Football in Saudi Arabia continues to gain more prominence. The influx of football elites in the Saudi Pro League is gradually recreating the duel, rivalry, and competitiveness many love in European soccer.
The Saudi Pro League has registered the signing of some of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. Cristiano Ronaldo set the pace, and other prominent players like Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kanke, and now Neymar Jr have followed suit.
Neymar praises Cristiano Rolando for the growth of the Saudi Pro League
In the wake of Neymar’s staggering $100M transfer to Al Hilal, Neymar highlights Ronaldo’s enduring influence across leagues and clubs. The narrative unfolds at the crossroads of legacy, as Ronaldo and Neymar’s recognition intertwine in the Saudi Pro League once again, underscoring the profound impact of these players on the global football stage.
The El Clasico was the biggest rivalry in Spain mostly owing to players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Messi. With phenomenal players on each side of the line, they produced some of the most memorable soccer rivalry moments in history.
Upon Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia, he was accused by many of going there for the money, but since then, other great players joined him.
Neymar, in admiration of Ronaldo’s influence in the Saudi Pro League, had a lot to say; “I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this, and everybody called him crazy, and this and that,” Neymar said. “Today, you see the league grow more and more.”
He further spoke of the competitiveness that has been injected into the League through these great signings; “The league will be very competitive, especially after the signings made in the summer transfer window. Competitiveness is important. That’s why I am joining this league. Challenges drive me. I am there to help the league grow.”
Neymar gave credit to Cristiano Ronaldo for the massive growth in the Saudi Pro League 🐐
(via @Alhilal_FC) pic.twitter.com/kLS6lC3RBv
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 16, 2023
Neymar Jr’s achievements while playing in Europe
Neymar Jr. may not have a Ballon d’Or or a Golden Boot Award to show for it, but he is still considered one of the best footballers the world has ever seen. His level of talent was initially taking him places where he could easily compete with Ronaldo and Messi, but since then he’s had too many injuries.
According to Transfermarkt, Neymar is a one-time Footballer of the Year award winner. He’s a four-time top goal scorer, scoring ten goals in the 2014/2015 Champions League season, seven goals in the 2014/2015 Copa Del Rey season, eight goals in the 2011/2012 Copa Libertadores season, and 11 goals in the 2009/2010 Copa do Brasil season.
Neymar is also one of the few players that have won the FIFA Puskas Awards, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. He won all of these titles with FC Barcelona. But his record in France is also outstanding. His achievement in France is highlighted by the Ligue 1 title, which he’s won five times, the French Cup, and the French League Cup both of which he secured three times.
What do you think about Neymar’s move to Saudi Arabia? Let us know below!
