Benzemas Al Hilal Transfer Linked to Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema’s Transfer Developments Spark Controversy in Saudi Football

Reports have emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo, a star forward for Al-Nassr, was absent from the team’s match against Al-Riyadh on Monday due to his dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer situation. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly unhappy with the lack of significant additions made by Al-Nassr before the closure of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema has completed a move from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal, a club that has won 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. The French forward’s arrival was announced on social media by the record Saudi champions, who are currently leading the SPL table.

Benzema’s transfer is seen as an ambitious one, as he joins the most successful club in Saudi football. The 38-year-old had previously led Al-Ittihad to the title last year and wanted to join the club that has won the most league titles and Asian Championships.

Ronaldo has scored 17 goals for Al-Nassr this season and was expected to play against Al-Riyadh, but he decided to recuse himself from the team’s squad. The Portuguese superstar forward is reportedly unhappy with the PIF, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund that owns Al-Nassr, Al Hilal, and other Pro League sides.

The transfer developments have sparked controversy in Saudi football, with many top players moving to the league in recent months. Ronaldo’s absence from the match against Al-Riyadh has raised questions about his future at Al-Nassr, which signed him to a lucrative two-year contract extension in June 2025.

Source: Al Jazeera