Cristiano Ronaldo backs Vinicius Jr. for Ballon d’Or, says Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1

Last updated: 2024/12/27 at 8:54 PM

BigP Published December 27, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo covered a lot of ground during his brief, on-stage appearance at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.

Ronaldo spoke after being named the best player in the Middle East, and immediately sparked controversy by saying that the Saudi Pro League, where he currently plays with Al-Nassr, is better than France’s top league, Ligue 1.

“Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course,” Ronaldo said. “Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see. France only has PSG. The rest are finished.”

The former Manchester Unitedstar, and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, also backed his former club’s new coach, Ruben Amorim, on Friday, saying “the storm will finish” after his Portuguese countryman’s difficult start to life in the Premier League.

Amorim — who was hired after Erik ten Hag was fired — has lost five of his first 10 games at United in all competitions. Approaching the Premier League’s halfway point, the team is 14th and eight points above the relegation zone.

“(Amorim) did a fantastic job in Portugal with my (club) Sporting,” the 39-year-old Ronaldo said. “But the Premier League is a different beast, the most competitive league in the world.”

“I knew that it would be tough and they will continue the storm. But the storm will finish and the sun will rise,” he added.

Ronaldo’s second spell at United ended in November 2022, with disagreements between him and Ten Hag.

“I say this one year and half ago and I will continue to say, the problem is not the coaches,” Ronaldo added. “It’s like the aquarium and you have the fish inside and it’s sick, and you take him out and fix the problem. If you put it back in the aquarium it will be sick again.”

Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer Ronaldo also said Vinicius Júnior had deserved to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award rather than Spain midfielder Rodri. The Brazilian won the best player in the world award on Friday in Dubai. Earlier this month, Vinicius was also named men’s player of the year at FIFA’s “The Best” awards.

“Vinicius deserved the Ballon d’Or,” Ronaldo said. “It was unfair (to lose it). I say it in front of everyone.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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