“The guys in Saudi Arabia are overweight” - French World Cup-winning star fires shots at Cristiano Ronaldo over Ligue 1 comments
Former France international Adil Rami has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about the Saudi Pro League being superior to Ligue 1. Rami was a part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad.
On Friday, Cristiano Ronaldo made some controversial comments about the Saudi Pro League being better than the French Ligue 1. The Portuguese legend was also honored with the Best Middle Eastern Player award at the gala. Ronaldo said (via GOAL):
"The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. Players should come here, and they will see quickly.
"Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees. In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players."
In an interview via French website ActuFoot, French defender Adil Rami hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about Ligue 1. Rami said (via GOAL):
"CR7, we may love him, but that doesn't mean because he had a fantastic career, as soon as he says something, it's the truth! The guys in Saudi Arabia are overweight. They eat McDonald's every day! Come to France overweight, and see how long you last! You don't realise the level of Ligue 1."
Adil Rami has played for multiple French clubs, including Lille (2006-2011) and Marseille (2017-2019). He also represented the France national team between 2010 and 2018. Rami has faced Ronaldo eight times, all of which came in La Liga when the legendary forward was at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo won four games and lost and drew twicr each against Rami who represented Valencia and Sevilla.
"It was unfair" - When Cristiano Ronaldo claimed Vinicius Jr. deserved the Ballon d'Or over Rodri
During his speech at the Globe Soccer Awards, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. deserved the 2024 Ballon d'Or over Rodri. He said (via ESPN):
"In my opinion, he (Vinícius) deserved to win the golden ball (Ballon d'Or awar)]. It was unfair, in my opinion. I say here in front of everybody. They gave it to Rodri.
"He deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinícius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final. You know these galas; they always do the same thing."
Vinicius Jr. was one of the best performers in the 2023-24 season as he helped Los Blancos win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana. The Brazilian came second in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo (five) is the second-most successful Ballon d'Or winner. He first won the coveted award in 2008 when he was at Manchester United before winning four more at Real Madrid. Only Lionel Messi (eight) has won the coveted award more times.