The tension in Saudi football is rising, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s name is at the center of an explosive controversy. Al-Hilal’s CEO, Esteve Calzada, made a direct provocation by stating that Karim Benzema has joined the “most powerful and popular club in Saudi Arabia,” further igniting Ronaldo’s ire, who has not hidden his discontent with the transfer of his former Real Madrid teammate.
Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal, following a deadlock in contract renewal negotiations with Al-Ittihad, has sparked a wave of reactions in Saudi football. Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, is particularly irritated by Benzema’s arrival, as it intensifies the competition between the two giants of the Saudi league. Both clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, are controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), as are Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, raising questions about favoritism in player movements.
Ronaldo, at 40 years old, expressed his dissatisfaction by missing Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Riyadh, a game his team won 1-0, keeping them just one point behind Al-Hilal. With an uncertain future, there are rumors that the Portuguese star may consider leaving Saudi Arabia in June if things do not improve.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal is celebrating the acquisition of Benzema, who has been named the Saudi Pro League Player of the Year and joined the club on a free transfer, signing a highly lucrative 18-month contract. Calzada showed no concern for Ronaldo’s situation, emphasizing that the club’s interests come first. “If Ronaldo is staging a strike, you’ll have to ask him,” replied the CEO, clearly focused on the advantages Benzema brings.
In statements to the press, Esteve Calzada said: “We had a unique opportunity, as we were looking for a forward and Benzema is a Ballon d’Or winner with spectacular talent. Moreover, he doesn’t need to adapt to our league. He has been delivered to us, and we are already noticing the commercial benefits.” The CEO did not hesitate to praise Al-Hilal, stating, “I’m not surprised that Benzema chose Al-Hilal, because it is the most powerful and popular club in Saudi Arabia.”
With Al-Nassr preparing to face Al-Ittihad next Friday, all eyes will be on the possible presence of Ronaldo on the match sheet. The rivalry between the clubs and the pressure on Ronaldo promise to deliver an unmissable spectacle for football fans. However, the question remains: how long can Ronaldo withstand the pressure and the growing rivalry in Saudi football?
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