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Karim Benzema’s shock move to Al Hilal has sent ripples through the Saudi Pro League (SPL) — and reports suggest it has also unsettled his former Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
On the final day of the SPL mid-season transfer window, two of world football’s biggest icons dominated headlines, not for goals or assists, but for off-field drama that could shape the title race.
What Happened on SPL Transfer Deadline Day?
French football legend Karim Benzema completed a high-profile switch from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal, a transfer confirmed just hours after Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al-Nassr’s league clash against Al-Riyadh.
The timing raised eyebrows across Saudi football and sparked widespread debate about the balance of power in the league.
Why Did Benzema Leave Al-Ittihad for Al Hilal?
Benzema’s move is widely seen as a bold and ambitious step.
Despite guiding Al-Ittihad to the SPL title last season, the 38-year-old opted for a club with unmatched domestic and continental pedigree. Al Hilal are Saudi Arabia’s most successful club, boasting:
- 21 Saudi league titles
- 4 AFC Champions League trophies
- Current SPL leaders
The club, now coached by Simone Inzaghi — a two-time UEFA Champions League finalist — also made global headlines by defeating Manchester City 4-3 at the FIFA Club World Cup last year, eliminating Pep Guardiola’s side.
Al Hilal announced Benzema’s arrival with huge fanfare across their social media platforms, underlining the significance of the signing.
Why Did Ronaldo Miss Al-Nassr’s Match?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Riyadh quickly became a major talking point.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is unhappy with Al-Nassr’s transfer activity — or lack of it — as they chase the league title.
Ronaldo, who has scored 17 goals this season, reportedly stepped aside due to frustration that Al-Nassr failed to make a major signing before the transfer window closed, especially as title rivals Al Hilal strengthened significantly.
At the time, Al-Nassr sat second in the table, just behind Al Hilal — a club also backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
How Is Benzema’s Move Linked to Ronaldo?
Benzema’s switch from the defending champions to the league’s most successful club is viewed as a direct threat to Ronaldo’s long-standing ambition of winning his first Saudi Pro League title.
Ironically, Ronaldo’s arrival in 2023 played a major role in attracting elite stars — including Benzema — to Saudi football.
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has scored an astonishing 91 goals in 95 league matches, yet silverware has remained elusive.
With Al Hilal now strengthened by Benzema, Ronaldo faces an even tougher challenge. The former Real Madrid teammates are once again rivals — this time on Saudi soil — with the league title hanging in the balance.
What Have Al-Nassr Said — and Could Ronaldo Leave?
Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo declined to comment publicly on the situation, according to Saudi media.
However, ESPN reported that Ronaldo is not injured, ill, or out of favour with head coach Jorge Jesus. He also has no immediate plans to leave the club.
Ronaldo signed a lucrative two-year contract extension in June 2025, tying him to Al-Nassr until 2027.
CBS Sports added that senior club officials understand Ronaldo’s frustration, particularly with PIF’s involvement in multiple SPL clubs, including direct rivals Al Hilal.
Can Al-Nassr Still Sign Players to Appease Ronaldo?
For now, no.
The Saudi Pro League transfer window closed on Monday night, meaning Al-Nassr must wait until the end of the season before making further reinforcements — leaving Ronaldo to push for glory with the current squad.
🔑 Key Phrases
- Benzema Al Hilal transfer
- Ronaldo Al Nassr frustration
- Saudi Pro League transfer news
- Benzema Ronaldo rivalry
- Al Hilal vs Al Nassr title race
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Karim Benzema’s surprise move to Al Hilal has shaken the Saudi Pro League and reportedly upset Cristiano Ronaldo. Here’s how the blockbuster transfer affects the SPL title race.
