The most attractive match of the 2025 Club World Cup took place at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Al Hilal beat Manchester City 3-4 in extra time. The Saudi Arabian team registered its name in the quarterfinals. Cristiano Ronaldo was right about the growth of the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo renewed his contract with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese forward has raised the flag for Arab football and has staunchly defended its level. In fact, in a recent statement, CR7 asserted that Saudi Arabian football is in the top five worldwide. "We continue to improve, but I think right now we are in the top five (...) only those who didn't play in Saudi Arabia. They don't understand football and they say this league isn't among the best five," said CR7.

Cristiano Ronaldo's conception isn't so far-fetched, and time has proven him right. Al Hilal eliminated Manchester City from the Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola's team had completely dominated their rivals in the group stage and were one of the favorites to win the tournament. It's worth mentioning that Manchester City had 14 shots on goal, had 19 corners, and dominated ball possession by up to 69%. However, style matters, and Al Hilal showed promise in their offensive performance. The Arab team carried out quick counterattacks that repeatedly put the defense of one of the Premier League's most important clubs in trouble.

Better than Lionel Messi's MLS

Some time ago, in an interview with Edu Aguirre on La Sexta, Cristiano Ronaldo stated without hesitation that the Saudi Pro League is of a higher level than Major League Soccer. This opinion generated a lot of controversy, as he considers Lionel Messi to be the face of American soccer. When I made the decision to come, I didn't think I would grow so quickly, But I knew that in one or two years the league would be top-tier, like it is now. People don't know; they have opinions and talk too much. It saddens me because it's a different reality when people talk about Saudi Arabia than when they talk about the United States. Is the MLS league worse? Obviously, but since it's Saudi Arabia, it's undervalued. But since I know people don't know what they're talking about... Just because of those who are here, we have to give it value," Ronaldo said. While Saudi Arabia got their representative to the quarterfinals, the three MLS clubs had many complications. Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders were eliminated in the group stage without winning a single match, and Inter Miami was humiliated in the round of 16, falling 0-4 to PSG. The MLS teams only managed one win in ten matches.