The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a hotspot in soccer, drawing global attention as big-name players arrive in the Middle East. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo pioneered this mass exodus, significantly elevating the league’s profile.
Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president who had initially criticized the former Real Madrid star and other prominent figures for pursuing a move to Saudi Arabia, has now reversed his viewpoint on the matter.
Barcelona President reveals support for Al Nassr
In January of this year, Cristiano Ronaldo made a significant move to the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr from Manchester United, marking a pivotal moment following the transfers of other EPL stars such as Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino, and N’Golo Kante.
Most prominently, Brazilian star Neymar Jr. and the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, also made notable moves.
Joan Laporta returned for his second stint as Barcelona president after winning the election in 2021. His previous tenure from 2003 to 2010 is regarded as the most successful presidency in the club’s history in terms of titles won per year.
Laporta, eminent for grabbing headlines with statements revolving around the interests of the Catalan giants, took a surprising turn in a recent development. The lifelong Blaugrana fan and president admitted his support for the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr, stating, “In the Saudi League, I follow Al-Nassr.”
It came as a surprise since Ronaldo had represented their biggest arch-rival Real Madrid during his time in Spain and certainly posed formidable challenges to the Catalan club through his exceptional performances in Los Blancos attire.
The 61-year-old is consistently making efforts to steer the club through its financial debts and burdens while also eyeing the next presidential election to retain his spot, despite failing to fulfill one of the prime promises — Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona.
Famous Saudi analyst asserts Al Nassr’s strength over Barcelona
The title defense of the Spanish champions FC Barcelona appeared promising despite a lone El Clásico defeat domestically against Real Madrid, who extended their lead significantly with a five-point difference, placing Barça in the third position. Nevertheless, they have only suffered two losses in all competitions this term.
However, according to the renowned Saudi journalist-analyst Hamad Al Dubaikhi, bold assertions have been made, claiming that Al-Nassr, while including the Catalan side in the comparison, asserted, “Al-Nassr is stronger than FC Barcelona.”
The above claim emerged following Al-Nassr’s impressive unbeaten 18-match streak. Their captain, Ronaldo, continues to shine with a goal-scoring spree, contributing 29 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions while leading his side from the front.
