Karim Benzema has completed a high-profile move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, dealing a major blow to Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
The transfer comes amid growing frustration from Ronaldo, who recently boycotted Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Riyadh in protest over the club’s transfer strategy.
The 40-year-old is reportedly unhappy with what he sees as unequal backing among clubs controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), claiming Al-Nassr has received far less investment than their rivals.
Ronaldo is said to be particularly aggrieved by Al-Hilal’s net spend, which is believed to be around £180 million higher than Al-Nassr’s since the 2022–23 season, when he joined the Riyadh club.
Despite his concerns, Al-Hilal has now strengthened further with the signing of Benzema as they push for another league title.
The defending champions currently sit top of the table, one point ahead of Al-Nassr, and are on course to secure a second Saudi Pro League crown in three seasons—while Ronaldo is yet to win a major trophy in the Middle East.
