In the world of Saudi football, former German midfielder Toni Kroos sparked widespread controversy with his fiery statements, leaving no room for doubt about his stance on the Saudi Professional League. Kroos, who retired in 2024, didn’t hesitate to express his frank opinion during a press interview with Brian Nasr, describing the Saudi league as entirely dependent on the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star who remains the heartbeat of the league.
Toni Kroos’s harsh criticism of the Saudi Professional League
According to Toni Kroos, the Saudi league is “a world apart,” radically different from other global football competitions. Kroos emphasizes that the league had virtually no presence before Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr, and now suffers from a lack of respect for the player who brought them international fame. This highlights the significant challenge the league faces due to its heavy reliance on a single star player.
Will the Saudi Professional League succeed in proving itself without Ronaldo?
The German player, a 2014 World Cup winner, didn’t just say the Saudi league relies solely on Ronaldo; he asserted that his departure would destroy viewership and global interest. This statement raises questions about the sustainability of the competition and the league’s overall level if it loses its most significant draw in recent years.
Despite the harsh criticism, it’s undeniable that the Saudi Professional League has undergone a qualitative leap in recent years, achieving unprecedented success in attracting international stars and raising the level of competition domestically. However, its international image remains tarnished by these kinds of statements made by international players, which directly impact the reputation of Saudi sports.
Toni Kroos and the legacy of football: Defending Ronaldo and criticizing local stars
In an interview with the international sports newspaper, Kroos acknowledged Ronaldo’s undeniable role in bringing the Saudi league to the attention of the international public. However, he did not shy away from criticizing the level of local players and some foreign stars in the league, describing them as lacking in competitiveness and skill compared to major European clubs.
These statements reveal a technical gap facing Saudi football despite its financial resources and high ambitions. Kroos, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo at Real Madrid for years, emphasizes that for the league to continue attracting global attention, it must rely on genuine investment in player development and infrastructure, not just on attracting star players.
