Cristiano and I prove that the Saudi league is good

For the national team, Rúben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo stand side by side, working together to bring success to Portugal. However, in Saudi Arabia, the dynamic shifts as the two find themselves on opposite sides of a growing football rivalry.

Neves' Al-Hilal and Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are two of the top teams in the Saudi Pro League, competing fiercely for the league title. Last season, it was Neves' Al-Hilal that came out on top, securing the championship, while Ronaldo's Al-Nassr finished in second place, falling short of the crown but still establishing themselves as a strong contender.

Despite this domestic rivalry, the respect and admiration between the two remain strong, particularly on the international stage. After Portugal's 2-1 victory over Scotland, in which Ronaldo scored the decisive goal, Neves was asked about the continued impact of the 38-year-old superstar. While some critics might question the quality of the Saudi Pro League, Neves was quick to defend both his teammate and the league. "People should start paying attention to Saudi football," Neves said, emphasizing the competitive nature and growing talent within the league.

Neves, who transferred to Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League, has consistently praised the level of football in Saudi Arabia. "I’ve said it a few times now," Neves added, reflecting on the physical demands of the league. "If you look at my stats, I’m running even more now. And that’s while playing in forty-degree heat. Today, Cristiano and I once again proved that the level is good." His comments highlight how the Saudi league is pushing players to their limits, forcing them to adapt to challenging conditions while still maintaining high performance.

The conversation then shifted to Ronaldo’s legendary goal-scoring record, which continues to grow despite his age. Against Scotland, Ronaldo scored the 901st goal of his illustrious career, a staggering achievement that cements his place among the greatest footballers in history. When asked if Ronaldo could reach the monumental milestone of 1,000 career goals, Neves had no doubt. "Of course," he said confidently. "With Cristiano, anything is possible."

Neves' belief in Ronaldo is shared by many across the football world. Ronaldo’s work ethic, physical condition, and relentless drive have allowed him to remain at the top of his game for over two decades. Even as he approaches 40, Ronaldo continues to break records, lead his teams to victory, and inspire fans and players alike. His move to the Saudi Pro League, initially met with skepticism by some, has proven to be another chapter in a remarkable career, where he is helping to elevate the profile of Saudi football on the global stage.

As Neves and Ronaldo continue their respective journeys in Saudi Arabia, their rivalry for the league title will undoubtedly heat up, but their shared mission with the Portuguese national team remains clear. Both players are committed to bringing success to Portugal and showing that, regardless of where they play domestically, they are still among the elite in world football. Neves' comments serve as a reminder that the Saudi Pro League is not just a retirement destination for aging stars but a competitive environment where top players can still thrive and improve.

For Ronaldo, reaching 1,000 goals seems almost inevitable, a testament to his enduring greatness. For Neves, playing alongside one of football's legends is a privilege, but he also recognizes the unique challenge of competing against him in Saudi Arabia. As both players continue to prove their worth on multiple fronts, the world will be watching to see how far they can take their teams—both in Saudi Arabia and with Portugal.