Ronaldo threatens Al Nassr exit after Benzema switch sparks Saudi standoff
Cristiano Ronaldo has warned he could leave Al Nassr this summer as tensions rise following Saudi Arabia’s latest transfer manoeuvres, despite his side edging past Al Riyadh 1–0 without him.
The Portugal captain was absent from the squad in protest at the decision to move Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to rivals Al Hilal, a deal that strengthened a title challenger while leaving Al Nassr untouched during the window.
Ronaldo’s frustration centres on the perceived imbalance created by the Public Investment Fund’s involvement across multiple clubs. According to CBS Sports, the 39-year-old has made it clear he is prepared to walk away from both Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League if assurances over the club’s direction are not forthcoming.
The timing has sharpened the drama. Al Nassr face Al Ittihad on Friday, and although Ronaldo has returned to training, it remains unclear whether he will feature as he continues to weigh his next move.
Ronaldo is currently negotiating what is described as the most lucrative contract in world football, reportedly worth around £500,000 per day. Under the terms of his deal, he is expected to make himself available unless injured, yet his recent absence has raised questions about how far the dispute could escalate.
Al Hilal’s position at the top of the table has only intensified matters. They sit four points clear of Al Nassr, and Benzema immediately underlined the impact of his move by scoring a hat-trick on debut in a dominant win over Al Akhdoud.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is still chasing his first Saudi Pro League title since arriving in the country, a gap that now feels more significant as the season enters a decisive phase.
Sources suggest the forward feels betrayed and is seeking guarantees over future recruitment and ambition. His contract includes a €50 million release clause, and there is reported interest from Sporting CP, his boyhood club, as well as leading sides in Türkiye.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy criticised Ronaldo’s conduct, questioning the optics of a strike given the scale of his earnings and dismissing the situation as unnecessary self-indulgence.
While Al Nassr moved quietly in January, adding only under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, Benzema outlined his motivation for switching clubs as a desire to win trophies immediately, praising Al Hilal’s ambition and stature within Asian football.
Al Hilal chief executive Esteve Calzado played down the controversy, insisting his club was focused on its own objectives and describing Benzema’s arrival as a rare opportunity to sign a Ballon d’Or winner with proven numbers.
Attention now turns to Friday night and the Al Nassr team sheet. Whether Ronaldo returns to lead the line or extends his absence, the outcome will shape both the title race and the future of the league’s biggest star.