Kroos: "If Ronaldo Leaves, No One Will Follow the Saudi League"
09 February 2026at21:06
German Toni Kroos has sharply criticized the Saudi Pro League, stating that it heavily relies on the media influence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kroos, who shared a dressing room with the Portuguese star for nearly ten years, asserted that the Saudi League might not possess the same true significance without Ronaldo's arrival at Al Nassr.
In statements reported by "Foot Mercato," Kroos said: "The Saudi League is a strange world. No one knew it before Cristiano arrived, and now they lack respect for the player who gave them international fame."
Toni Kroos continued: "I tell you, if Ronaldo leaves tomorrow, no one will follow this league anymore."
Q&A
What did Toni Kroos say about Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on the Saudi League?
Toni Kroos asserted that the Saudi Pro League's international fame and viewership are almost entirely dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo's presence, stating that no one knew the league before his arrival at Al Nassr.
How does Toni Kroos view the Saudi Pro League's long-term sustainability without Cristiano Ronaldo?
Kroos believes the Saudi Pro League's current global recognition is unsustainable without Cristiano Ronaldo, asserting that no one would follow it if the Portuguese star were to leave, implying a lack of inherent significance.
