Ronaldo ‘Tried to Block’ Benzema’s Transfer to Saudi League Leaders

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – A growing rift within the Saudi Pro League is brewing, fueled by Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent dissatisfaction with recent developments, including the transfer of Karim Benzema to league-leading Al-Hilal. Reports indicate Ronaldo feels Al-Nassr, his club, is being overlooked by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the majority owner of several Pro League teams, and has even taken steps to protest the situation.

The core of the issue centers around Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. While the transfer itself is a significant acquisition for the league leaders, Ronaldo reportedly believes the PIF is strategically bolstering Al-Hilal’s position to secure the championship title, at the expense of Al-Nassr, currently trailing by a single point. He is said to have attempted to block the transfer, fearing the PIF’s intentions.

Benzema’s arrival at Al-Hilal comes after disagreements during contract negotiations with Al-Ittihad, where he deemed the offered terms “unacceptable.” Al-Hilal reportedly paid €25 million for the 36-year-old forward, a record fee for a player of that age, surpassing the €17 million Manchester United paid Juventus for Ronaldo in 2021.

Ronaldo’s discontent extends beyond the Benzema transfer. He reportedly went on strike, missing a recent match, not for rest as initially suggested, but as a form of protest. He is threatening to continue this strike in Friday’s match against Al-Ittihad, and is considering leaving Al-Nassr when his contract expires in June.

Adding to Ronaldo’s frustration is the recent suspension of Al-Nassr’s sporting director, Simão Coutinho, and CEO, José Semedo, both Portuguese nationals, by the PIF. This has led Ronaldo to believe his club is being deliberately undermined.

The financial disparity between clubs is also a point of contention. Al-Hilal boasts the highest squad value in the league at €190 million, followed by Al-Ittihad (€141 million), while Al-Nassr sits third at €133 million. Al-Nassr’s winter transfer activity has been limited, acquiring only Haydeer Abdulkareem from Iraq, in stark contrast to Al-Hilal’s significant investment in Benzema.

The situation highlights the complexities of the Saudi Pro League’s rapid development and the challenges of managing the ambitions of its star players. The league has attracted significant investment and talent, but the concentration of ownership under the PIF raises questions about competitive balance and the potential for perceived favoritism.

Ronaldo’s actions and potential departure could have significant ramifications for the league. His presence has been a major draw for international attention, and his exit would undoubtedly diminish the Pro League’s profile. The league is now facing a delicate situation, needing to address Ronaldo’s concerns while maintaining the integrity of the competition.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Ronaldo’s future and the direction of Al-Nassr. If the PIF fails to address his concerns, a departure in June appears increasingly likely, potentially triggering a ripple effect throughout the league. The situation underscores the challenges of integrating global superstars into a developing football landscape and the importance of ensuring fair competition and transparency.

As of February 5, 2026, the situation remains unresolved, with Ronaldo’s future hanging in the balance and the Saudi Pro League facing a potential crisis of confidence.