Former French player hits back at Ronaldo’s Ligue 1 criticism

Former France international Adil Rami has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo after the Al-Nassr star claimed the Saudi Pro League was better than Ligue 1.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player made the comments after being named the Middle East Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.

The 39-year-old has made an impressive start to the season, with ten goals and two assists in 12 games. Al-Nassr are currently fourth in the league.

Ronaldo said: “The Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course.

“France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try sprinting in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and you’ll see.”

Former Lille and Marseille defender Rami, speaking on Twitch live, responded to Ronaldo’s claim: “He’s talking bullshit. You want me to show you pictures of defenders in Saudi Arabia. It’s not because he’s had a career crazy that as soon as she says something it’s the truth.

Adil Rami beat Cristiano Ronaldo:

“We love CR7 as much as we love him, but it’s not because he’s had a crazy career that as soon as he says something it’s the truth!

Guys in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, they’re in awe, they’re hitting it off… pic.twitter.com/7jrghFOePM

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) December 30, 2024

“I think it’s a PR stunt. We have defenders, they’re machines. You put him in Ligue 1 and he eats him up.

“Cristiano Ronaldo, you know, I’m a fan. I’m team Cristiano Ronaldo but he was wrong. When he says that the Saudi championship is better than the French one, he brings a lot of people with him”.

Along with the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1, the French top flight is considered one of Europe’s top five divisions.

However, only one French side, Marseille in 1993, has ever won the Champions League or the European Cup.

In comparison, Spanish clubs have lifted the trophy 20 times, followed by English clubs on 15. Italian teams have won the competition 12 times, while the Germans have won eight.

France is seventh on the list, behind the Netherlands with six wins and Portugal with four.