In a recent interview on the Obi One Podcast, former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard challenged Cristiano Ronaldo’s assertion that the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than France’s Ligue 1.
Ronaldo made the controversial statement during the Globe Soccer Awards, sparking debate about the relative strengths of the two leagues. Hazard, who thrived in Ligue 1 during his successful stint with Lille (2007-2012), offered a contrasting perspective.
“I don’t agree with him,” Hazard declared. The 33-year-old Belgian, who played a key role in Lille’s Ligue 1 title triumph in 2011, expressed confidence in the French league’s quality. “I’m sure if a Ligue 1 team played against a Saudi Arabian team, they would win. Maybe not easily, like people might think, but the level in France is good.”
This disagreement highlights the subjective nature of judging league quality and the potential influence of personal experience. While Ronaldo’s claim raises the profile of the Saudi Pro League, Hazard’s response, with its grounding in on-field experience, adds another layer to the ongoing discussion.