Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League Trails Behind Messi’s MLS

According to recent statistics, Major League Soccer (MLS) ranks very high among the world’s top football leagues based on Opta Rankings, while the Saudi Pro League falls outside the top 20.

Specifically, MLS is ranked 12th globally, far ahead of the Saudi Pro League at 29th, reflecting remarkable growth driven by Lionel Messi and a sustainable system, whereas the Saudi Pro League, despite rising to new heights, is criticized for imbalance due to heavy investment concentrated in only one group of clubs.

The ranking released by Opta highlights MLS’s strong progress in on-field performance, infrastructure, audience attendance, and player quality, especially after Inter Miami signed Lionel Messi. Messi’s presence in every match brings excitement, joy, and anticipation for the fans.

Opta reports that since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, MLS has attracted tens of millions more spectators to stadiums and significantly improved its competitive results. This summer, big names like Son Heung-min, Thomas Muller, and De Paul also joined MLS. Undoubtedly, MLS will rise further as more stars come to play here, not just to "wind down" their careers.

At the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, MLS also had a representative advance past the group stage, with Inter Miami reaching the round of 16. With a strength score of 92.3 points, MLS is rated significantly higher by Opta than the Saudi Pro League, which scored 87.1 points.

Despite heavy investment and Al Hilal reaching the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinals, the Saudi Pro League faces criticism for its strength being concentrated in just four top clubs: Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr. In contrast, MLS demonstrates more balanced spending, with less disparity between clubs.

In the global rankings of the strongest leagues, the Premier League remains at the top, followed by Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the English Championship, Belgium’s top league, Portugal’s top league, Brazil’s top league, the Dutch Eredivisie, Argentina’s top league, and then MLS.

Regarding Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, he now faces a chance to break a streak as Al Nassr meets Al Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final in Hong Kong (China) on the evening of August 23. This opponent is well-matched for Ronaldo and his teammates. Statistics show Al Ahli is a favored rival for CR7. In four encounters, he has won three, drawn one, scored three goals, and never lost. Therefore, fans hope Ronaldo will help Al Nassr secure the Saudi Super Cup, boosting confidence and motivation for the league competition.

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