Ronaldo backs Saudi Arabia to host 'best World Cup ever', praises RSL growth

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the FIFA World Cup 2034 could be the best global finals in history, while the Al Nassr captain praised the Roshn Saudi League’s ever-increasing competitiveness for ensuring the Saudi Arabia national team will do the host country proud at the tournament.

The Kingdom was confirmed on Wednesday as the location for football’s showpiece event 10 years from now – marking a first time for the country. It means also that Saudi will be the first sole hosts of a 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Speaking following the announcement, Ronaldo, who signed for Al Nassr almost two years ago, backed his adopted home to deliver when the opening match kicks off at what will be the new King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh in 2034.

“It’s amazing. I didn’t expect it, but it is so, so, so good,” Ronaldo said in a video on his social media channels, shot during a visit to the Saudi 2034 bid exhibition in Riyadh. “The 2034 World Cup will probably be the best World Cup ever.

“After what I’ve seen today, I’m convinced that it will be amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans, the airports, and everything else, it’s amazing.

“The future [in Saudi Arabia] is very bright in my opinion, not only for the World Cup, but because every year they host big events here: football matches, boxing. The quality of entertainment is very high.

“The country is unbelievable. The Saudis are very good people; they like to learn, which for me, is very important.”

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has been integral to the rapid development of the RSL. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward represented the first big-name signing of the league’s new era, with his presence since convincing a multitude of prominent players to follow.

Ronaldo has delivered on the pitch as well; last season, the Portuguese superstar scored 35 goals in the RSL to break the competition's single-season record, while he sits joint-second in the scoring charts this term, with 10 goals in 12 league appearances.

In terms of the 2024-25 standings, Al Nassr are fourth in a tightly contested table, where after 13 matchweeks only 10 points separate third place to ninth. Al Ittihad are perched at the summit, two points ahead of champions Al Hilal.

On the RSL’s progress, Ronaldo said: “One or two of the kids I met today could play in the World Cup. We don’t know, but I hope so. I will motivate them to work hard and believe in that.

“The league has grown so fast, even in the last year. If you look at the difference in that time, it’s amazing. You have seven or eight big clubs right now, all of whom are very hard to beat. I see a very big difference in the evolution of the players.

“I feel, for example, my teammates and the other teams too, that Saudi is growing so fast that they themselves are becoming better players.

“The 2034 bid tagline ‘Growing. Together.’ is beautiful, because it’s what we all have to do. We have to grow together in everything, not just in football, but in everything in life.

“I believe Saudi Arabia will continue to grow and I’m happy to be part of this success in the country. I will be here for sure to see the World Cup.”