Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League rise

James Shearman

• Updated: 17 Aug 2023 08:14 BST
• 3 min read

Neymar has credited Cristiano Ronaldo for the influx of players leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia.

"I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this," Neymar said in an interview with his new club, Al-Hilal.

"Everybody called him 'crazy' and this and that. Today you see the league grow more and more."

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Indeed, Ronaldo left Manchester United for Al-Nassr in January when there were few star players in the league.

Now, the competition is full of top talent as players look to take the incredible money on offer to them.

The likes of Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane have all signed for Saudi clubs this summer.

While Neymar will line up alongside Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the blue of Al-Hilal this season.

Neymar on Al-Hilal move

Despite signing a contract of around £138m per season, Neymar claims to have joined Al-Hilal to 'write new sporting history'.

"I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places," Neymar said.

"I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment.

"I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.

"Al Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club.

"I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al Hilal."