Cristiano Ronaldo, the football icon who has etched his name in the annals of the sport, continues to defy age and critics alike, declaring himself ‘the best goalscorer’ after clinching the top scorer title at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards. This accolade, bestowed upon him for his prolific goal-scoring spree with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has sparked both admiration and skepticism.
In a resplendent ceremony, Ronaldo celebrated his remarkable achievement, emphasizing the undeniable prowess he still possesses even as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career. His goal tally of 54 in 59 games for Al-Nassr surpassed the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland, who notched up 52, 52, and 50 goals, respectively, in Europe’s premier leagues.
While critics might argue that Ronaldo’s triumph comes in a less competitive league, the football maestro remains unfazed. At the awards ceremony, Ronaldo expressed his pride, stating, “Imagine beating young animals like Haaland… I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon! I like when people doubt me again and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.”
Ronaldo’s assertion doesn’t stop at personal achievements; he boldly ventured into the comparison of the Saudi Pro League with France’s Ligue 1. Dismissing any notion that the Saudi league is inferior, he declared, “To be honest, I think the Saudi league is not worse than the French league, in my opinion. In the French league, I think you have two or three teams who are a good level. In Saudi, I think it is more competitive.”
While this declaration might raise eyebrows, it’s a testament to Ronaldo’s confidence in the strength of the Saudi Pro League. He is quick to dismiss detractors, asserting that his one-year experience in Saudi soccer provides him with the firsthand knowledge to back his claim. In Ronaldo’s eyes, the Saudi league stands toe-to-toe, if not above, some of Europe’s reputed football domains.
The Portuguese star’s move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia was initially met with surprise and skepticism, with critics dismissing it as a move to a less competitive environment. However, Ronaldo’s stellar performance and unyielding self-belief challenge preconceived notions about the caliber of football in the Saudi Pro League.
Whether one agrees or disagrees, Ronaldo’s impact on and off the field remains undeniable, leaving football enthusiasts eager to witness the next chapter in the extraordinary journey of CR7.
