French football club Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) recently used a cheeky jab at Cristiano Ronaldo while unveiling their latest signing, Thiago Almada, in a unique and playful manner. This move follows a controversial statement from Ronaldo about the Saudi Pro League being superior to Ligue 1, adding an unexpected twist to the winter transfer window.
Lyon’s Bold Announcement of Thiago Almada
Lyon officially announced the acquisition of Argentine World Cup winner Thiago Almada on January 15, 2025. The 23-year-old midfielder, who was part of Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, has joined Lyon on loan from Brazilian club Botafogo for the remainder of the season.
The announcement was anything but conventional. In a clever twist, Lyon’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a video where Almada, upon receiving a text from “Lionel” (with a goat emoji), read the message: “Don’t listen to Cristiano, Ligue 1 is incredible.”
This playful message was a clear nod to Argentina football legend Lionel Messi, who played in France for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from 2021 until his recent move to Inter Miami in the United States. Messi, who shares a strong bond with Almada after their World Cup victory, subtly endorsed Ligue 1 as an exciting football destination—contrasting sharply with Ronaldo’s opinion.
Why Lyon Targeted Cristiano Ronaldo in Their Announcement
The cheeky dig at Ronaldo came in light of the Portuguese star’s recent remarks at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. Ronaldo had boldly declared that the Saudi Pro League, where he currently plays for Al Nassr, is superior to Ligue 1. “The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1,” Ronaldo asserted.
Ronaldo, known for his confidence on and off the pitch, added, “I’m not saying that because I play here. I don’t care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees… Come and you will see.”
He further criticized Ligue 1, saying, “In France, they only have PSG. Everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players.”
Lyon’s Response: A Strategic and Humorous Social Media Moment
Lyon’s playful reference to Ronaldo’s comments not only served as a humorous response but also as an opportunity to highlight Ligue 1’s growing appeal. While Ronaldo’s comments focused heavily on the dominance of PSG and the financial imbalance within French football, Lyon’s cheeky message reaffirmed the competitive nature and allure of Ligue 1 beyond the Parisians.
The fact that Almada, a highly talented young player, chose to make his move to Lyon—one of the respected clubs in French football—underscores the league’s depth and appeal, even amidst PSG’s overwhelming presence. Lyon’s social media team capitalized on this moment, giving fans a memorable, light-hearted interaction.
The State of Ligue 1 vs Saudi Pro League: What’s Really Going On?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about the Saudi Pro League have sparked a broader debate about the state of football leagues around the world. The Saudi Pro League has certainly made headlines with high-profile signings, including Ronaldo himself, attracting attention due to its significant financial investments. However, Ligue 1 remains one of Europe’s top leagues, bolstered by the presence of global superstars such as Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and (formerly) Messi.
While Ronaldo believes the competitive environment of the Saudi Pro League is unmatched, particularly given the extreme temperatures players face during matches, his dismissal of Ligue 1 doesn’t seem to have been shared by all. Many still consider Ligue 1 to be a challenging league, with clubs like Lyon, Marseille, and Monaco competing fiercely every season.
Conclusion: Lyon Stands by Ligue 1’s Prestige
Lyon’s cheeky dig at Cristiano Ronaldo while announcing Thiago Almada is a testament to the playful, yet competitive spirit that runs through French football. It’s a bold move that highlights the French club’s pride in Ligue 1 and serves as a reminder that while PSG dominates, the league is far from one-dimensional.
Lyon’s savvy use of social media to subtly target Ronaldo shows that French clubs aren’t backing down in their quest to prove the worth of Ligue 1, despite the increasing global attention on leagues like the Saudi Pro League. As the football landscape continues to evolve, Lyon’s playful jab at Ronaldo reminds fans worldwide that the competition in Ligue 1 remains fierce—and definitely worth watching.
By embracing humor and tapping into trending topics, Lyon has certainly made their mark in the world of football social media, all while celebrating their exciting new signing.
