Sports · 3 February 2026
Ronaldo refuses to play as Benzema joins rival Al-Hilal
Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr plunges into doubt as the 40-year-old refuses to play following Karim Benzema's shock move to rivals Al-Hilal. Reports confirm the £177m-per-year star was excluded from Monday's squad against Al-Riyadh due to frustration over PIF management strengthening competitors. Benzema, 38, joined Al-Hilal late Monday after terminating his Al-Ittihad contract. Ronaldo, the 2024-25 top scorer with 25 goals, reportedly resents Al-Hilal—already 19-time champions—gaining his former Real Madrid teammate.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs