7/29/2025–|Last update: 23:55 (Mecca time)
Despite joining one of the prominent clubs in the Saudi League, the Algerian star Riyad Mahrez did not compliment in his assessment of the status of the Asian Championship compared to the five major European leagues, stressing that the difference is still existing, but at the same time he indicated the clear development witnessed by the Saudi League in recent years.
Mehrez’s statements were an indirect response to what Cristiano Ronaldo said previously, when he considered that the Saudi League would be among the “best 5 leagues in the world” during the next few years.
Mehrez was more realistic in his vision, as he stated, “No … I think that the five major European leagues are advanced, but we are not very far away. Our goal is not to be the best league in the world now, but in the long term.”
Mehrez, 34, moved to the Saudi Al -Ahly from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, to be one of the most prominent global faces that supported the investment boom in Saudi football.
“We are at the beginning of this adventure, we are pioneers. We contribute to strengthening the league, frankly, during the two seasons here, I have noticed a development in clubs, coaches, tactics and organization. There is a great desire, and I think they will achieve their goals.”