Cristiano Ronaldo backs Vinicius Júnior for the Ballon d’Or, asserting that the Saudi Pro League surpasses Ligue 1 in quality. During his recent appearance at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, he made headlines with his bold statement about the competitive nature of the leagues.
After being honored as the best player in the Middle East, Ronaldo ignited debate by claiming, “Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see. France only has PSG. The rest are finished.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also expressed support for Ruben Amorim, the new manager of Manchester United, stating that “the storm will finish” following a challenging period for his fellow Portuguese coach in the Premier League.
Amorim took charge after Erik ten Hag’s departure but has faced difficulties, losing five out of ten matches. As the Premier League nears its halfway mark, Manchester United finds itself in 14th place, just eight points above the relegation zone.
Ronaldo remarked, “(Amorim) did a fantastic job in Portugal with my (club) Sporting. But the Premier League is a different beast, the most competitive league in the world.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “I knew that it would be tough and they will continue the storm. But the storm will finish and the sun will rise.”
Reflecting on his own departure from United in November 2022, Ronaldo pointed out that the issues at the club extend beyond coaching. He likened the situation to a sick fish in an aquarium, suggesting that simply changing the coach won’t resolve deeper problems.
In a nod to his former club Real Madrid, Ronaldo shared his belief that Vinicius Júnior deserved the Ballon d’Or over Spain’s Rodri. He stated, “Vinicius deserved the Ballon d’Or. It was unfair (to lose it). I say it in front of everyone.” The Brazilian forward was recognized as the best player in the world at the awards in Dubai, adding to his accolades after being named FIFA’s men’s player of the year earlier this month.
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