Benzema and Ronaldo: A Saudi Title Joke That Lit Up the Pro League Rivalry

The Saudi Pro League has never been short of star power in recent years, but few storylines have carried as much intrigue as the evolving dynamic between Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Once inseparable team-mates at Real Madrid, the two Ballon d’Or winners now find themselves on opposite sides of a growing rivalry in Saudi Arabia. And according to reports, a light-hearted — but pointed — Saudi title joke from Benzema may have struck a nerve with Ronaldo at a tense moment in the season.

What started as friendly banter between old colleagues appears to have added fuel to an already simmering situation at Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo’s frustration has become increasingly visible.

From Bernabéu Brothers to Saudi Pro League Rivals

For nearly a decade, Benzema and Ronaldo formed one of football’s most devastating partnerships at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goals, trophies and historic nights in the Champions League defined their time together. When Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018, Benzema stepped out of his shadow and eventually claimed the Ballon d’Or for himself.

Fast forward to the Saudi Pro League era, and history has taken another unexpected turn. Ronaldo arrived in Riyadh first, joining Al-Nassr in late 2022 and becoming the face of Saudi football’s ambitious project. Benzema followed months later, signing for Al-Ittihad in 2023. At the time, the narrative was simple: two legends, two clubs, one rapidly growing league.

That balance shifted dramatically this winter.

Benzema’s Al-Hilal Move and the Saudi Title Joke

Saudi chaos GFX Ronaldo

The biggest shock of the January transfer window came when Karim Benzema sealed a controversial move to Al-Hilal. The French striker’s decision to leave Al-Ittihad raised eyebrows across Saudi football, but it was his immediate impact that truly grabbed attention.

Benzema enjoyed a dream debut for Al-Hilal, scoring a stunning hat-trick in his first appearance and instantly justifying the club’s bold move. While fans celebrated, reports suggest Benzema couldn’t resist sending a message to an old friend.

According to The Telegraph, Benzema jokingly texted Cristiano Ronaldo, pointing out that not only had he secured a pay rise, but he was also likely to win the Saudi Pro League title again. On the surface, it sounded like harmless banter between former team-mates. In reality, the timing could hardly have been worse.

Ronaldo’s Frustration at Al-Nassr Grows

While Benzema was lighting up the league in blue, Ronaldo was dealing with growing discontent at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar had hoped the January transfer window would bring reinforcements capable of pushing his side towards a long-awaited domestic crown.

Instead, Al-Nassr’s business was quiet. No marquee signings arrived, and attention shifted elsewhere — particularly to Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal. Ronaldo, who has reportedly taken strike action, sat out two matches, a clear signal of his dissatisfaction.

Despite Al-Nassr spending more than €400 million since Ronaldo’s arrival, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains unconvinced by the club’s sporting direction. For a player obsessed with winning, ambition off the pitch matters just as much as performances on it.

Money, Motivation and a Competitive Edge

Financially, Ronaldo has little to complain about. His current deal is widely described as the most lucrative contract in world football, reportedly earning him close to £500,000 a day. Yet, for Ronaldo, money has never been the ultimate motivator.

Reports claim that Benzema’s move also carried a financial sting. The Frenchman allegedly reviewed his Al-Ittihad deal, believed he could earn more, and successfully negotiated improved terms at Al-Hilal. That detail, combined with the title joke, is said to have soured Ronaldo’s mood even further.

At 41, Ronaldo remains fiercely competitive. The idea of Benzema — once his supporting act — lifting another Saudi title while he waits still does not sit comfortably.

Al-Hilal Ascendant, Al-Nassr Under Pressure

From a purely footballing perspective, the contrast between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr is stark. Al-Hilal look like a club built to dominate now, blending elite foreign talent with domestic depth. Benzema’s arrival only strengthens an already formidable squad.

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, appear overly dependent on Ronaldo’s brilliance. When he is unhappy or unavailable, the cracks show. That imbalance has not gone unnoticed, either by fans or by Ronaldo himself.

For a player who has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, the Saudi Pro League crown represents unfinished business. Benzema’s playful message may have been intended as a joke, but it highlighted an uncomfortable truth.

Ronaldo Exit Clause and Future Uncertainty

As frustration mounts, questions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future have grown louder. His current deal reportedly runs until 2027, but there is said to be an exit clause of €50 million that could be triggered as early as the next transfer window.

Interestingly, The Telegraph suggests Saudi officials might be willing to waive that fee to avoid what they describe as a potential “Ronaldo meltdown”. A free transfer could suit all parties if tensions continue to rise.

Speculation ranges from a dramatic return to Europe to an eye-catching move to MLS, where a reunion — or rivalry — with Lionel Messi remains a tantalising prospect.

Chasing 1,000 Goals and Writing the Final Chapters

Beyond club politics, Ronaldo’s personal goals still burn brightly. He continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals, a milestone that would further cement his legacy. He has also hinted that this summer’s World Cup could be his last major international tournament, though few would bet against him extending his career even further.

Retirement plans are already taking shape. Ronaldo has spoken openly about moving into club ownership rather than management once he hangs up his boots. Before that, however, he has one clear desire: to win the Saudi Pro League title and, perhaps, have the final laugh over Benzema.

A Joke That Says a Lot

In isolation, Benzema’s Saudi title joke feels like the kind of message countless former team-mates exchange every day. In context, it symbolises something much bigger: a shifting power dynamic in Saudi football and two legendary egos still burning late into their careers.

Whether Ronaldo responds with silverware or a dramatic new chapter elsewhere remains to be seen. What is certain is that the Benzema vs Ronaldo subplot has added another layer of drama to a league already thriving on attention.

And if Benzema does lift the trophy this season, that message may be remembered as more prophecy than provocation.