At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, maintaining an impressive tally of nine goals in ten appearances in all competitions this season.
Yet despite his continued success, the Portuguese star insists on finding the net in Spain The League it was easier than in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo made the observation during a recent interview with Pier Morganwhich was later shared by the football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
“For me it is easier to score goals in Spain, in La Liga, than in Saudi Arabia” Ronaldo said.
Comparison between La Liga and the Saudi Pro League
Ronaldo’s comments reignited debate over the comparative standard of football between Europe’s top leagues and the rapidly developing Saudi Pro League.
During his nine-year stint at real Madrid (2009 – 2018), Ronaldo scored a record 450 goals in 438 appearances, winning four Champions League titles, two The League championships and four Golden Ball awards. That period is widely regarded as the pinnacle of his career.
Now in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to perform efficiently but faces different circumstances: a more physical league, hotter conditions and teams still building tactical cohesion. “I played everywhere” Ronaldo explained. If I was at a top club in the Premier League, I could still keep my goalscoring high.”
He also reiterated his belief that the Saudi Pro League deserves greater global recognition: “People should not ignore Saudi football. Look at how many top players play here. Ask them if it is competitive, don’t ask me; the answer is clear.”
Ronaldo explains why he didn’t attend Diogo Jota’s funeral
Ronaldo also addressed public criticism over his absence at the funeral of Diogo Jotatragically passed away in a car accident in July 2025. Despite their shared history as teammates in Portugal national team, Ronaldo chose not to attend the ceremony.
In his statement, he explained that the decision was born out of respect for privacy and sensitivity:
“People have criticized me a lot, but I don’t care. When you have a clear conscience, there is nothing to worry about. Everyone knows my reputation: wherever I go, it becomes a circus. If I had gone to Jota’s funeral, all the attention would have shifted to me, and I didn’t want that. I made my plans in private, thinking of his family. I don’t need the public to see what I do. I did everything behind the scenes.”
Ronaldo admitted that Jota’s death affected him deeply:
“I cried a lot when I heard the news. I couldn’t believe it. It was a very, very difficult moment for the country, for his family, his friends, his teammates… really devastating. We still feel his presence in the national team because Jota was a part of us.”
Ronaldo remains focused on achieving success Al Nassrbut speculation continues about a possible return to Europe before retirement. If that were to happen, he might have a chance to validate his own claim about where scoring really does get easier.
Regardless of comparisons, Ronaldo’s continued productivity at 40 reaffirms his place among football’s greatest scorers, a legacy that transcends leagues and eras.
Sources: 24 hours
