The Saudi Pro League has been rocked by a high-profile transfer that has intensified the growing discontent of its most famous star. Karim Benzema has completed a controversial switch from Al-Ittihad to title rivals Al-Hilal, a move that represents a significant setback for Cristiano Ronaldo and his ongoing battle with his own club, Al-Nassr.
A Direct Blow to Ronaldo's Ambitions
This transfer saga unfolded against a backdrop of palpable tension. Ronaldo reportedly went on strike, refusing to play for Al-Nassr during their recent trip to Al-Riyadh. The Portuguese superstar's protest was a direct response to his frustration over the club's perceived lack of investment in the transfer market compared to their domestic rivals.
It is therefore a particularly bitter development that Al-Hilal, who currently lead the Saudi Pro League by a single point over Al-Nassr, have been permitted to secure the signature of one of Ronaldo's greatest allies from their celebrated Real Madrid era. The context adds a layer of sporting and personal rivalry to the financial dispute.
The Shared Ownership Conundrum
The key complicating factor in this entire situation is the shared ownership structure. Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli are all majority-controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). This makes the internal competition and perceived spending imbalances a source of significant internal strife.
Reports indicate Ronaldo has been aggrieved by the financial disparity. Since his arrival in the 2022-23 season, Al-Hilal's net spend is reportedly a staggering £180 million higher than that of Al-Nassr. This financial muscle has translated to on-pitch success, with Al-Hilal on course for a second league title in three years, while Ronaldo remains without a major trophy in the Middle East.
Club Tensions and Media Blackouts
The fallout from Ronaldo's protest action prompted a severe response from Al-Nassr's hierarchy. In the aftermath of Monday's match, the club's chiefs imposed a media blackout, banning manager Jorge Jesus and all players from speaking publicly about the tense situation. This gag order, reported by Portuguese outlet A Bola, underscores the sensitivity of the issue.
For Saudi football's powerbrokers, this represents a worrying shift. After several years of seemingly unrestrained spending to attract global superstars, they now face public dissent from their most prized asset. Ronaldo, aged 40 and on a contract worth an estimated £488,000 per day, is said to be deeply unhappy with how the PIF has managed Al-Nassr's finances relative to their rivals.
The Spectre of an Early Exit
The worst-case scenario for the league's organisers is a premature departure by its headline act. Ronaldo's contract runs until 2027, but in December he hinted that his future may lie elsewhere, stating, 'my passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe.' The Benzema saga may only harden his resolve.
Benzema's Own Contract Standoff
Meanwhile, Benzema's rapid transfer provides another startling example of player power within the Saudi league. The 38-year-old French striker reportedly trained away from the main Al-Ittihad squad last week in protest over what was described as an 'insulting' contract extension offer.
He removed himself from the matchday squad for a 2-2 draw at Al-Fateh, and within just four days had secured his move to Al-Hilal. This swift resolution stands in stark contrast to Ronaldo's ongoing grievances. Benzema had originally moved to Al-Ittihad in 2023 on a blockbuster deal reportedly worth around £1.61 million per week.
Curiously, despite this enormous salary, Benzema is believed to have accused his former club of making him 'play for free' at the start of his contract, with the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner claiming he could only initially profit from his image rights.
A Wider Trend of Player Movement
The transfer activity is not confined to Benzema. Reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggest N'Golo Kanté is also closing in on a move away from Al-Ittihad, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce a likely destination. The 34-year-old midfielder is thought to be on around £21.6 million per year in Saudi Arabia.
Turkey has become an increasingly attractive market for stars of all ages, with its major clubs now boasting significant names like Victor Osimhen and Ler Sané. This emerging competition adds another dimension to the player retention challenges facing the Saudi Pro League.
As Ronaldo and his family have reportedly settled into life in Saudi Arabia, purchasing luxury villas, the sporting landscape is proving less stable. These high-stakes contract disputes and inter-club transfers threaten to undermine the league's carefully constructed image of limitless ambition and harmony.
