Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Strike and Karim Benzema’s Controversial Move to Al-Hilal Put Saudi Pro League in Turmoil

Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo’s alleged frustration over Karim Benzema joining Al-Hilal in the winter window has been the talk of the town lately. And, the Portuguese unhappiness has reportedly painted the Saudi Pro League in a bad light.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Protest and Benzema Transfer Shake Saudi Football

Earlier this week, the Al-Nassr superstar went on strike in protest against alleged favoritism by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). He chose not to play in Al-Nassr’s latest 1-0 league win at Al-Riyadh after reports emerged that Benzema was close to joining Al-Hilal. He tried to shine a light on how the PIF has ignored Al-Nassr in terms of funding.

Now, according to GOAL journalist Mark Doyle, Ronaldo’s transformation from a poster boy to a rebel is likely to tarnish the Saudi Pro League’s image. Whether the Portuguese is right or wrong in his actions is irrelevant due to the player’s off-field influence.

Furthermore, Benzema’s decision not to play for Al-Ittihad before his switch to Al-Hilal is expected to set a poor precedent. The Frenchman and his former Real Madrid teammate have both solidified the notion that player power is paramount in the league.

The former Real Madrid forwards’ respective acts of disruption have also shifted the limelight away from the soccer in the Saudi Pro League. In the past few days, the veterans’ off-field antics have overshadowed a thrilling four-way race for the league title.

As of now, Al-Hilal are sitting at the top of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League standings with 47 points from 19 matches, just a point behind second-placed Al-Nassr. Al-Ahli and Al-Qadisah are in third and fourth spots with 44 points and 43 points, respectively.

READ MORE: Former Real Madrid Star Closing In on Move to $610 Million Club

On the other hand, ex-England and Liverpool man Danny Murphy has slammed Ronaldo for refusing to play for his current club amid an off-field dispute with the PIF. “Maybe, he could give some of his earnings to the club to then help them get more players. I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous in all my life, self-indulgent nonsense,” Murphy replied on talkSPORT when asked to opine on Ronaldo’s recent tantrum.

Jim White, co-host of the talkSPORT show, said, “It is absolutely bizarre when you consider the earning capacity of Cristiano and Benzema. For either of them to be disillusioned, upset about the way their clubs are run, to put it mildly, is almost unthinkable.”

Should the ex-Manchester United ace end his strike at Al-Nassr, he could next feature in Al-Nassr’s home league clash against Benzema’s former club Al-Ittihad this Friday.