More trouble for Cristiano Ronaldo as Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal, tilting Saudi title race

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a first Saudi Pro League title could become even tougher after France icon Karim Benzema completed a shock switch from Al-Ittihad to rivals Al-Hilal on Monday, a move that significantly strengthens Al-Nassr’s biggest competitors.

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The former Ballon d’Or winner has joined league leaders Al-Hilal, who currently sit one point ahead of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Benzema’s arrival adds further firepower and pedigree to a side already stacked with experience and ambition, and reshapes the balance of power at the top of Saudi football.

Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi Arabia in late 2022, is still chasing his first league crown in the kingdom. His former Real Madrid teammate Benzema, by contrast, enjoyed instant success after arriving last season, leading Al-Ittihad to the league title and the King’s Cup before making his surprise move across Riyadh.

Al-Hilal are Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club, boasting 21 league titles and four Asian Champions League triumphs. They made global headlines last year by stunning Manchester City 4-3 at the Club World Cup.

Now coached by Simone Inzaghi, a two-time Champions League finalist, Al-Hilal represent a growing obstacle to Ronaldo’s title ambitions. Benzema’s signing comes amid reports that Ronaldo is frustrated by Al-Nassr’s lack of transfer activity.

All three clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr — are majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, with Al-Hilal known for blockbuster moves. They signed Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 and previously attempted world-record deals for Kylian Mbappe and Bruno Fernandes.

Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the face of Saudi football’s global push, has lifted only the Arab Champions Cup so far.


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