Is Benzema Joining Rivals Behind Ronaldo’s Frustration in Saudi Arabia?
Karim Benzema has officially completed a shock transfer from Al Ittihad to rivals Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, a move orchestrated by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) that has reportedly sparked fury from Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.[1][6] As of the January transfer deadline, the 38-year-old French striker signed with Al Hilal after rejecting a “disrespectful” contract extension from Al Ittihad, leaving Ronaldo protesting by refusing to play and questioning PIF’s investment priorities.[1]
Benzema’s Dramatic Exit from Al Ittihad
Benzema’s time at Al Ittihad, where he arrived as a marquee signing in 2023, ended abruptly amid contract disputes. His deal was set to expire in June, but renewal talks collapsed when Al Ittihad—via the Saudi Pro League’s central contracting body—offered terms that sources described as forcing him to “play for free,” with salary replaced by image rights payments.[1][2] Benzema viewed this as a personal insult, especially after leading the club to a league and King’s Cup double last season.[1][3]
The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner skipped recent matches, including a 2-2 draw with Al Fateh, and trained alone, signaling his intent to leave.[2] Despite earning around €1.1 million weekly and scoring eight goals in 14 appearances this season, unmet promises from ownership eroded his commitment.[2][3] Benzema, who had European offers including inquiries from Juventus and dreams of a Real Madrid return in a non-playing role later, chose to stay in Saudi Arabia due to a lucrative image rights deal until 2030.[1][2][3]
The Al Hilal Switch: A Power Shift in Saudi Football
PIF intervention resolved last-minute hurdles from the Saudi Ministry of Sports, allowing Benzema’s move to Al Hilal—Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships—on deadline day.[1] Al Hilal announced: “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali” on X, positioning the five-time Champions League winner as a replacement for outgoing interests like Marcos Leonardo.[1][3][6]
This intra-league transfer strengthens Al Hilal, already league leaders and coached by Simone Inzaghi, who stunned Manchester City 4-3 at last year’s Club World Cup.[1] Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahçe will fill Benzema’s spot at Al Ittihad, while N’Golo Kanté heads to Fenerbahçe.[1] For Benzema, it’s a chance to chase trophies in a competitive environment, aligning with his stated love for winning amid World Cup ambitions for 2026.[2]
Ronaldo’s Outrage: Protest and Title Pressure
The transfer has ignited Ronaldo’s frustration, with sources confirming his anger at PIF favoring Al Hilal over Al Nassr.[1] The Portuguese superstar refused to play for Al Nassr on Monday in protest, believing the fund isn’t investing sufficiently in his club while boosting rivals.[1] Since joining Al Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo has yet to win a league title, watching Benzema—his former Real Madrid teammate—now enhance Al Hilal’s threat to that goal.[1]
Ronaldo’s reaction underscores tensions in Saudi football’s star-driven ecosystem. PIF’s role in player contracts amplifies perceptions of uneven support, as Al Hilal gains a proven winner who led Al Ittihad to glory.[1][3] Analysts see this as reshaping the balance of power, with Al Hilal emerging as a dominant force amid the league’s global push.[1][3]
| Aspect | Al Ittihad | Al Hilal | Impact on Ronaldo’s Al Nassr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzema’s Role | Key scorer, led to 2024-25 double[1][3] | New star addition, replaces outgoing talent[1][3] | Rival strengthened directly[1] |
| Contract Dispute | “Play for free” offer rejected[1][2] | PIF-approved move[1] | Perceived PIF bias[1] |
| League Standing | Recent champions but faltering[1] | Leaders, 21 titles[1] | Title drought since 2022[1] |
| Ronaldo Reaction | N/A | Angers CR7[1] | Refused to play in protest[1] |
Broader Implications for Saudi Pro League
Benzema’s move highlights the league’s evolution into a retention battleground for aging superstars. While he eyed Europe for Champions League football or a 2026 World Cup comeback—”If they call me, I come”—staying ensures financial security and competitive edge.[2][3] Ronaldo’s standoff raises questions about player leverage against state-backed ownership.
Al Ittihad replaces Benzema with En-Nesyri, but losing their icon dents ambitions.[1] For fans, this rivalry-fueled drama boosts the SPL’s allure, drawing parallels to European derbies. As Benzema integrates at Al Hilal, Ronaldo’s quest for silverware intensifies—will PIF respond, or deepen the divide?[1]
In a league that lured Ronaldo and Benzema to elevate its profile, this transfer tests unity. Benzema’s Hilal chapter could propel them to dominance, leaving Ronaldo’s frustration as the narrative’s emotional core.[1][6]
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Original source: BBC News – Is Benzema joining rivals behind Ronaldo’s frustration in Saudi Arabia?
