Neom SC defender Nathan Zézé spoke to rmcsport about his move to Neom SC and his view of the Roshn Saudi League compared with the French league. GOAL said the interview came ahead of his second season with Neom SC.
Why he moved to Neom SC
GOAL said Zézé switched to the Kingdom in the summer of 2025. Zézé said leaving Nantes was not easy, and that the financial factor loomed large in his move.
GOAL said Christophe Galtier's presence on the touchline tipped the balance in Zézé's move. GOAL also said a group of French-speaking players such as Lacazette, Ben Rahma, Koné and Mallang Sarr helped him develop and settle.
His view of the Saudi league
Zézé said: "I was expecting a lower level, but the truth is that when you face the best 10 or 12 teams in the league, you feel you are playing a match in the French league."
Zézé said: "There are many Saudi players who have the potential to play in Europe, and they surprised me positively. I never regret my move."
How he compared it with France
Zézé said: "No, I don't think so. The French league is still superior. There, the competition is always on fire in every round, and this is not present here with the same intensity, even if the gap is not big."
International role and season aims
GOAL said Zézé recently wore the captain's armband for France Under-21s in the 3-2 win over Luxembourg on 3 October in the Euro 2027 qualifiers. GOAL also said he remains attached to Nantes, watches all their matches, and dreams of returning to Europe one day through the Champions League.
GOAL said two targets drive him this season: leading Neom as high as possible, and winning the Under-21 European Championship.
