Al Hilal CEO confused about Cristiano Ronaldo anger after Karim Benzema signing: You’ll have to ask him

The Portuguese star is reportedly unhappy as his former teammate at Real Madrid joins Al Hilal and Saudi rivalry sharpens

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly frustrated over Karim Benzema’s mid-season move to Al Hilal, with the Al Nassr captain said to believe the transfer highlights an imbalance in how Saudi Pro League rivals are being backed.

The deal has intensified tensions at the top of the table and added fresh edge to an already fierce title race.

Benzema was officially unveiled by Al Hilal on Monday evening after completing a switch from Al Ittihad.

According to reports, the timing and symbolism of the move left Ronaldo furious, with claims that he declined to feature in Al Nassr’s match against Al Riyadh earlier that day in protest. Al Nassr still secured victory thanks to a decisive goal from Sadio Mané.

The controversy is heightened by the ownership structure of Saudi football’s leading clubs. Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad are all majority owned by the Public Investment Fund, the same body that has driven the league’s rapid rise by facilitating marquee signings.

According to reports cited by The Telegraph, Ronaldo was left dismayed that a direct rival for the title was able to add a Ballon d’Or winner during the season while Al Nassr remained quiet in the winter window.

Al Hilal CEO addresses Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration

Ronaldo’s frustration is said to stem from a feeling that Al Nassr have been overlooked by their PIF backers. That perception, however, is disputed within the Kingdom.

During the summer window, Al Nassr spent around €105 million on new signings, slightly more than Al Hilal’s €101.3 million outlay.

Al Nassr added significant names, including RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, Portugal international João Félix and former Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman. The free arrival of Iñigo Martínez from Barcelona was also viewed as a strong piece of business.

The contrast has been more pronounced this winter. Al Hilal spent more than €66 million to recruit Rennes forward Mohamed Kader Meïté, former Arsenal centre-back Pablo Marí and Benzema. Al Nassr, by comparison, brought in only Saudi striker Abdullah Al Hamdan for a minimal fee.

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Ronaldo’s first full campaign in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr have spent an estimated €409.3 million on transfers.

That figure exceeds the spending of several European heavyweights over the same period, but it still trails the approximately €647.1 million invested in Al Hilal across the past two and a half years.

Al Hilal chief executive Esteve Calzada responded to questions about Ronaldo’s reported anger during an appearance on El Larguero on SER.

“You’ll have to ask [Ronaldo]. We were given a unique opportunity because we were looking for a striker and Benzema is a Ballon d’Or winner and has spectacular talent.

“On top of that, he doesn’t have to adapt to our league. He has been very positive, and we are already noticing the benefits commercially,” Calzada said.

“Even though this signing was made out of sporting necessity, we have set to work to get the most out of him. I am not surprised that Benzema chose Al-Hilal because it is the most powerful and popular club in Saudi Arabia.”