Saudi Pro League Competitive with Ligue 1, Claims Ex-Lyon Player

The recent influx of high-profile players into the Saudi Pro League has sparked debates about its competitiveness compared to top European leagues. Former Olympique Lyonnais defender Jason Denayer, who now has experience playing in the Middle East, has weighed in on the matter.

Denayer, who spent four years with Lyon from 2018 to 2022, recently shared his insights with a Belgian news outlet. He stated, “Considering the players involved, the Saudi League is on par with Ligue 1.” This assessment adds weight to similar claims made by Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2022.

The Belgian defender elaborated on the unique aspects of Saudi football, noting, “The quality in Saudi Arabia is impressive. Many foreign players there have experience with major European clubs. Due to the climate, the game’s pace differs from what you’d see in England. It’s more reminiscent of Italian football, with alternating periods of attack and calm.”

Denayer’s comments come amid a significant transformation in Saudi football. The country’s Public Investment Fund has acquired four leading Saudi Pro League teams, enabling them to attract world-class talents like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté.

This development has challenged the dominance of European clubs in the transfer market and raised questions about the shifting landscape of global football. As more high-caliber players move to Saudi Arabia, the league’s reputation and competitiveness continue to grow, potentially reshaping the hierarchy of world football.