Karim Benzema’s sudden jump from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal has landed like a gut punch in Saudi football — and it’s one Cristiano Ronaldo will feel more than most.
tThe two shared their finest club years at Real Madrid, so seeing Benzema now lining up for Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr’s fiercest title rival, only sharpens the sting.
Al-Hilal sit just one point clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Bringing in Benzema doesn’t just strengthen them — it sends a message, and not a subtle one.
Ronaldo’s Protest Comes Into Focus
Only hours earlier, Ronaldo had effectively gone on strike, refusing to travel for Al-Nassr’s league match against Al-Riyadh.
Reports suggest his anger boiled over due to frustration with the club’s transfer activity, or lack of it.
From Ronaldo’s perspective, the timing couldn’t be worse.
While his own side hesitates, Al-Hilal swoops in for one of world football’s most decorated strikers.
It’s the sort of move that makes protests feel justified, at least in the player’s mind.
One Owner, Very Different Outcomes
The backdrop makes everything even more awkward.
Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli are all majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
On paper, the playing field should look level.
In reality, Ronaldo is said to be deeply unhappy that Al-Hilal’s net spend has exceeded Al-Nassr’s by around £180 million since he arrived in the kingdom in the 2022–23 season.
Two league titles in three years for Al-Hilal seem increasingly likely, while Ronaldo is still waiting to lift a major trophy in Saudi Arabia.
A Gag Order at Al-Nassr
After Monday’s match, tensions reportedly rose behind the scenes.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Al-Nassr’s hierarchy banned manager Jorge Jesus and players from publicly addressing the situation, an attempt to keep control as Ronaldo’s protest dominated headlines.
Rather than calming things, the silence only fuels speculation that something bigger is brewing.
Saudi Football’s First Real Test
For years, Saudi football officials have largely got their way, using vast resources to lure global superstars with little resistance.
This situation feels different.
Ronaldo, now 40 and earning an eye-watering £488,000 per day, is reportedly unhappy with how the PIF has handled Al-Nassr’s finances.
The nightmare scenario? Ronaldo walking away before his contract expires in 2027.
In December, he left that door ajar, saying his passion remains high and that he could finish his career “whether in the Middle East or Europe.”
Benzema Forces the Issue
Benzema’s transfer is just as revealing.
ESPN reported that the 38-year-old trained away from Al-Ittihad’s squad last Thursday, furious at what he considered an insulting contract extension offer.
He then withdrew himself from the matchday squad for a 2–2 draw with Al-Fateh.
Four days later, he was gone — and wearing Al-Hilal colours.
Big Money, Bigger Disputes
That frustration raised eyebrows given Benzema’s original deal.
When he joined Al-Ittihad in 2023, he was reportedly earning around £1.61 million per week, roughly £230,000 per day.
Yet the former Ballon d’Or winner is believed to have complained that he was effectively “playing for free” at the start of the contract, only able to profit through image rights.
Whatever the truth, the dispute escalated fast — and Al-Hilal were ready to pounce
The Saudi Shuffle Isn’t Over Yet
Benzema may not be the last big name on the move.
N’Golo Kanté is also edging closer to an exit from Al-Ittihad, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Fenerbahce are closing in on the 34-year-old midfielder.
Kanté is thought to earn around £21.6 million per year in Saudi Arabia, but Turkey is becoming an increasingly attractive destination.
The Süper Lig already boasts stars like Victor Osimhen, Jhon Duran, Leroy Sané, and Ederson.
What’s Next?
With Ronaldo frustrated, Benzema switched, and more stars eyeing exits, Saudi football is entering unfamiliar territory.
The spending power remains enormous — but for the first time, control is starting to slip.
