Benzema’s Al-Hilal Switch Sparks Cristiano Ronaldo Fury As MLS Exit Rumours Grow
Karim Benzema’s Transfer Heightens Tensions for Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr
Karim Benzema’s recent transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal has fueled growing frustration for Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, intensifying speculation about the Portuguese star’s future in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo reportedly boycotted Al Nassr’s match against Al Riyadh on Monday as a protest against what he perceives as inadequate transfer support from the club. Sources indicate that the 40-year-old believes Al Nassr lacks the financial backing afforded to rival clubs, particularly Al Hilal, which is backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The situation has been compounded by Al Hilal’s aggressive spending, with estimates suggesting their net expenditures have exceeded Al Nassr’s by approximately £180 million since Ronaldo’s arrival for the 2022-2023 season. Al Hilal currently leads the league by one point, bolstered by Benzema’s recent signing.
Despite his discontent with the club’s resources, Ronaldo has maintained a strong performance, scoring 117 goals in 113 matches since he joined Al Nassr in 2023. His contract is set to run until the summer of 2027, but uncertainty surrounds his future following his absence from Monday’s fixture. According to the Portuguese outlet A Bola, his decision to miss the match was not due to injury or illness but was a personal choice.
Al Nassr trails Al Hilal by three points and has made only one new signing during the January transfer window. Insiders suggest Ronaldo is increasingly dissatisfied with the club’s recruitment strategy and the perception of unequal treatment within the league.
As speculation swirls around his next move, bookmakers have linked Ronaldo to a potential transfer to Major League Soccer, where he could reunite with longtime rival Lionel Messi. Odds for a transfer to MLS are set at 7 to 4, while a return to Sporting Lisbon stands at 5 to 2. The likelihood of him remaining in Saudi Arabia is pegged at 5 to 1, and a return to Real Madrid is estimated at 10 to 1.
Ronaldo rose to prominence at Manchester United, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson, before establishing his legendary status at Real Madrid, where he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances.
