Neymar has always been a figure who divides opinion. Whether he’s shining on the pitch or making headlines off it, the Brazilian forward is often at the centre of attention. His recent interview with CNN, where he called the Saudi Pro League “better” than Ligue 1, has sparked a fresh debate about the changing landscape of football and raised questions about Neymar’s future and the image of French football.
Neymar’s comments, made less than a year after his high-profile move to Al-Hilal, were clear: “The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing… it’s better than Ligue 1.” Coming from someone who spent six years at Paris Saint-Germain, these remarks carry significant weight. While Neymar did acknowledge Ligue 1’s strengths, his focus on Saudi Arabia’s growth and potential painted it as a more exciting prospect.
But what does this mean in the bigger picture? Neymar’s statement could reflect his own journey and the growing appeal of Saudi Arabia as a football destination. However, it might also have wider implications—especially for the reputation of Ligue 1 in global football.
Neymar’s words tap into a bigger story about football’s changing power dynamics. The rise of the Saudi Pro League, driven by massive investment, is reshaping the global football scene, attracting top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar himself.
This financial strength has led to comparisons with established leagues, including Ligue 1. Neymar’s backing of the Saudi league could boost its credibility, but for Ligue 1—already fighting perceptions of being less competitive than its European counterparts—his comments may pose another challenge.
PSG fans, especially those who criticised Neymar for not fully committing during his time at the club, might see his words as an unwarranted dig. Ligue 1 has long struggled with the “farmers’ league” stereotype, and Neymar’s remarks could unintentionally reinforce that image.
However, Neymar’s perspective is important too. His praise for the Saudi Pro League is likely connected to his role as one of its top stars. His comments could be seen as part of his responsibility to help raise the league’s profile.
Neymar’s words increase the pressure on Ligue 1 as it continues to fight for relevance in an increasingly competitive global football market. French football is known for developing world-class talent, with stars like Kylian Mbappé representing the league’s potential. But as the Saudi Pro League grows, Ligue 1 may need to rethink how it presents itself to global audiences.
These remarks also highlight the growing tension between emerging football markets and traditional powerhouses. While leagues like the Premier League and La Liga may not be threatened by Saudi Arabia’s ambitions yet, Ligue 1 is in a more vulnerable position. Neymar’s support for the Saudi Pro League underscores the challenges less dominant leagues face in maintaining their prestige and attracting top talent.

Neymar’s statement about the Saudi Pro League being “better” than Ligue 1 is more than just a personal opinion—it reflects the profound changes taking place in football. His words highlight the rise of new football markets and the growing difficulty for traditional leagues to retain their status.
While Ligue 1 will continue to produce world-class talent, Neymar’s comments remind us that reputations can change quickly in today’s football world. With Saudi Arabia heavily investing to reshape its league, the balance of power in global football is shifting, creating new opportunities and challenges for players, fans, and leagues.
In this context, Neymar’s statement seems less like an insult and more like an acknowledgment of where football is heading.