Cristiano Ronaldo Has Blocked 2 Other Transfers After Deciding to Stand in Way of Benzema Joining Al-Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo led the Saudi Pro League revolution in 2023 by joining Al-Nassr in 2022. The Portuguese superstar is now in a battle with the club owners and has blocked three transfers.

Cristiano Ronaldo Fighting a Lone Battle Against PIF

Ronaldo opted not to play for Al-Nassr in their match against Al Riyadh on Monday, Feb. 2. He was furious with the transfer decisions taken by the Public Investment Fund [PIF], which owns his club, along with Al-Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad.

Karim Benzema also refused to play for Al Ittihad in January and was linked with a move to Al Hilal. The Frenchman had contract issues and was keen on leaving the club, but a move to the league leaders was opposed by his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo.

The 40-year-old was furious that his squad at Al-Nassr was not bolstered in the winter window, while Al Hilal saw Kader Meite, Pablo Mari, Sultan Mandash, and Murad Al-Hawsawi joining the club.

Journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu was the first to report on X (formerly Twitter) and said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is opposing Karim Benzema’s transfer to Al-Hilal on the grounds that it would ‘damage the fair competition environment. Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s representative and the Saudi Pro League management are continuing their discussions to resolve the issue.”

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo Allegedly Furious About Fair Treatment As He Strongly Opposes Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal Transfer

Ronaldo’s fight against Benzema’s move to Al Hilal had a domino effect, as N’Golo Kanté’s move to Fenerbahçe and Youssef En-Nesyri’s proposed move to Al Ittihad were blocked. The journalist added:

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s intervention in Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal transfer has caused Kanté to be unable to sign with Fenerbahçe yet, while En-Nesyri has been unable to join Al-Ittihad. The clubs have finalized the agreements and submitted them to the Saudi Pro League; official signatures are on hold pending approval!”

Al-Nassr managed to beat Al Riyadh in their match, with Sadio Mane scoring the lone goal of the game. Ronaldo’s protest also did not block Benzema’s move to Al Hilal, and the Saudi Pro League leaders have confirmed the signing of the striker.

Meanwhile, En-Nesyri is expected to join as Benzema’s replacement, and Kante is set to move to Fenerbahce later this week, as the Turkish window remains open until Feb. 6.