Benzema's Bold Comparison Stings Ronaldo Amid Saudi Transfer Drama
Karim Benzema has delivered a pointed remark that is sure to exacerbate the growing frustrations of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The French striker, who recently completed a high-profile move to Al Hilal, has boldly labelled his new club as "the Real Madrid of Asia", a comparison that underscores the squad's quality and ambition.
A Transfer That Sparked Tension
Benzema's switch to Al Hilal came after his contract with Al Ittihad was nearing its end, and he was left deeply dissatisfied with their renewal offer, which he perceived as effectively requiring him to play for free. This prompted his move to their domestic rivals, a decision that has not sat well with Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon, who plays for Al Nassr, reportedly attempted to pressure Saudi authorities to block the transfer, highlighting his increasing discontent with the league's dynamics.
Ronaldo's frustrations stem from what he sees as a lack of investment in his own club, Al Nassr, by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the owners. Since his move to the Middle East, he has yet to secure a league title, and the relatively quiet transfer activity at Al Nassr compared to Al Hilal's aggressive recruitment has only added to his grievances.
Al Hilal's Strengthened Squad
Benzema's move was part of a significant recruitment drive by Al Hilal, who are currently leading the Saudi Pro League. The club bolstered their ranks with several key signings, including:
- Forward Mohamed Meite from Rennais
- Former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí from Fiorentina
- Saudi internationals Murad Al Hawsawi and Sultan Mandash
This influx of talent has positioned Al Hilal as formidable contenders, further intensifying the rivalry with Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
Benzema's Glowing Endorsement
In an interview on Al Hilal's official website, Benzema expressed his enthusiasm for his new team, drawing direct parallels to his former club, Real Madrid. "It's similar, like Real Madrid in Asia," he stated. "Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, they have a good mentality. I liked this team from before. I used to play against them with Madrid and it was not an easy game."
The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner added, "Today I'm happy because I'm a player of Al Hilal," emphasising his positive first impressions after training with the squad.
Ronaldo's Protest and Broader League Context
In response to Benzema's transfer, Ronaldo took a dramatic step by refusing to play for Al Nassr in a recent match, a clear protest against the PIF's perceived lack of support. This act of defiance underscores the deepening rift between the star player and the club's ownership.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League continues to make headlines with its ambitious plans. The departure of high-earners like N'Golo Kanté has created financial flexibility, and the league is expected to pursue more marquee signings in the upcoming summer transfer window. Targets could include global stars such as Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior, signalling the league's ongoing commitment to elevating its profile on the world stage.
Benzema's decision to remain in Saudi Arabia, despite interest from European clubs, was influenced in part by a lucrative image rights deal that runs until 2030. This highlights the economic allure of the league, which continues to attract top talent and generate intense rivalries, much to the chagrin of figures like Ronaldo.
