Joao Cancelo provides response when asked if SPL is among top 5 leagues in the world following Cristiano Ronaldo claim

Al-Hilal full-back Joao Cancelo has admitted that the Saudi Pro League's quality is improving, but didn't agree with Cristiano Ronaldo's claim that it ranks among the world's top five leagues. Cancelo's comments arrived during a pre-match press conference ahead of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Ireland, which is set to take place on November 13.

The quality of the Saudi Pro League has continued to evolve ever since Cristiano Ronaldo made the bold decision to join Al-Nassr in January 2023. Many superstars from top European leagues have opted to follow his path since then, including the likes of Cancelo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Kingsley Coman.

While Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have triumphed in the league over the past three seasons, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadisiyah have also competed, making the product more competitive and appealing to fans. During an interview with Al-Nassr's official website in June, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the SPL was top five in the world (via GOAL):

“Of course, we [the Saudi Pro League] are still improving but I believe that in this moment that we are in top five [leagues in the world] already. I still believe that we will continue to improve, and we have time and we have shown in the last two years that the league is going up all the time."

He added:

“I am happy because I know that the league is very competitive. Only the people who have never played in Saudi, they don't understand nothing about football say this league is not top five [in the world]. I believe 100% in my words, and the people that play in this league they know what I am talking about.”

However, Cancelo was recently asked if he agreed with Ronaldo's claim, to which he replied (via @TheNassrZone):

“It’s a good sign that the quality is constantly improving; it has improved a lot compared to last year. I think that’s the country’s goal, to raise the level of the league. Among the top five leagues? I haven’t played in the French league yet, but the Premier League is still the best. The Italian league is returning to its former glory; I also played in the German league, which is a very high-level league. I can’t say for sure, but the level in Saudi Arabia is much better now.”

During a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo also declared that the Saudi Pro League was superior to both Ligue 1 and the Portuguese First Division. However, the aforementioned leagues are ranked fifth and ninth, respectively, according to the Opta Power Rankings. The SPL is currently ranked 29th in the world.

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Cristiano Ronaldo reacts on social media following Al-Nassr's 3-1 win over Neom SC

Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted on X after scoring during their 3-1 win over Neom. The two sides faced each other in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, November 8.

Following a slow first half, Angelo Gabriel broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a clinical strike. Neom's Luciano Rodriguez was then sent off minutes later for violent conduct, enabling Al-Nassr to take full advantage.

Ronaldo dispatched his penalty in the 65th minute, while Joao Felix scored in the 86th minute to get on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdu was on target for the hosts (84').

Following the game, Cristiano Ronaldo posted:

"Working on our dream!"

Al-Nassr remain at the top of the SPL table with 24 points from eight games and will next face Al-Khaleej on November 23.

Edited by Silas Sud