According to reports by Daily Post on May 1, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his move to the Saudi Pro League played a major role in attracting global stars to the competition.
The Al-Nassr captain made the statement during a recent conversation with Rio Ferdinand, insisting that his arrival in Saudi Arabia set the stage for other high-profile players to follow. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 in a move that initially surprised many across the football world, with some questioning his decision to leave European football at that stage of his career.
However, the Portuguese forward believes his transfer has since been justified, pointing to the influx of elite talent into the league. Since his arrival, several big names have made the switch, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney, all of whom have boosted the league’s profile globally.
Reflecting on this transformation, Ronaldo confidently stated that he was the driving force behind the shift. He suggested that his presence helped elevate the league’s visibility and credibility, encouraging other stars to consider the Middle East as a viable destination.
“I will speak at the end of the season about many real matters,” Ronaldo said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. “I was the first to come to this league, and the rest came because of me.”
Beyond his remarks on the league’s growth, Ronaldo also called for more respect towards referees, emphasizing the human side of officiating. He noted that while mistakes are inevitable, players and fans should show greater understanding.
“They must respect the referees,” he added. “Even if they make mistakes, they are human, and they make errors.”
Ronaldo’s comments come shortly after Al-Nassr recorded a 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli, a result that strengthens their position in the league standings. Even at 41, the forward continues to play a key role for his team, not only through his performances on the pitch but also as a global ambassador helping to reshape the perception of football in Saudi Arabia.
