There is no denying the impeccable timing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Just one day after Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami, Ronaldo took the opportunity to proclaim that the Saudi Arabian league, where he currently plays, is superior to the MLS, where Messi will be playing. It seems more like a calculated move than a coincidence.
Ronaldo’s insistence that he won’t play in Europe again and desires to play in Saudi Arabia evokes the image of a spurned lover, tears streaming down his face, claiming that the divorce was his choice and he has no interest in getting back with his ex-wife. The Saudi Pro League and the USA’s MLS have often been regarded as retirement homes for aging players looking for a final big payday. However, the reputations of both leagues might not hold true any longer. So, the question arises: does Saudi outshine the States?
In the following analysis by Mail Sport, we will assess which league comes out on top in terms of players, the standard of football, lifestyle, wages, and fan engagement. This evaluation could potentially add another dimension to the endless debate of Messi vs. Ronaldo for the title of the Greatest Of All Time.
Players
The MLS still primarily consists of footballers who are considered “experienced” or less kindly, “past their prime.” The majority of designated players (DPs), who are star players not subject to salary cap restrictions, tend to be attackers falling into two categories. The first category includes veterans of European football such as Christian Benteke, Lorenzo Insigne, Javier Hernandez, and Douglas Costa, all in their early thirties. The second category comprises players who are not quite at the Premier League level. Riqui Puig, Thiago Almada, and Dante Vanzeir represent the promising exceptions in a league dominated by aging players.
While the MLS has some talent, it cannot match the caliber of players in the Saudi league. Ronaldo, despite not being the most talented player, grabs the headlines. But what stands out even more is the quality of players that Saudi Arabia has been able to attract with their substantial financial resources. Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s starting striker, was acquired on a free transfer. N’Golo Kante, a Chelsea midfielder, could have been a key player next season. Jordan Henderson, Liverpool’s current captain, is still performing well at the age of 33. Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Jota are other notable names who are far from being past their prime. The Saudi Pro League definitely wins this round.
Verdict: Saudi
Standard of Football
The sustainability of this massive recruitment drive in Saudi Arabia is a matter of concern. While it is unlikely that Saudi will experience the same fate as the high-spending Chinese and Russian leagues, there is still an element of risk. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin issued a warning to the country, criticizing their approach of buying players instead of investing in their football infrastructure. He advocated for the development of local academies and the nurturing of young players as key factors for long-term progress.
Although Saudi Arabia has shown some promise, their footballing infrastructure is far from the top level. On the other hand, while the MLS may not measure up to the best European clubs, the facilities and general level of football are more developed. The MLS wins this round.
Verdict: MLS
Lifestyle
The United States, being a vast country with diverse micro-climates, offers plenty of sunshine without the oppressive heat of the Middle East. It boasts a vibrant social scene and nightlife, with alcohol permitted. Moreover, it generally grants more religious freedom and recognizes sexual orientation, among other considerations. While playing in the US provides more social opportunities, Saudi Arabia may be more restrictive. However, the lure of substantial financial rewards can outweigh these concerns.
Verdict: MLS
Wages
Messi, along with former Barcelona teammates Busquets and Alba, will undoubtedly receive generous compensation for their time in the MLS. However, Saudi Arabia is offering even more attractive financial packages. Messi’s £45 million-per-year deal with Inter Miami pales in comparison to Ronaldo’s whopping £175 million-per-year deal with Al-Nassr. In terms of earnings, Saudi Arabia takes the lead with four Saudi players and other international stars like Brozovic, Henderson, Ronaldo, and Benzema ranking high on the list. This trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Verdict: Saudi
Fans
American fans, despite their peculiar combination of intensity and lack thereof, cannot be ignored. While some MLS stadiums lack atmosphere, as is the case in England as well, many clubs manage to create a lively and passionate environment. Thousands of fans attend matches, contributing to the overall experience. On the other hand, in Saudi Arabia, football is still finding its footing, and attendance is low. In some cases, the country even incentivizes fans to attend matches. In terms of fan engagement, the MLS emerges as the winner.
Verdict: MLS
Final Scores: MLS 3-2 Saudi
In this analysis, overlooking the impeccable timing of Ronaldo’s comment, the MLS comes out on top in terms of the standard of football and lifestyle, while Saudi Arabia wins in terms of players, wages, and fan engagement. While Ronaldo may champion the Saudi league, Mail Sport’s evaluation suggests that the MLS has the edge. However, the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate continues, as Messi triumphs over Ronaldo once again in this comparison.
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