The interview with Cristiano Ronaldo on Edu Aguirre’s program aired on Spanish station La Sexta this Monday, giving the legendary Portuguese forward a platform to share his thoughts on the level of competition in the Saudi Pro League compared to Major League Soccer (MLS). In a manner similar to his past remarks on Ligue 1, the almost 40-year-old striker turned his attention to the league where Lionel Messi now plays.

Ronaldo surprised by Saudi league’s growth

When asked about the growth and quality of the league he currently competes in, Ronaldo responded: “I didn’t think it would grow so fast, but I knew the league was going to be top-tier, as it is now.” His comments came on the same day that Al-Nassr cruised to a 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25, with Ronaldo scoring twice.

The conversation then turned to public perception, with Aguirre bringing up how some fans view the Saudi league. Ronaldo was direct in his response.

“People don’t know. People talk too much and give opinions without knowing. That’s normal. Sometimes I feel bad because the reality is completely different when people talk about Saudi Arabia and when they talk about the United States, for example.”

Aguirre then asked whether MLS is weaker than the Saudi Pro League, to which Ronaldo emphatically replied: “Of course, of course. But because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it a bit more. But I also know that the people who talk don’t know what they’re saying. Only those who play here, only those who are in the league, know. You have to give it the credit it deserves.”