Ronaldo’s Teammate Joins Ligue 1 Club Despite His Criticism
Ronaldo’s Ligue 1 diss Doesn’t Deter Fofana
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Former Al Nassr midfielder Seko Fofana has joined French club Stade Rennais, defying Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of Ligue 1.
the Ivorian international completed his move on January 1, 2025, for a reported fee of $20 million. Fofana’s transfer comes just weeks after Ronaldo, his former teammate at al Nassr, made controversial remarks about the quality of the French league.
at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo declared, “The Saudi League is better than ligue 1, of course. In France, only PSG exists, the rest are finished. If you don’t believe me, try running in 38, 39, even 40-degree heat and see.”
Fofana, who previously played for Lens in Ligue 1, seems unfazed by Ronaldo’s comments. “I am very happy to join Stade Rennais and start 2025 with this new challenge,” Fofana said in a statement released by his new club. “The conversations with Arnaud Pouille and Frédéric Massara made a difference. The message was clear, and the decision was very easy.”
Rennes’ director of football, Frédéric Massara, expressed confidence in Fofana’s abilities.”He is a very good player who will help us a lot because he has shown all his qualities since the beginning of his career,” Massara said. “He has a lot of personality and a great mentality.He is a player who knows Ligue 1 well.”
Fofana’s arrival at Rennes adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the quality of different leagues around the world. While Ronaldo’s comments sparked controversy, Fofana’s decision to return to France suggests that Ligue 1 still holds appeal for top players.
A Closer Look
Liam: Hey Sarah,did you hear about Seko Fofana moving to Rennes?
Sarah: No,I didn’t! I thought he was still playing with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Liam: He was, but it looks like he’s decided to come back to France, signing for Rennes on January 1st.
Sarah: Captivating. Why would he do that after Ronaldo kind of talked trash about Ligue 1?
Ligue 1 Rising: Fofana Joins Rennes, Unfazed by Ronaldo’s Saudi League Claims
Rennes, France – French midfielder Lesley Fofana has joined Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais FC, seemingly unfazed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent comments comparing the Saudi Pro League favorably to France’s top division.
Fofana, who previously played for Lens, signed a five-year deal with Rennes, expressing his excitement about the move.
“The conversations with Frédéric Massara,the club’s director of football,made the decision easy,” Fofana said in a statement released by Rennes.
His move comes on the heels of Ronaldo’s controversial statement at the recent Globe Soccer Awards, where he suggested the Saudi league was superior to Ligue 1, except for Paris Saint-Germain.
Rennes director of football Frédéric Massara expressed confidence in Fofana’s abilities, stating, “He is a good player who will help the team a lot.We are very happy to welcome him. He has great qualities and a strong mentality.”
Fofana’s transfer to Rennes adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the quality of different leagues around the world. With his experience in Ligue 1, Fofana is well-positioned to make a notable impact and potentially challenge Ronaldo’s assertion.
Will Fofana’s performance at Rennes prove Ronaldo wrong? Only time will tell, but his arrival certainly adds an intriguing subplot to the Ligue 1 season.
Fofana Joins Rennes, Unfazed by ronaldos Ligue 1 Diss

Former Al Nassr midfielder Seko Fofana has shrugged off Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of Ligue 1, completing a move to French club Stade Rennais on January 1, 2025. The Ivorian international’s transfer is reportedly worth $20 million.
Fofana’s decision comes just weeks after his former teammate at al Nassr,global icon Cristiano Ronaldo,made controversial remarks questioning the quality of the French league. Ronaldo suggested Ligue 1 lacked the competitiveness and overall standard of other top European leagues.
However, Fofana seems undeterred by Ronaldo’s comments. The midfielder, who impressed during his time in the Saudi Pro League, clearly believes Ligue 1 presents a new and exciting challenge for his career. Joining rennes, a club with a strong European pedigree, gives Fofana the platform to test himself against some of the best players in France and potentially showcase his talents on a continental stage.
Speaking about his move, Fofana revealed his excitement about joining Rennes and playing in Ligue 1.”I am thrilled to be here at Rennes, a club with a rich history and ambitious goals. Ligue 1 is a very competitive league, and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
It remains to be seen how Fofana will adapt to the French league. Though, his confident approach and proven ability suggest he has the potential to be a success story in ligue 1, despite Cristiano ronaldo’s reservations.
