'It will compete with the best' - Ex-Real Madrid star agrees with Ronaldo on Saudi league

Former Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernández, now plying his trade at Al Qadsiah, believes the Saudi Pro League is on a steady path toward competing with the world’s most powerful football leagues.

His remarks follow similar praise from Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently defended the league’s competitiveness and appeal to elite players.

Speaking during Al Qadsiah’s preseason training camp at La Nucía Football Centre in Spain, Nacho acknowledged the gap between European leagues and Saudi football but emphasised the remarkable progress made in recent years.

“It’s true that the Spanish league and European leagues are more developed, but the Saudi league has grown a lot. Many of us foreigners have arrived, and I’m happy to help the young players continue to improve. I’m sure that in a few years it will compete with the best,” the defender said.

Now in his second season under coach Míchel González, Nacho is preparing to captain his side in the Super Cup in Hong Kong, where they will face Al Ahli.

After a fourth-place finish last season, he admits expectations are higher this year but remains confident in the team’s quality and new signings.

The Saudi side has been sharpening its form in Spain, earning positive results in friendlies against Levante and Sevilla.

Nacho’s comments echo those of Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently dismissed the Ballon d’Or as “fictional”.