'It's Amazing, So So Good' - Cristiano Ronaldo Says Saudi Arabia World Cup 'Will Probably Be The Best Ever'

Iconic Portuguese footballer and current player for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his enthusiastic support for Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

In a video shared on his social media channels, Ronaldo declared, "It's amazing. I didn't expect it, but it is so, so, so good." His comments came during a visit to the Saudi 2034 bid exhibition in Riyadh, where he was evidently impressed by the preparations and infrastructure being put in place for the tournament.

Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed as the host for the 2034 World Cup by FIFA, marking a significant milestone for the nation. This decision, however, has not been without controversy, as concerns about the country's human rights record have been raised by various organizations.

Despite these concerns, the Kingdom emerged as the sole bidder in a process that combined the decisions for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments into a single vote, effectively securing its position as the host.

Ronaldo, who has been playing in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Nassr, praised the country's rapid development in sports and infrastructure. He highlighted the impressive stadiums, fan conditions, and airports, stating, "The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans, the airports, and everything else, it's amazing."

He further emphasized the bright future he envisions for Saudi Arabia, not only in terms of the World Cup but also due to the country's consistent hosting of major events like football matches and boxing.

The 2034 World Cup will be a historic event for Saudi Arabia, as it will be the first time the country hosts the tournament. It will also be the first World Cup with 48 teams, making it a significant expansion from previous editions. The opening match is set to take place at the new King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, a testament to the country's commitment to providing world-class facilities for the event.

Ronaldo's endorsement of the Saudi World Cup aligns with his broader involvement in the country's football scene. Since joining Al Nassr, he has been a pivotal figure in the growth of the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), contributing significantly on the pitch.

Last season, he scored 35 goals, breaking the competition's single-season record, and continues to be a top scorer this term. His presence has attracted other prominent players to the league, enhancing its competitiveness and profile on the global stage.

Reflecting on the progress of the RSL, Ronaldo noted, "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." He expressed optimism about the potential of young Saudi players, hoping that some might even participate in the World Cup.

The tagline for Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid, "Growing. Together.", resonates with Ronaldo's vision for the country's future. He believes in the importance of collective growth, not just in football but in all aspects of 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," he affirmed.

While Ronaldo's support is unwavering, the decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia has sparked discussions about the timing of the tournament. Given the country's climate, a summer World Cup seems unlikely, similar to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which was held in winter. However, a winter tournament could coincide with Ramadan, presenting potential scheduling challenges.

Despite these logistical considerations, the focus remains on the transformative impact the World Cup could have on Saudi Arabia. Winning the hosting rights is seen as a strategic move to position the country as a leader in global sports, although critics argue it may also serve as an attempt to 'sportswash' its human rights record. The Football Association (FA) has expressed its support for the Saudi bid, contingent upon assurances regarding human rights improvements.