'Respected and competitive' - Troost-Ekong hails Ronaldo's role in elevating Saudi Pro League

Super Eagles and Al Kholood captain William Troost-Ekong has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo’s transformative influence on Saudi Arabian football, emphasizing that the Portuguese superstar’s impact at Al Nassr extends far beyond winning trophies. 

Since joining the Riyadh-based club in 2023 after a high-profile exit from Manchester United, Ronaldo has elevated the Saudi Pro League to unprecedented global prominence, attracting elite players and widespread media attention.  

"He's the kind of player you want to have in the league, because he draws attention and I think he brings the best out of everyone," Troost-Ekong told Flashscore.com in an exclusive interview. 

"He's so respected and so competitive at the highest level. Not lifting a trophy yet? I'm sure it will frustrate him, but I think you also have to respect other teams in the league."  

Despite Ronaldo’s lack of domestic silverware, his presence has reshaped the league’s landscape. 

Clubs like Al Ittihad, who clinched the title this season with stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Fabinho, and Al Hilal, perennial champions with the Asian Cup to their name, showcase the league’s growing strength. 

"We have Al Ittihad Club, a historical team, and Al Hilal, who have won so many titles," Troost-Ekong noted. "There are fantastic teams in the league, and it’s not easy."  

Ronaldo’s individual brilliance remains undeniable. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 35 league goals, surpassing Abderrazak Hamdallah’s record for the most in a single Saudi Pro League campaign. 

He also became the first player to score against 200 different opponents. 

Troost-Ekong, who has faced Ronaldo in Serie A, the Premier League, and now Saudi Arabia, recalled their encounters:

"I’ve had luck playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players in the world. I managed to beat him once at Udinese and Watford." He added.

"He is the pioneer in Saudi, the same way he revived Serie A when he left Real Madrid."  

Reflecting on his debut season with Al Kholood, Troost-Ekong described it as "a different experience.

"Joining on a free transfer from PAOK, he played 32 matches, scoring twice. "We finished mid-table. For the first season in the top flight, it is something special," he said. 

As captain, he aims to further embrace Saudi football culture in the seasons ahead.  

Wale Adejumo

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