Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on the Saudi Pro League has been immense since his arrival in 2022. The Portuguese superstar has been in exceptional form, leading the goal chart and increasing the fan base of the entire league. However, according to Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s contributions are not valued enough in his home country, Portugal.
Jesus, a Portuguese manager, believes that Saudi Arabia has shown more appreciation for Ronaldo’s image and worth than Portugal. He noted that six years ago, Ronaldo’s face was plastered on billboards in Saudi cities, while in Portugal, he feels that Ronaldo is not valued as much.
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in 2022 was a significant coup for the SPL, and he has since become the face of the league. His record-breaking two-and-a-half-year deal made him the highest-paid sportsperson ever. Despite not winning any major trophies in the Middle East, Ronaldo’s individual performances have been impressive, and he continues to be a major draw for fans in the region.
Jesus’s comments highlight the different perceptions of Ronaldo’s value and image in Portugal and Saudi Arabia. While Ronaldo is undoubtedly a national hero in Portugal, Jesus believes that his contributions are not fully appreciated in his home country. Jesus’s statement has sparked a debate about Ronaldo’s treatment in Portugal and whether he is truly valued for his achievements.
Ronaldo’s success in Saudi Arabia has been remarkable, and his presence has helped to raise the profile of the league. However, Jesus’s comments suggest that Ronaldo’s impact goes beyond his on-field performances and that he is a cultural icon who deserves more recognition in his home country.
The debate surrounding Ronaldo’s value and image in Portugal is likely to continue, with some arguing that he is already a national hero and others claiming that he deserves more recognition for his achievements. Regardless of the outcome, Ronaldo’s success in Saudi Arabia has cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
