Benzema joins Al-Hilal and threatens Ronaldo’s title hopes

French icon Karim Benzema swapped one Saudi club for another on Monday when he made the move to Al-Hilal from rivals Al-Ittihad – a move that could be bad news for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Ballon d’Or winner has joined Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, who are one point ahead of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo is still waiting for his first league title since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and has seen his main rival strengthened with the addition of five-time Champions League winner Benzema.

The former Real Madrid striker, Ronaldo’s teammate at the Spanish giants, led Al-Ittihad to the title last year, as well as the King’s Cup.

Al-Hilal is Saudi Arabia’s most successful team with 21 league titles and four Asian championships. Last year they stunned Manchester City at the Club World Cup 4-3 and eliminated Pep Guardiola’s team.

Coached by two-time Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi, they pose a major threat to Ronaldo’s hopes of being crowned champions after prompting a wave of top footballers – including Benzema – to move to the Saudi league.

Benzema’s deal comes amid reports that Ronaldo is unhappy with a lack of transfer activity from Al-Nassr.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund is the majority shareholder of Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.

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Al-Hilal are used to making spectacular signings, having lured Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. They previously tried to sign Kylian Mbappe for a world record $332 million and last year moved for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after leaving Man United as a free agent in 2022. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has become the face of football in Saudi Arabia, but his only trophy is the Arab Champions Cup.

He was absent from Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh on Monday amid reports that he is unhappy.

Published on February 3, 2026