Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, back at Olympique de Marseille after a notable season in Saudi Arabia, caused a stir by openly comparing the level of Saudi clubs to that of Ligue 1.
According to the Gabonese striker, the top five teams in the Saudi league have the quality to compete in France’s top tier, underlining the rapid rise of the Saudi Pro League. “Honestly, the top 5 teams in the league could play in the French championship, easily!” he declared in an exclusive interview with Marseille media.
His statement echoes those of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, who have also criticized Ligue 1 while praising the development of Saudi clubs. Aubameyang, however, nuanced his remarks by pointing out that the pace of play differs, especially due to climatic conditions, but he remains convinced these teams could compete with many French sides. His comments serve as a clear warning for Ligue 1, often seen as the least competitive among Europe’s top five leagues, in the face of the rapid economic and sporting growth of football in Saudi Arabia.
The striker recently sealed his return to Marseille at the age of 36, after a remarkable spell in the Saudi Pro League where he scored 17 goals with Al Qadsiah in 2024-25. His comeback to OM is part of the club’s strategy to strengthen its attack for an ambitious season, including a return to the Champions League. Aubameyang brings solid Ligue 1 experience with over 150 matches played and a proven ability to deliver against top opponents, making him a key figure in Marseille’s setup.
Amid the growing rivalry between European leagues and the Saudi Pro League, Aubameyang’s words perfectly illustrate the stakes of today’s global football landscape. Boosted by high-profile signings and massive investments, the Saudi Pro League is accelerating its growth and now stands as a credible rival to historic competitions like Ligue 1. The evolution of its level of play and its rising appeal may well reshape football’s hierarchy in the coming years.