Karim Benzema has completed a high-profile move to Al Hilal and further intensified tensions involving Cristiano Ronaldo.
The French Ballon d’Or winner has departed Al Ittihad and signed for Al Hilal, a rival club in the same league, despite Ronaldo’s refusal to play for Al Nassr this week in protest over how the transfer window unfolded.
Benzema’s move has been one of the standout stories of the transfer window. After joining Al Ittihad in 2023 following a legendary spell at Real Madrid, Benzema became a key figure in the Saudi club’s historic successes, including a league and cup double in 2025.
However, disagreements over contract renewal terms left the 38-year-old unsettled, leading to his decision to leave and subsequently sign a one-and-a-half-year deal with Al Hilal – the current league leaders.
What makes this transfer especially eyebrow-raising is the backdrop involving Ronaldo, who has reportedly gone on strike and refused to play for Al Nassr.
Why has Cristiano Ronaldo gone on strike?
The Portuguese superstar is said to be deeply frustrated with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns multiple clubs in the league and, according to Ronaldo, has shown unequal support and investment that favours rival teams such as Al Hilal.
This dissatisfaction came to a head as Benzema’s transfer was completed, prompting Ronaldo to make himself unavailable for a recent league fixture, a move widely interpreted as a protest.
Despite Ronaldo’s protest, the Benzema deal went through, as the size of player power is really put to the test.
Al Hilal’s strengthening of their squad with a player of Benzema’s calibre – alongside stars like Darwin Núñez and Theo Hernández – represents a significant statement of intent in their title bid.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr’s comparatively quieter transfer window has only fueled Ronaldo’s discontent.
The rivalry between these Saudi giants has now taken on even greater significance. With Benzema and Ronaldo now representing opposing forces within the same competition – and with off-field tensions bubbling just below the surface – fans can expect plenty more headlines throughout the second half of the season.