Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what makes the Saudi Pro League so attractive

Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared his thoughts on why many players are choosing to leave European football for the Saudi Pro League, shedding light on the growing appeal of the Gulf region’s top football division.

Ronaldo, who made headlines in January 2023 with his move to Al-Nassr, signed a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth $200 million annually after his departure from Manchester United. This move shocked the football world and signaled the beginning of a wave of high-profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

In a recent interview with his former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo discussed his impact on the league and the reasons behind the influx of top-tier players to Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese forward, now 39, believes that his decision to join Al-Nassr played a significant role in attracting other big names to the SPL.

“I knew the players would follow me; I knew it,” Ronaldo told Ferdinand during the first part of a two-part interview on his newly launched YouTube channel. “Not only in terms of the financial, which is obviously the main point, you can say, but as well the culture of football.”

Ronaldo acknowledged that the financial benefits, including high wages and favorable tax conditions in Saudi Arabia, are major factors that entice players to the league. However, he also highlighted the positive aspects of the football culture in the region, which he had learned about from friends and Portuguese coaches who had experience in Saudi football.

“I knew the culture of Saudi football was nice because I have friends who played there before; coaches, Portuguese coaches were there, of course,” Ronaldo explained. “Did I expect that the big stars would move there so quickly? No. But I expected that the football would change because of me.”

Since Ronaldo’s arrival, the Saudi Pro League has seen a surge in popularity, with other top stars like Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho joining the league. The SPL continues to attract international attention, with recent signings like Joao Cancelo from Manchester City and ongoing negotiations with players like Victor Osimhen further boosting its profile.

Ronaldo’s influence on the Saudi Pro League is undeniable, as his presence has not only brought global attention to the league but has also paved the way for more high-profile players to consider the Gulf as a viable destination for the next chapter of their careers.