Karim Benzema reportedly sent a provocative message to Cristiano Ronaldo following his transfer to Al-Hilal, a move that has intensified rivalry in the Saudi Pro League and reportedly angered the Portuguese star. The message, described as a joking reference to a pay rise and the prospect of winning the league title, came after Benzema completed his move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal on Monday, February 3, 2026.
The transfer itself has been described as controversial, with Al-Hilal, currently the league leaders, strengthening their position as title favorites. Benzema’s move to the club, which has won 21 league titles and four Asian Championships, came after a breakdown in his relationship with Al-Ittihad over contract terms. According to reports, Benzema considered a novel contract offer from Al-Ittihad to be “disrespectful,” leading him to terminate his agreement and seek a move to their rivals.
Ronaldo’s reaction to Benzema’s transfer has been particularly strong, with reports indicating he is “furious” at the deal. The timing of the move, coinciding with Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Riyadh, added to the tension. Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s lineup for that match, reportedly in protest against what he perceives as a lack of investment in his club compared to Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr has already spent over €400 million on players during Ronaldo’s time with the club, but the arrival of Benzema at a direct rival appears to have been a breaking point.
The situation is further complicated by the ownership structure of the Saudi Pro League’s top clubs. Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad are all majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which sanctioned Benzema’s transfer. This has led to accusations of preferential treatment and fueled Ronaldo’s frustration. The Telegraph reported that Ronaldo is “angry about Al-Nassr’s low-key January trading” and that his mood has been soured by the exchange with Benzema.
Benzema made a strong start to his Al-Hilal career, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has sat out two matches, signaling his discontent with the club’s transfer policy. He continues to earn a reported £500,000-a-day through what is described as the most lucrative contract in world football, but financial compensation has not been enough to quell his frustration. The incident highlights the growing tensions within the Saudi Pro League as clubs compete for dominance and attract high-profile players.
Al-Nassr secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh in Ronaldo’s absence, with Sadio Mané scoring the winning goal. Still, the focus remains on the off-field drama surrounding Ronaldo and Benzema, and the potential impact on the title race. No official comment has been released by either Al-Hilal or Al-Nassr regarding the reported exchange between the two players.
