Which team is Cristiano Ronaldo secretly rooting for to win Champions League?
"I think now we are better than Ligue 1," Portuguese football star says
January 19, 2024
Getting into a prophesy-making mood, Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his three hot favourites that he is secretly rooting for to win the 2023-24 edition of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).
Speaking at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards ceremony Ronaldo named defending champions Manchester City, his former Spanish club Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“Manchester City did amazing. Congratulations on their season. Finally, they won the Champions League.
“They probably deserved it two years ago. I enjoy seeing them playing and they have a good chance to win the Champions League again," he added.
Meanwhile, the Al-Nassr star has claimed that the Saudi Pro League (SPL) is already surpassing France’s Ligue 1 in terms of competitiveness.
"You want my opinion? I don't think the Saudi League is worse than French Ligue 1," he said.
"In Saudi Arabia, I find it’s more competitive, they can say what they want, it's my opinion, I play here and I know what I’m saying.
"I think now we are better than Ligue 1," he added.
Remember, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer in the world's top divisions during 2023, ending the year with 54 goals for Al Nassr and Portugal.
He beat out competition from Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, who both got 52, while Haaland netted 50 for City and Norway.
The Globe Soccer Awards, currently being announced at a ceremony in Dubai, feature Ronaldo as a nominee in several categories.
As per Globe Soccer's official website, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the initial round of public voting for the Best Men's Player award.
Ronaldo is also listed for the Fans' Favourite Player award, and he is among the prominent names competing for the newly introduced Best Middle East Player accolade.
Despite his remarkable goal-scoring figures, the Al Nassr star did not secure a nomination for The Best FIFA Men's Player award, which Lionel Messi won earlier this week.
Additionally, Ronaldo was not nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, marking the first time since 2003 that he did not make the final shortlist.
