Benzema Sends Cheeky Message to Ronaldo Following Explosive Transfer Drama
Karim Benzema allegedly mocked his ex-Real Madrid colleague Cristiano Ronaldo about securing another Saudi Pro League championship following his transfer to Al Hilal, which reportedly left Al Nassr's captain "enraged."
Ronaldo is believed to view Al Hilal's successful acquisition of Benzema from Al Ittihad as further evidence of preferential treatment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls all three teams (plus Al Ahli). While the current league frontrunners invested €70.8 million ($84.1 million) in January, Ronaldo's Al Nassr merely brought in 26-year-old Saudi striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan.
Apparently protesting his team's lack of activity, Ronaldo missed Al Nassr's opening two February fixtures (both victories). Benzema, conversely, celebrated his Al Hilal introduction with a treble.
Prior to claiming the match ball versus Al Okhdood, the French Ballon d'Or recipient allegedly contacted his former colleague. Benzema "playfully" messaged Ronaldo that his winter move would result in another league title plus increased wages, per The Telegraph.
After previously finishing behind Benzema's Al Ittihad in last season's Pro League championship battle, Ronaldo's Al Nassr currently sit below his Al Hilal in this campaign's standings. While reports emphasize that Ronaldo's "anger" isn't aimed at Benzema, being reminded of those previous disappointments likely wasn't entirely welcome.
What Next for Ronaldo, Al Nassr?
What Next for Ronaldo, Al Nassr?
Al Nassr's next challenge involves traveling to Turkmenistan to meet Arkadag on Wednesday in the AFC Champions League Two, Asia's counterpart to the UEFA Europa League. Ronaldo was observed by local press during training before the midweek journey, though his participation remains uncertain.
Al Nassr's entire operation centers around Ronaldo. Coach Jorge Jesus returned to Saudi Arabia allegedly following his countryman's recommendation, while the club's sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo are both his friends from Sporting CP's academy days. Removing the Saudi constellation's central figure would create significant problems.
At 41 and a burden for any team competing at near-elite standards, Ronaldo's peak years are certainly behind him. According to Opta's statistical rankings, Al Nassr matches the quality of Coventry City and Middlesbrough, the two clubs leading England's Championship, the country's second division.
A switch to MLS where he could revive his competition with Lionel Messi and produce more AI content with President Donald Trump would satisfy social media expectations, but the league's financial constraints would require Ronaldo to accept a substantial salary reduction.
This brings us to a matter of preferences: What are Ronaldo's desires? His transfer protest suggests that victory remains extremely important, while reaching 1,000 career goals is another stated objective. The standard at which these achievements occur appears increasingly irrelevant.