Mahrez-Ronaldo
Riyad Mahrez has rebuffed claims by Cristiano Ronaldo that the Saudi Pro League is among the 'top five' divisions in world football.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Al-Ahli star was speaking to French outlet L'Equipe. Perhaps still smarting from Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo's comments claiming "the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1" and "in France, they only have PSG", the paper asked Mahrez for his thoughts on the Portuguese's assertions.
Al Ahli SFC v Al Fayha - Saudi Pro League
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The ex-Manchester City and Leicester winger was far more diplomatic, saying the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and La Liga are still the best five competitions in world football, but did express his belief that the SPL is on the rise. He also described Ronaldo and his fellow stars who made the switch during the league's recruitment drive in 2023 as "pioneers".
WHAT MAHREZ SAID
Mahrez told L'Equipe when asked if he agreed with Ronaldo's 'top five' claim: "No. I think the five big European leagues are ahead, and then we can start to compete with the other leagues.
"We're not too far off, I think. After that, the goal isn't to be the best league in the world right now. We're looking at the long term.
"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. "
Al Nassr v Al Ittihad - Saudi Pro League
WHAT NEXT?
Both Mahrez and Ronaldo will contiinue to drive the standard of the SPL for their respective clubs in the 2025-26 season. Despite recent speculation that he could be on the move, Ronaldo will remain at Al-Nassr on a £178m-a-year deal.
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