Cristiano Ronaldo backs Vinicius Jr. for Ballon d’Or, says Saudi Professional League is best than Ligue 1

By Editorial Team Last updated Dec 28, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo coated a variety of floor throughout his transient, on-stage look on the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.

Ronaldo spoke after being named the perfect participant within the Center East, and instantly sparked controversy by saying that the Saudi Professional League, the place he at the moment performs with Al-Nassr, is best than France’s prime league, Ligue 1.

“Saudi League is best than Ligue 1, in fact,” Ronaldo stated. “Attempt to dash in 38, 39, 40 diploma climate and see. France solely has PSG. The remainder are completed.”

The previous Manchester United star, and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, additionally backed his former membership’s new coach, Ruben Amorim, on Friday, saying “the storm will end” after his Portuguese countryman’s tough begin to life within the Premier League.

Amorim — who was employed after Erik ten Hag was fired — has misplaced 5 of his first 10 video games at United in all competitions. Approaching the Premier League’s midway level, the group is 14th and eight factors above the relegation zone.

“(Amorim) did a incredible job in Portugal with my (membership) Sporting,” the 39-year-old Ronaldo stated. “However the Premier League is a special beast, essentially the most aggressive league on the earth.”

“I knew that it will be robust and they’re going to proceed the storm. However the storm will end and the solar will rise,” he added.

Ronaldo’s second spell at United resulted in November 2022, with disagreements between him and Ten Hag.

“I say this one yr and half in the past and I’ll proceed to say, the issue isn’t the coaches,” Ronaldo added. “It is just like the aquarium and you’ve got the fish inside and it is sick, and you’re taking him out and repair the issue. In the event you put it again within the aquarium it will likely be sick once more.”

Actual Madrid’s all-time prime scorer Ronaldo additionally stated Vinicius Júnior had deserved to win the distinguished Ballon d’Or award quite than Spain midfielder Rodri. The Brazilian received the perfect participant on the earth award on Friday in Dubai. Earlier this month, Vinicius was additionally named males’s participant of the yr at FIFA’s “The Greatest” awards.

“Vinicius deserved the Ballon d’Or,” Ronaldo stated. “It was unfair (to lose it). I say it in entrance of everybody.”

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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