{"id":40939,"date":"2026-02-03T00:39:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T05:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T00:39:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T05:39:13","slug":"is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/","title":{"rendered":"Is this a setback for Ronaldo? Benzema joins fierce rival amidst fan uproar."},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/#Benzemas_Transfer\" >Benzema&#8217;s Transfer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/#Ronaldos_Protest\" >Ronaldo&#8217;s Protest?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/#Benzemas_Farewell\" >Benzema&#8217;s Farewell<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/#Benzemas_Continued_Performance\" >Benzema\u2019s Continued Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/is-this-a-setback-for-ronaldo-benzema-joins-fierce-rival-amidst-fan-uproar\/#Whats_Next\" >What&#8217;s Next?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div data-v-746446fd=\"\"><!--(--><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex-col-cntr article-content mg-b-25\" style=\"width:100%;\" showslider=\"false\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">\n<div class=\"freeform-content\"><img decoding=\"async\" height=\"20px\" src=\"https:\/\/b.fssta.com\/uploads\/application\/external-logos\/goal-dot-com-logo_black.svg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Karim Benzema made headlines by transferring from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, on deadline day in January.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">The former Real Madrid forward was nearing the end of his contract with Al Ittihad before making the switch. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo seems discontent with the recent transfer moves in the Saudi league, especially regarding Al Hilal&#8217;s strengthening roster.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benzemas_Transfer\"><\/span>Benzema&#8217;s Transfer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Benzema&#8217;s move to Al Hilal, alongside Mohamed Kader Maite, was finalized even after initial reports suggested delays due to Ronaldo\u2019s unhappiness. The Portuguese star is reportedly unhappy about his rivals, Al Hilal, bolstering their team while Al Nasr has not done the same. Both clubs are under the management of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and are vying for league supremacy. Currently, Al Hilal sits at the top of the table, trailing Al Nasr by just one point after 19 matches.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ronaldos_Protest\"><\/span>Ronaldo&#8217;s Protest?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-746446fd=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2257813164-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2257813164-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Ronaldo was absent from Al Nasr&#8217;s last match against Al Riyadh on deadline day, sparking rumors that he intended to stage a protest over recent transfer activities in the league. The team\u2019s manager has not clarified Ronaldo\u2019s absence, and the footballer himself has remained silent on the matter. If the absence was indeed a protest, it was ultimately ineffective, as Benzema has made the move to strengthen Al Hilal\u2019s chances of another Saudi Pro League title. Since joining Al Nasr from Manchester United in 2022, Ronaldo has yet to secure a league championship.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benzemas_Farewell\"><\/span>Benzema&#8217;s Farewell<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Benzema took to social media to bid farewell to Al Ittihad, expressing, &#8220;This chapter has come to an end, but my gratitude and respect will last forever. I am especially appreciative of the club, the staff, my teammates, and the warm reception I received. This experience has given me a lot both personally and professionally. I leave with pride and wish everyone the best in their future endeavors.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benzemas_Continued_Performance\"><\/span>Benzema\u2019s Continued Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Despite turning 38 in December, Benzema continues to perform well, having netted eight goals in 14 league appearances this season. He revealed his intentions to keep playing, stating, &#8220;While my time at Ittihad is coming to an end, I believe I can continue for another two years. I feel physically good and am committed to my performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Benzema also acknowledged that he\u2019s been approached with offers from Europe, sharing, &#8220;I have offers to consider, but I also feel valued here. I want to think carefully about my choices, as I still aim to keep playing and competing.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Next\"><\/span>What&#8217;s Next?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 mg-b-15 article-content\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-746446fd=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2230329953-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2230329953-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/> <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Fans will be keen to see when Ronaldo returns to the pitch, with Al Nasr preparing to face Benzema&#8217;s former team, Al Ittihad, in the Saudi Pro League on Friday evening. Meanwhile, Benzema and Al Hilal will aim to extend their lead at the top of the league when they play against the struggling Al Ahdoud on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p><!--)--><\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the ongoing rivalry and intense competition in the Saudi Professional League, especially with high-profile players like Benzema and Ronaldo involved. The implications of these transfers could shape the future of league dynamics, attracting further international attention and investment in the sport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Karim Benzema made headlines by transferring from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, on deadline day in January. The former Real Madrid forward was nearing the end of his contract with Al Ittihad before making the switch. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo seems discontent with the recent transfer moves in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40940,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[8619,1058,7169,40,958,46,1858,910,1627,45,8620],"class_list":{"0":"post-40939","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-benzema","9":"tag-fan","10":"tag-fierce","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-joins","13":"tag-news","14":"tag-rival","15":"tag-ronaldo","16":"tag-setback","17":"tag-soccer","18":"tag-uproar"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40939","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40939"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40939\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}