Former Chelsea and France striker Loic Remy has recently entered the conversation regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial comments about Ligue 1, asserting that the French top-flight “deserves more respect.” Remy, who boasts experience playing for Marseille and Lille, challenged Ronaldo’s assertion that the Saudi Pro League surpasses Ligue 1 in terms of quality.
In a statement to Plejmo.com (via GOAL), Remy emphasized the significant improvement in the quality of French football over the years. He stated, “I respect Cristiano Ronaldo as a man and for his career, but I think the French league deserves more respect. When I left France and returned four years later, I was amazed by the level of improvement. The technical and tactical quality has significantly increased, as evidenced by the success of French teams in the Champions League.”
While acknowledging the progress made by Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, Remy remained skeptical about the overall caliber of the league. He remarked, “I cannot speak in depth about Saudi football as I have not played there, but I believe that the top two or three teams might be competitive in France, not the rest of them.”
The debate was ignited by Cristiano Ronaldo’s contentious remarks at the Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024, where he asserted that the Saudi Pro League outshines Ligue 1. Ronaldo’s comments sparked backlash, particularly from figures associated with French football, who highlighted the growing prominence of Ligue 1 on the European stage.
Ronaldo’s criticism extended to Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in France, as he argued that the club’s financial prowess made them unbeatable by other teams in the league. Despite the backlash, Ronaldo remains committed to Saudi football and has reportedly extended his contract with Al-Nassr as he continues his quest to reach 1,000 career goals.
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be a prominent figure in the sport, despite no longer playing in Europe. His controversial remarks have reignited discussions about the perception of Ligue 1 and the evolution of French football. It remains to be seen how this debate will shape the narrative surrounding the competitiveness of different football leagues.
