Portuguese press reports have revealed a major surprise that could change the landscape of Saudi football in the coming period, as the Portuguese newspaper "Record" revealed a state of extreme dissatisfaction that is controlling the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nassr team, which may push him to make a shocking decision to leave "Al-Aalami" in the near future.

Reasons for Ronaldo's anger and behind-the-scenes details of the transfer window

According to Record, the main reason behind this tension is Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with Al-Nassr's transfer dealings during the last winter window. The Portuguese star believes the team did not adequately strengthen its squad to ensure fierce competition for all domestic and continental titles, especially given the significant progress made by rival clubs.

The newspaper indicated that Ronaldo already has serious offers from clubs in Europe and the United States, and that the €50 million release clause in his contract may not pose a significant obstacle for clubs wishing to acquire the services of the all-time top scorer in football.

A significant absence and future scenarios

The Portuguese network confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the team's last match against Al-Riyadh was not due to purely technical or physical reasons, but rather a reflection of the player's current state of anger. Sports fans are anxiously awaiting the coming hours, which could be decisive for the player's future, as the "Madeira Rocket" is expected to make a final decision regarding his continued stay in Riyadh or embarking on a new adventure.

Historical context and Ronaldo's influence

Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, the Portuguese star has revolutionized the Saudi Professional League. His contribution wasn't limited to his technical skill and prolific goal-scoring; he was instrumental in bringing Saudi football into the global spotlight, paving the way for the arrival of world-class players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and others. Ronaldo's potential departure wouldn't just be the loss of a player; it could also negatively impact the media and marketing momentum of the entire sporting project.

Victory wins in the absence of the captain

On the pitch, despite the tense atmosphere and the absence of their captain, Al-Nassr secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. The lone goal came courtesy of Senegalese star Sadio Mane, who capitalized on a brilliant and decisive pass from Joao Felix, expertly slotting the ball into the net. This goal underscored the team's ability to achieve positive results despite the challenging administrative circumstances surrounding the future of their star player.

French star Karim Benzema, the new Al-Hilal football club player, commented with touching words on his departure from Al-Ittihad club and his official move to represent "Al-Za'eem" during the current winter transfer window, in a deal that shook Saudi football circles.

In his first reaction following the official announcement, Karim Benzema posted a message on his official “X” platform (formerly Twitter) in which he bid farewell to the components of Al-Ittihad, saying: “Al-Ittihad, this chapter ends, but the respect and gratitude will remain eternal. Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the warm welcome, love, and support you showered me with daily.”.

Benzema added in his farewell message, which received widespread attention: "This journey has enriched me greatly, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and to have shared everything with you. I wish you all the best for the future, with sincere respect.".

Details of Benzema's transfer deal to Al-Hilal

Official sources confirmed that Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal on a one-and-a-half-season contract, after agreeing on all the financial and contractual details of the deal in recent hours, thus supporting the Blues' attack in the upcoming local and continental competitions.

Earthquake in the Saudi transfer market

Karim Benzema's transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal is an exceptional event in the history of the Saudi Professional League, given the intense historical rivalry between the two clubs in the Saudi football classic. This move underscores the high dynamism of the league and the ability of Saudi clubs to make major signings that reshape the competitive landscape.

Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner and former Real Madrid legend, carries a huge footballing legacy, and his arrival in Saudi Arabia initially marked a milestone in the sports investment project within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to make the Saudi League one of the best in the world.

A strong addition to the leader's squad

The arrival of "Al-Hilal's" star, nicknamed "The Government" by his fans, is expected to be a tremendous boost to the coach's squad, especially as the club strives to maintain its domestic dominance and compete strongly for the AFC Champions League title. Al-Hilal fans eagerly await the anticipated synergy between Benzema and the rest of the team's stars, in a deal that analysts believe could be Al-Hilal's winning card in securing titles this season.

In a resounding move that shook local and international sporting circles, the board of directors of Al-Hilal Club, chaired by His Highness Prince Nawaf bin Saad, officially announced the completion of the signing of the world-renowned French star Karim Benzema, who joins the "Leader" squad in a high-profile transfer. This announcement was accompanied by expressions of deep gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the club's honorary member, who covered the entire cost of the deal, thus reaffirming his pivotal role in supporting the Blue Wave's journey.

This deal will bolster Al-Hilal's first football team during the winter transfer window for the 2025/2026 season. The club's board clarified that Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal's support extended beyond this single transfer, encompassing the full cost of seven other deals the club finalized during this crucial period. Al-Hilal's management expressed their profound gratitude for this generous gesture, describing it as a continuation of His Highness's longstanding and historic support for the club, which has directly contributed to Al-Hilal's continued leadership and excellence at both the local and continental levels.

This signing holds immense strategic importance, not only for Al-Hilal but for the Saudi Professional League as a whole, as the league continues to attract some of the world's top football stars, further solidifying its position among the strongest leagues globally. Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner and former Real Madrid legend, represents a tremendous boost to Al-Hilal's attack, given his vast experience and prolific goal-scoring ability, which will undoubtedly be a major incentive for the team to compete for titles.

For its part, the board of directors affirmed that this continued and impactful support from the club's golden member serves as a significant incentive for the entire club to exert greater efforts across all areas, aiming to bring joy to Al-Hilal's vast fan base and fulfill their aspirations of winning more championships. The fans view this signing with great optimism, especially given the fierce challenges and competitions the team faces both domestically and in Asia, where Benzema is expected to make a game-changer in the attack.

The club concluded its statement by clarifying the details of the contract, confirming that Al-Hilal officials finalized the signing of the French striker for a season and a half, after agreeing on all financial and contractual details. This move underscores Al-Hilal's determination to move forward with its project of sporting dominance, relying on the support of its loyal members and the sound planning of its management for the team's future.