By Desmond Nleya
Karim Benzema’s shock transfer to Al Hilal on the final day of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) midseason window has sent ripples through Saudi football — and reportedly left Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated.
The former Real Madrid teammates, now fierce SPL rivals, found themselves at the centre of attention on Monday as Benzema completed a high-profile switch from Al Ittihad to league leaders Al Hilal, while Ronaldo was conspicuously absent from Al Nassr’s matchday squad.
Why did Benzema leave Al Ittihad for Al Hilal?
Despite guiding Al Ittihad to the SPL title last season, Benzema opted for a move to Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club. Al Hilal boast a record 21 league titles and four Asian Champions League crowns, and currently top the SPL table.
Now under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal have further enhanced their reputation after defeating Manchester City 4-3 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Benzema’s arrival was announced with considerable fanfare, underlining the club’s ambition to dominate domestically and continentally.
Why was Ronaldo missing for Al Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al Nassr’s squad for their league match against Al Riyadh amid reports of growing dissatisfaction.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Ronaldo is unhappy with Al Nassr’s lack of activity in the transfer market, especially as they chase Al Hilal in the title race. Despite scoring 17 goals this season, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is believed to be frustrated that his club failed to make a major signing before the transfer window closed.
Al Nassr entered the match sitting second in the table, just one point behind Al Hilal — a gap that now looks more significant following Benzema’s move.
How is Benzema’s transfer linked to Ronaldo?
Benzema’s switch is widely seen as strengthening Al Nassr’s biggest rivals at a critical stage of the season. For Ronaldo, who is still seeking his first Saudi league title since joining Al Nassr in 2023, the move represents another setback.
The Portuguese star has scored an astonishing 91 goals in 95 SPL matches, but silverware has remained elusive. By contrast, Benzema lifted the league and King’s Cup with Al Ittihad last season and now joins an Al Hilal side already leading the title race.
The addition of Benzema — a five-time UEFA Champions League winner — is viewed as tilting the balance of power further in Al Hilal’s favour.
What has Al Nassr said, and could Ronaldo leave?
Al Nassr CEO Jose Semedo declined to comment on the situation, while reports insist Ronaldo is neither injured nor in conflict with head coach Jorge Jesus.
ESPN reports that Ronaldo has no intention of leaving the club and remains under contract after signing a two-year extension in June 2025. However, CBS Sports says senior club officials are aware of his frustration, particularly with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Al Nassr, Al Hilal and two other SPL clubs.
Can Al Nassr still respond?
With the Saudi transfer window now closed, Al Nassr will be unable to reinforce their squad until the end of the season, leaving Ronaldo to push on with the current group as Al Hilal — newly boosted by Benzema — surge ahead in the title race.
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