Al Hilal CEO Fires Back at Cristiano Ronaldo While Setting Sights on Vinicius Junior Transfer

Al Hilal's CEO Esteve Calzada shows minimal compassion for Cristiano Ronaldo, who declined to participate for Saudi Pro League competitors Al Nassr this week due to alleged unfairness in how the teams are managed.

Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli are all controlled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), yet Ronaldo reportedly feels the other three receive preferential treatment. Karim Benzema's unexpected transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal this week, bolstering the latter in their championship fight with Al Nassr, has allegedly left Ronaldo 'enraged' to the extent that his future remains uncertain.

Benzema's move to Al Hilal, among seven winter acquisitions, following his deteriorating relationship with Al Ittihad might be interpreted as PIF bias against Al Nassr. However, PIF no longer serves as the exclusive financier and sources indicate the Benzema transaction was privately funded by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Al Nassr would have the right to spend equally with similar private support.

Calzada justified his club's stance. "We should question what troubles him," the Al Hilal executive told Cadena SER when questioned about Ronaldo's reaction to the circumstances.

"Al Hilal stands as the strongest club in Saudi Arabia. We possess three funding sources for transfers: merchandising, the government initiative to recruit elite players, and the Prince, who backs the club to secure substantial resources."

Al Nassr's only January addition was relatively unknown 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem, though João Félix and Kingsley Coman joined the team last summer at significant cost—as Calzada also noted—while Iñigo Martínez also arrived as a free transfer from Barcelona.

2025–26 Saudi Pro League Title Race—Feb. 2, 2026

2025–26 Saudi Pro League Title Race—Feb. 2, 2026

Vinicius Junior Still a Saudi Pro League Target

Vinicius Junior Still a Saudi Pro League Target

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has been connected with a transfer to Saudi Arabia for several years, a scenario that appears increasingly likely given the Brazilian hasn't yet secured a new contract at the Santiago Bernabéu beyond next season's conclusion.

Based on Calzada's statements, there are no specific discussions regarding Al Hilal, but league executives remain highly interested.

"Regarding our situation, no negotiations exist," the Spaniard stated. "However, the Saudi league's CEO, when questioned, mentions that if he becomes available, he'll attempt to secure him."

Should Vinicius Jr remain uncommitted to Los Blancos by summer, the 15-time European champions might face a situation where selling becomes necessary to prevent his value declining, before eventually becoming a free agent in 2027.

Real Madrid's preferred scenario would likely involve the player departing Europe entirely, rather than potentially strengthening a Champions League competitor.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Option After Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Option After Al Nassr

It would be ironic if Ronaldo's childish potential exit from Saudi Arabia creates an opportunity for Vinicius Jr to join Al Nassr this upcoming summer.

If the 40-year-old has reached an irreversible point in the Kingdom—though joining a rival Saudi club like 'Benzema' remains possible—he might return to Europe or move to the United States as he pursues 1,000 career goals over retirement. Nevertheless, for a move within Saudi Arabia or to a European club, he would need to wait until summer.

Ronaldo would almost inevitably need to accept reduced wages wherever he lands, currently earning over $660,000 daily. Even Lionel Messi receives just a portion of that amount with Inter Miami.

Major League Soccer's transfer window remains open until March 26, making it Ronaldo's only viable option if he seeks a swift departure from Saudi Arabia.