the club, scoring 38 goals and providing 13 assists, which highly contributed to the honors earned during the ceremony.
Ronaldo also acknowledged his goalscoring record of the year 2023. He finished as the year’s top world’s top goal scorer for club and country with a staggering 54 strikes.
“I was the best goal scorer. Imagine beating that, the young lions like Erling Haaland, for example.
I’m proud. I’m 39 soon, and I’m still looking good,” he said.
Also Read: Top Football Moments That Made Headlines in 2023
Ronaldo was also asked on his opinion about Manchester City, as well as their ability to defend the UEFA Champions League.
Man city
He generously claimed that the team is a top club and that he was happy for them winning their first ever European title.
“The players, the coach. Amazing. I enjoy watching them play. They have a very good team and a very good coach, and system in which they play,” he said.
He further stated that the team has a potential to do retain the European title because they still have a good team, with some players in their prime.
Elsewhere, Madrid’s Jude Bellingham Erling Haaland, and 2023’s Women’s Balloon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati all picked up prizes.
Bellingham won the Powerhouse Emerging Player award, Haaland won the Best Men’s Player award while Bonmati was awarded as the Best Women’s Player.
Manchester City’s Ederson also won the award for Best Goalkeeper as Rodri clinched the award for Best Midfielder.
To complete a Manchester City treble award, Pep Guardiola won the award for Best Coach.
