Karim Benzema ‘texted’ Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi title jibe after Al-Hilal switch | OneFootball

Karim Benzema is said to have teased former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo about Saudi Pro League glory after completing his Al-Hilal move. According to The Telegraph, the Frenchman messaged that he had secured a pay rise and would win the title again.

Ronaldo had wanted Al-Nassr to add reinforcements in the winter window to boost his push for a first domestic crown during his spell in Riyadh. Instead, rivals dominated headlines as Benzema left Al-Ittihad, having joined them in 2023, to sign for Al-Hilal.

Benzema made a dream start, scoring a hat-trick on debut. By then Ronaldo had declared himself unavailable for selection and has missed two matches.

Al-Nassr have spent more than €400 million during his time at the club. The 41-year-old is also on what is reported to be the most lucrative deal in world football, close to £500,000 a day.

Ronaldo’s contract runs to 2027, with a €50m exit clause that can be activated in the next window, and it is suggested that could even be waived to smooth a departure, with a free transfer seen as preferable in Saudi Arabia.

Speculation includes a return to Europe or a switch to MLS as he chases 1,000 career goals. He still wants to lift the Saudi title in 2025-26 and has said this summer’s World Cup will be his last.

Source: Goal.com