Quick Read
- Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick on his Al-Hilal debut against Al-Okhdood, securing a 3-0 victory.
- Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal included a 12-month contract extension to summer 2027.
- Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr reportedly feels ‘betrayed’ by recent Saudi Pro League transfer business, including Benzema’s move.
- Ronaldo is threatening to leave Saudi Arabia early, despite his contract with Al-Nassr running until 2027.
- Benzema’s transfer to Al-Hilal was funded by billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, not directly by the PIF.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – Al-Hilal’s recent acquisition of star striker Karim Benzema has sent significant tremors through the Saudi Pro League, not only with his immediate, hat-trick scoring impact on the pitch but also by reportedly fueling deep dissatisfaction from rival superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now threatening to leave the country. Benzema’s sensational debut for Al-Hilal against Al-Okhdood has significantly bolstered the league leaders, intensifying the competition at the top and prompting a strong reaction from Al-Nassr’s captain.
The high-profile transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, confirmed recently, has already yielded spectacular results for his new club. In a commanding performance in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Hilal secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Al-Okhdood in their round 21 clash. Benzema, the former Real Madrid standout, was the undisputed star of the match, netting all three goals to mark a stunning debut hat-trick. His first goal came in the 31st minute with a close-range right-footed shot, followed by another right-footed strike from the center of the box in the 60th minute. He completed his hat-trick just four minutes later, effectively sealing the match for Al-Hilal.
This immediate impact from Benzema underscores Al-Hilal’s strategic strengthening, positioning them even more firmly at the top of the league standings. The transfer, which saw Benzema extend his contract by 12 months to the summer of 2027, has been a significant talking point, especially considering his previous stint at Al-Ittihad where he reportedly grew unsatisfied. His debut performance against Al-Okhdood, which saw him score three goals and contribute to a dominant win, has already begun paying dividends for Al-Hilal, enhancing their title aspirations.
Ronaldo’s Discontent Fuels Al-Nassr Exit Rumors
While Al-Hilal celebrates its new star, the transfer business has reportedly caused considerable friction for Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of rival club Al-Nassr. According to CBS Sports sources, Ronaldo, who missed Al-Nassr’s recent 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh, has warned senior figures in the Saudi Pro League that he is prepared to leave the country. The 41-year-old superstar is said to feel ‘betrayed’ by the recent transfer activities, particularly the decision by PIF—the sovereign wealth fund owning four of the country’s leading clubs—to facilitate Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal while his own squad at Al-Nassr was not similarly strengthened with major acquisitions.
Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction has reportedly intensified, with a source close to Al-Nassr indicating that he is now open to ending his three-year stay in Saudi Arabia prematurely. His current contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire in 2027, the same year as Benzema’s newly extended deal with Al-Hilal. The prospect of losing a direct rival to the league leaders, coupled with perceived inaction in bolstering his own team, appears to be a core driver of Ronaldo’s discontent. It was not immediately clear if his reported return to training would quell his desire for an early exit, with speculation growing that he might sit out more matches to visibly underscore his point to PIF.
Saudi Pro League Dynamics and Future Implications
The transfer of Karim Benzema to Al-Hilal and the subsequent reaction from Cristiano Ronaldo highlight the intense and rapidly evolving landscape of the Saudi Pro League. While Ronaldo is unhappy about his rivals signing Benzema, it is important to note that the deal was not directly funded by the PIF or the Pro League, but rather by billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. This distinction points to a more complex web of financial influence within Saudi football, extending beyond the direct control of the sovereign wealth fund in all major transfers.
Despite Al-Nassr not making the same high-profile acquisitions as their title rivals in the January window—though they did bring in former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari and invested $17 million in Saudi talent—they had invested heavily in the summer, securing players like Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix. Nevertheless, the perception of imbalance, especially with Al-Hilal’s acquisition of a player of Benzema’s caliber, has evidently impacted Ronaldo’s outlook. Should Ronaldo choose to activate his reported $59 million (€50 million) release clause, it could pave the way for a return to Sporting in Portugal or a move to a leading club in Turkey, where there has been a notable trend of business with the Pro League in recent weeks.
The heightened drama surrounding Benzema’s impactful debut and Ronaldo’s reported dissatisfaction underscores the high-stakes ambitions of the Saudi Pro League. The league’s strategy to attract and retain global superstars creates a fragile ecosystem where individual player perceptions of club investment and competitive balance can significantly influence the overall trajectory and international appeal of Saudi football.