Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and an uncertain future: What's going on, what's next?
Published 03/02/2026 at 12:21 GMT
React to this story
There are rumours of a rift growing between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Saudi Pro League following Karim Benzema's controversial move to Al-Hilal. The former Real Madrid striker completed the transfer from Al-Ittihad on Monday. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was not included in Al-Nassr's squad for their clash with Al-Riyadh on Monday. What might happen now for Ronaldo?
Highlights: Wirtz shines as Liverpool claim crucial win against Newcastle
Video credit: TNT Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the face of the Saudi Pro League in recent years.
The Portuguese icon not only added some much-needed star power to the division, but his arrival also coincided with an influx of big names and elite talent.
Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema was a part of that impressive initial cohort of players to swap Europe for the Middle East.
However, reports suggest that a remarkable rift has emerged in the Saudi Pro League, and the two Los Blancos legends are apparently at the heart of it.
What is going on with Ronaldo?
Portuguese outlet A BOLA has reported that Ronaldo went on strike this week, refusing to represent Al-Nassr.
Other reports have suggested that Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, two teams which are both owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), was the source of the anger.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was not included in Al-Nassr’s squad for their clash with Al-Riyadh on Monday.
- Gravenberch: How Trent's exit has changed my midfield role
- Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Every Premier League done deal as window slams shut
It has been reported that Ronaldo was unhappy to see a rival team grow stronger at the behest of the PIF, while Al-Nassr didn't make any significant additions in the January window.
Benzema’s new side Al-Hilal are top of the Saudi Pro League, 13 points ahead of his former club Al-Ittihad and one point ahead of Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.
Benzema completed the move to Al-Hilal on Monday after reportedly being disappointed with the terms of a contract extension offered by Al-Ittihad.
Why did Benzema's move upset Ronaldo?
If the reports are to be believed, Ronaldo would have been upset because Benzema's move directly strengthened Al-Nassr's biggest rival to win this season's Saudi Pro League title.
This is particularly contentious due to the fact that Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, as well as Al Ahli, are all owned by the PIF.
That means that the PIF, which is also part of a consortium that owns Premier League giants Newcastle United, sold a player who represents a club they own to another club under their control.
To make matters worse, Benzema's arrival will undoubtedly improve Al-Hilal's title hopes while simultaneously hurting Ronaldo's chances of winning the league for the first time.
Ronaldo has scored 91 goals ‌in 95 league for Al-Nassr but is yet to win the league title.
Al-Ittihad enjoyed plenty of success last term, winning the Saudi Pro League by eight points and winning the King's Cup, with Benzema scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Al-Qadsiah in the final.
If that wasn't enough, there are rumours circulating that Benzema's departure from Al-Ittihad could pave the way for another rival to Ronaldo to arrive in Saudi Arabia.
The Mirror are reporting that Al Ittihad let Benzema leave to pave the way for the arrival of Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah.
What’s next for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo only joined Al-Nassr in 2022, and signed a two-year contract extension in June of last year despite being in the twilight of his career.
The 40-year-old is hoping to represent Portugal at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, so it is unlikely that he will sit on the bench until then, as it would risk his chances of being selected in Roberto Martinez’s squad.
However, he did not feature in Al-Nassr’s squad for their clash with Al-Riyadh on Monday.
Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus did not comment on Ronaldo's absence, but did suggest earlier in January that it could be a quiet transfer window for the club.
"I spoke about the winter period. We don't have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al-Nassr is not good and doesn't allow it - I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us."
Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo has declined to comment about the situation, according to Saudi media.
It has been reported that Ronaldo has a release clause of €50 million (£43m) in his contract ahead of the summer window.
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement