Benzema joins Al Hilal in late Saudi League Shakeup, prompting Ronaldo protest
In a dramatic deadline-day move, Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has left Al Ittihad to join Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal, the club confirmed Monday. The transfer, orchestrated by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), resolves a standoff after Benzema rejected a contract extension from Al Ittihad he deemed “disrespectful.”
The move has stirred significant controversy, reportedly angering Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sources indicate the Al Nassr star refused to play in a Monday match in protest, frustrated that PIF is strengthening a direct rival instead of investing further in his own club.
Ronaldo, who is yet to win a Saudi league title since his 2022 arrival, now sees his former Real Madrid teammate bolstering the record 21-time champions.
Benzema, 38, led Al Ittihad to the league title last season. His shift to Al Hilal; a team coached by Simone Inzaghi and fresh from a Club World Cup upset over Manchester City marks a major power shift within the league and intensifies the title race.
The French striker opted to remain in Saudi Arabia, partly due to a long-term image rights contract.
The transfer highlights the influential role of the PIF in directing top talent among its owned clubs, a strategy that continues to reshape the league’s competitive landscape.
