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Paulo Sergio praises Cristiano Ronaldo as the face of the Saudi Pro League, boosting its global recognition and attracting top talent.
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr (X)
Al Okhdood manager Paulo Sergio believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the face of the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese tactician recently waxed lyrical about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He claimed that Ronaldo helped the Saudi Arabian league get more recognition in world football. “Cristiano [Ronaldo] is a flag bearer for the championship,” he told Lusa, as per multiple outlets.
Paulo also opened up on how the all-time leading goalscorer remains a top-class footballer. “He drives all the marketing around this league, gives it a lot of visibility and continues to score amazing goals and brighten up every game he takes part in,” he added.
Paulo Sergio also felt several players in the Saudi Pro League had the talent and skills to compete in top European leagues. “At the time, it was already a championship with a lot of good players. Now, with permission to play with eight foreigners and with a very strong investment in football, it is a well-thought-out and structured project,” he said.
“Top-notch players are coming here, who would certainly be playing in the best championships in Europe,” the Portuguese tactician concluded.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still a force to be reckoned with as he continues to perform in an Al Nassr shirt and for Portugal. The multi-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to the Saudi Pro League in 2022 after falling out of favour at Manchester United.
He announced his move to Al Nassr immediately after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo’s joining the Knights of Najd led to the Saudi Arabian League instantly becoming more popular.
Following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps, several star footballers joined the Saudi Pro League in the last few years. Ronaldo’s Real Madrid ex-teammate Karim Benzema moved to the Middle East as the reigning Ballon d’Or in June 2023. Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez are other popular names who also moved to the Saudi Pro League after successful careers in Europe.
Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 in February this year, but the Real Madrid legend still hasn’t lost his touch. He continues to be a menace in front of the goal, racking up 32 goals and four assists in 36 appearances for Al Nassr this season. The Portuguese great continues to chase down the 1000-goal landmark before putting any thought into retirement. Ronaldo is now expected to sign an extension with Al Nassr as his current deal is set to expire in the summer.
