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In a clever unveiling video, the 23-year-old playmaker can be seen receiving a text message from ‘Lionel’ [Messi] that reads – “Don’t listen to Cristiano, Ligue 1 is incredible.”
Cristiano Ronaldo (AFP Photo)
Ligue 1 outfit Lyon aimed a playful dig at Cristiano Ronaldo when announcing Thiago Almada’s signing. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently made headlines during the Globe Soccer Awards 2024.
At the gala, Ronaldo made claims that the Saudi Pro League was ‘better’ than Ligue 1. Lyon reacted to those comments when announcing Almada’s signing in the January transfer window.
In a clever unveiling video, the 23-year-old playmaker can be seen receiving a text message from ‘Lionel’ [Messi] that reads – “Don’t listen to Cristiano, Ligue 1 is incredible.”
Lyon shared the video on X and wrote, “Welcome Thiago Almada.”
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared during the 15th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards and spoke his mind on several topics. His most outrageous claim came when he started discussing the quality of the Saudi Pro League while drawing comparisons with France’s top-flight Ligue 1.
“The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I’m not saying that because I play here. I don’t care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees,” Ronaldo said, as per multiple sources.
Speaking further, Cristiano Ronaldo asked other football stars to join the Saudi Pro League and notice the difference themselves. He even remarked that the French top flight was mostly dominated by one team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
“Come and you will see. If you don’t believe me, come. In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players,” the all-time leading goalscorer added.
Lyon seemingly offered a nod to those comments in the unveiling video of Thiago Almada. The 23-year-old midfielder has joined the French side on loan from Brazilian Serie A team Botafogo. Almada’s deal binds him to Lyon till June 30 this year.
The young Argentina star won the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside Lionel Messi in Qatar. He led La Albiceleste during the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring two goals across six appearances. He also found great success in a Botafogo shirt, netting the ball nine times while providing three assists in 43 caps. His spoils helped the Brazilian side win the Copa Libertadores and the league title.
With the addition of Thiago Almada, Lyon will aim to climb up from their current position (sixth) in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season. They are next set to face Toulouse on Sunday, January 19, at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
