Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact: Brazil’s Talisca reveals Saudi Arabian League transformation

Former Benfica sensation Anderson Talisca has lifted the lid on his bond with Cristiano Ronaldo and the seismic shift the Portuguese icon has ignited in the Saudi Arabian football sphere, Soccernet.football reports.

Ronaldo’s blockbuster move to Al Nassr in 2023, following the conclusion of his illustrious tenure at Manchester United, was more than just a transfer.

It was a significant move that sent shockwaves across the footballing world as the megastar prophetically declared his arrival would lure other superstars from Europe to the Middle East.

True to his word, the Saudi Pro League now boasts an ensemble cast of footballing icons, with ex-Real Madrid man Karim Benzema and AFCON winner Sadio Mane among the glittering array of stars gracing the Arabian sands.

Reflecting on the league’s metamorphosis since Ronaldo’s arrival, Talisca reminisced about the stark contrast between the Saudi Pro League upon his arrival in 2021 and the present day, a mere year and a half post-Ronaldo era.

“When I arrived there, there were only six foreigners,” the Brazilian said in an interview with Globo Esporte, as per A Bola.

“We knew there would be long-term growth, but not so fast. With the arrival of Cris, everything changed. Today, if you look at the championships shelf, the Arab is already among the ten, a very big milestone and one that will continue to improve.”

Talisca also shed light on his camaraderie with the Portuguese legend, describing the privilege of sharing the pitch with him and other Al Nassr teammates.

“My relationship with him (Ronaldo) is very calm; he is very humble, very calm. On the field, we have a very good relationship. Everyone seeks their own objective, which is to help the club score goals and help with victories. Super calm relationship.

“Playing with him for us young people, who have seen his entire history at Real Madrid, is something very good. We are all very close, but Cris (Ronaldo), Alex Telles, and Otávio, we speak the same language, so communication is better. Brozovic too, Laporte, Mané, all very calm, the relationship is very good, the atmosphere is very good at the club.”

While Ronaldo’s Al Nassr currently trail league leaders Al Hilal by a considerable 12 points with just four matches remaining, the race for individual accolades continues unabated.

Ronaldo’s prolific form sees him poised to clinch the top scorer award, boasting an impressive tally of 32 goals – a commanding eight goals ahead of his closest challenger, Aleksandar Mitrović of Al Hilal.