Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema once ruled Europe side by side, trading goals, trophies and headlines in the white of Real Madrid. They are still shaping the story in Saudi Arabia, only now the drama is coming as much off the pitch as it is on it. What should have been a routine phase of the season turned into a reminder that superstar footballers come with strong opinions, higher expectations and zero patience for imbalance.
On Monday, Benzema officially joined Al-Hilal after ending his contract with Al-Ittihad. The move follows weeks of uncertainty, with local reports suggesting the France striker was not interested in extending his contract after feeling overwhelmed by renewal talks. Al-Ittihad had already missed their previous two league games and once that happened, the end felt inevitable.
From a football lens, Benzema leaves Al-Ittihad having done his job and more. Last season he led the Jeddah club to a historic domestic double, lifting the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup for the first time in their history.
Even this season, at the age of 38, he remained decisive, scoring 16 goals in 21 matches across competitions. Al-Hilal, already top of the table, have simply added another serial winner to a squad that already looks frighteningly complete.
Benzema’s substitution tilts the league
Al-Hilal have 47 points, just one ahead of Al-Nassr, but the gap seems much wider. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, have slipped to sixth place, a stark contrast to where they stood a year ago. Benzema’s arrival will not only strengthen Al-Hilal, but reinforce the growing sense that the league balance is tipping heavily in one direction.
This feeling is exactly what pushed Cristiano Ronaldo over the edge.
Reports from Portugal and Saudi Arabia suggest that Ronaldo has refused to play for Al-Nassr despite being fully fit. This is not a rebellion against his club. Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo is one of Ronaldo’s closest allies and there is no sense of internal chaos. The problem is rather above the club level.
Ronaldo’s protest sends a message
Ronaldo’s frustration is reportedly directed at the Public Investment Fund, which controls Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs. As of 2023, Al-Hilal’s spending exceeds that of Al-Nassr. Benzema’s move only sharpened the contrast and underlined the feeling that some teams are being pushed forward while others have to make do.
For Ronaldo, it’s about competitiveness. He wants a team capable of matching ambition with action. Refusing to play when you are fully fit is a gamble, especially at the age of 40, when match sharpness is vital and the World Cup looms on the horizon. Each missed game slows down his path to 1,000 career goals and raises questions. But the message is unmistakable. Support the project properly or accept the consequences.
The situation leaves the league in an uncomfortable spotlight. Benzema strengthens the dominant Al-Hilal. Ronaldo’s protest exposes cracks in a system designed to promote stability and parity.
Even executives have publicly hinted at favoritism, lending weight to the argument.
In the end, it looks less like a transfer saga and more like a reality check on Saudi football. Star power can light up stadiums, but it can’t cover imbalance forever. Benzema moved in, Ronaldo pushed away, and the message is loud: the legends want more than paychecks, they want a fair fight.
The Saudi Pro League now has a choice. Correct the balance and keep the stars smiling, or risk watching their brightest names turn away.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 3, 2026