‘Saudi Pro League Not Among Top Five In the World’- Riyad Mahrez

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has openly disagreed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s bold claim that the Saudi Pro League is better than France’s Ligue 1 and belongs among the world’s top five football leagues.

Mahrez, who joined Saudi side Al-Ahli from Manchester City in 2023, has spent two seasons in the Middle Eastern league. While he acknowledged that the league is improving, he was firm in his belief that it hasn’t yet reached the level of Europe’s elite competitions.

“No. I think the five big European leagues are ahead, and then we can start to compete with the other leagues,” Mahrez said.

His response came after Ronaldo made headlines by saying:

“The Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, or 40-degree weather and see.”

Mahrez, however, took a more measured view.

“We’re not too far off, I think. But the goal isn’t to be the best league in the world right now. We’re looking at the long term.”

The former Premier League winner described the Saudi Pro League as a work in progress, stressing that the league is gradually improving thanks to investment and growing international attention.

“Those like me who have arrived are here at the beginning of this adventure. We’re a bit like pioneers,” he said.
“Over my two seasons, I’ve felt progress — in the teams, the coaches, the tactics, and the organisation. They’re putting in the effort, and I think they’ll get there.”

Mahrez’s comments reflect a more realistic assessment of the Saudi league’s development — ambitious, but not yet on par with Europe’s top five: the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.