Cristiano Ronaldo and the main reasons why he fell out with Al-Nassr
As a form of protest, the Portuguese star did not take part in his team’s most recent Saudi Pro League match.
The Saudi Arabian winter transfer window has officially transcended the boundaries of sports, evolving into a full-scale political and sporting earthquake. In just 48 hours, Al Hilal moved with surgical precision to alter the balance of the league, inadvertently—or perhaps calculatedly—triggering an unprecedented crisis at their fiercest rival: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
The Benzema Coup: A Royal Move
The operation that shattered the status quo was the signing of Karim Benzema. After abruptly terminating his contract with Al Ittihad, the French superstar landed in Riyadh on a free transfer, signing a lucrative one-and-a-half-year deal with Al Hilal.
This move was not merely a club decision; it was a power play orchestrated by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, the heavyweight behind the club and a titan of the Saudi economy. By securing the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, Al Hilal has not only bolstered its attack but has also sent a clear message about who holds the true "royal favor" in the Kingdom.
CR7 on the Brink: A Protest in Riyadh
The arrival of Benzema at the league leaders caused an immediate collateral explosion at Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo, the face of the Saudi project, has reportedly hit a breaking point. In a move that has stunned the "Global Club," Ronaldo initially left himself out of the matchday squad as a signal of protest and has since refused to attend training sessions.
His discontent goes beyond the signing of a rival; it stems from a perceived structural betrayal. Sources close to the Portuguese legend suggest that Ronaldo feels Al Nassr has been intentionally left behind in the arms race, leading to rumors of a shocking, premature exit from Saudi football.
The Numbers of Discord: 7 vs. 2
The disparity in winter reinforcements provides the data to back Ronaldo’s fury. Al Hilal utilized the window to build a "Super Team," while Al Nassr’s activity was described as meager.
- Al Hilal’s Reinforcements (7): Meité, Boubaré, Al Hawsawi, Mandash, Pablo Marí, Benzema, and Al Dossary.
- Al Nassr’s Reinforcements (2): The Iraqi prospect Abdulkareem and the Saudi striker Al Hamdan (who, ironically, arrived from Al Hilal).
This 7-to-2 ratio has fueled a growing narrative in the Middle East: the idea that Al Hilal plays with a "hidden advantage." Many analysts and fans now argue that the league’s regulatory model is tilted in favor of the "Blue Waves," labeling them the darlings of the Royal House.
Prince Al Waleed bin Talal: The Man Behind the Millions
The spotlight has now turned to Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, who owns 100% of Al Hilal through his Kingdom Holding Company following a staggering €1.7 billion acquisition. As one of the world’s wealthiest men, his influence is absolute.
Reports from within the league suggest that the €70 million spent on Al Hilal’s winter haul came directly from the Prince’s personal wealth—a detail that infuriated the Al Nassr camp, who believe such injections bypass the league's intended financial parity.
A League Under Fire
As the window slams shut, the controversy is only beginning. With Al Hilal reinforced to the limit and a disgruntled global icon in Cristiano Ronaldo contemplating his future, the Saudi Pro League is facing its most tense chapter yet. The battle for the 2026 title is no longer just on the pitch; it is a war of influence, wealth, and egos.
