‘Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Nobody Would Watch the Saudi Pro League’ – Toni Kroos Defends Al-Nassr Star After Strike

Former Real Madrid midfield general Toni Kroos has come out strongly in defence of Cristiano Ronaldo following criticism surrounding the Al-Nassr captain’s recent performances, boldly stating that the Saudi Pro League’s global relevance is built almost entirely around the Portuguese superstar.

Kroos: Ronaldo Is the Reason the World Watches Saudi Football

Speaking during a recent football discussion in Europe, Kroos dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo’s impact in Saudi Arabia has declined, insisting that without Cristiano Ronaldo, international attention on the Saudi Pro League would be close to non-existent. According to the German World Cup winner, Ronaldo’s presence alone transformed the league from a regional competition into a globally discussed football product.

“Let’s be honest,” Kroos reportedly said. “If Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t there, most people outside the Middle East wouldn’t even know when the Saudi league plays. He brought the cameras, the pressure, and the credibility.”

Defending Ronaldo After Al-Nassr Scrutiny

Kroos’ comments come after renewed debate over Ronaldo’s finishing in recent Al-Nassr matches, with critics questioning whether the 39-year-old still delivers consistently at the highest level. However, Kroos pushed back, arguing that judging Ronaldo purely on goals ignores his commercial, leadership and competitive influence.

Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has helped drive record TV viewership, sold-out stadiums, and unprecedented global media coverage, forcing even European football audiences to pay attention to Saudi football.

Saudi Pro League’s Ronaldo Effect

Ronaldo’s arrival triggered a wave of elite signings including Karim Benzema, Neymar and N’Golo Kanté, a point Kroos subtly highlighted by noting that Ronaldo opened the door for the entire Saudi football project.

Football analysts agree that while the league is growing structurally, Ronaldo remains its central marketing engine. Every Al-Nassr match trends on social media, every Ronaldo goal dominates headlines, and every debate around him fuels engagement.

Legacy Still Loud

For Kroos, the debate is simple: Ronaldo doesn’t need defending based on stats alone. His legacy, pull and competitive fire still shape conversations worldwide. Whether praised or criticised, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the headline — and as Kroos made clear, so does the Saudi Pro League.

As long as Ronaldo plays in Saudi Arabia, the world will keep watching.