Neymar on the Saudi Pro League vs. Ligue 1: A Changing Landscape in Global Football
Neymar on the Saudi Pro League vs. Ligue 1: A changing landscape in global football dominance. Brazilian star Neymar recently shared his thoughts with CNN on the rising status of the Saudi Pro League, agreeing with Cristiano Ronaldo’s earlier statements about its growing prominence. Neymar, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in 2023 after a successful stint in Europe, highlighted the league’s rapid development and its potential to rival some of Europe’s top competitions, including Ligue 1, where he spent six years with Paris Saint-Germain.
“I agree with Cristiano. Today, I think the Saudi League is above Ligue 1,” Neymar said, pointing to the influx of talent into Saudi Arabia as a major factor behind its rise. “The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing; the players are also better.”
Neymar’s comments reflect a significant shift in global football dynamics. Traditionally, European leagues have dominated the conversation around high-level football, with competitions like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A setting the benchmark. Ligue 1, often seen as a stepping stone for emerging talent and a platform for global stars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, has long been considered among the top five European leagues.
However, the Saudi Pro League has disrupted this hierarchy by attracting a host of world-class players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, through ambitious projects backed by substantial financial investments.
Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal was one of the most high-profile transfers of recent years and a testament to the Saudi league’s allure. His remarks underscore the league’s progress, which has been driven not only by marquee signings but also by a commitment to improving infrastructure, coaching standards, and overall competitiveness.
However, Neymar also acknowledged the quality and unique strengths of Ligue 1. “But Ligue 1 has its strong points. It is a very high-level championship. I know it well,” he said, reflecting on his time with PSG, where he won multiple domestic titles and competed at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League.
Ligue 1’s reputation as a breeding ground for young talent, combined with its physically demanding style of play, makes it a valuable part of European football. Players like Mbappé, Victor Osimhen, and Bernardo Silva all honed their skills in Ligue 1 before achieving global acclaim.
The comparison between the Saudi Pro League and Ligue 1 also highlights the evolving nature of football’s global appeal. For decades, Europe has been the epicentre of elite football, but the rise of leagues in the Middle East and other regions is challenging that dominance. Financial incentives, coupled with efforts to grow the game locally and internationally, are attracting established stars and creating new opportunities for competition.
While Neymar’s perspective may ignite debate, it also serves as a reminder that football is constantly evolving. The Saudi Pro League’s rise doesn’t diminish Ligue 1’s significance but rather emphasizes how diverse the footballing landscape has become. Both leagues, with their unique characteristics, contribute to the richness of the sport and its universal appeal.
As Neymar and other global icons continue to bridge different footballing cultures, the lines between “top leagues” and “emerging leagues” are blurring, creating an exciting new chapter in the world of football.