Nathan Zeze sets out Saudi Pro League verdict after Neom move

Nathan Zeze says the Saudi Pro League has surprised him since joining Neom, but believes Ligue 1 remains the stronger competition and that several Saudi players are capable of succeeding in Europe.

The French defender moved from Nantes to Saudi Arabia in summer 2025 and is now in his second season with Neom. Speaking to French outlet RMC Sport, Zeze admitted that leaving Nantes was not an easy decision and acknowledged the influence of financial considerations.

“I will not deny that,” he said.

The prospect of working with former Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais manager Christophe Galtier also played an important role in his decision. Zeze said the presence of several French-speaking players, including Alexandre Lacazette, Said Benrahma, Ismael Kone and Malang Sarr, helped persuade him to take on the challenge and supported his development and adjustment to life in Saudi Arabia.

Zeze has also continued to feature for France Under-21s. He recently wore the captain’s armband as France defeated Luxembourg 3-2 on 3 October in a Euro 2027 qualifier.

‘It feels like Ligue 1’

After a full year in Saudi Arabia, Zeze said his view of the league had changed significantly.

“I expected the level to be lower, but the reality is that when you play against the best 10 or 12 teams in the league, it feels like you are playing a match in Ligue 1,” he said.

The 20-year-old was particularly positive about the quality of Saudi players, saying some have the ability to pursue careers in Europe.

“There are many Saudi players who have the ability to play in Europe,” Zeze said. “They surprised me in a positive way, and I do not regret my decision at all.”

However, he rejected the suggestion that the Saudi Pro League has already overtaken the French top flight, a view expressed by Cristiano Ronaldo.

“No, I do not think so,” Zeze said. “Ligue 1 is still superior. The competition is intense every round, and that same level of intensity is not present here, even if the gap is not a big one.”

He identified the atmosphere inside French stadiums as another major difference. According to Zeze, the support and passion found at Ligue 1 matches are not consistently replicated across the Saudi Pro League.

The defender said his experience in Saudi Arabia had made him more mature and settled, while he remains closely attached to Nantes and continues to watch all of the club’s matches.

Zeze hopes eventually to return to Europe through the UEFA Champions League. For this season, he has set himself two objectives: helping Neom finish as high as possible and winning the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.