Overview
- Al‑Hilal confirmed the signing of Karim Benzema on an 18‑month deal as the league leaders stay one point ahead of Al‑Nassr.
- Ronaldo was left out of Al‑Nassr’s 1–0 win over Al‑Riyadh, with multiple outlets reporting he made himself unavailable in protest over perceived unequal backing for his club.
- Reports from Portugal relayed by UK media say Al‑Nassr enforced a post‑match media blackout, with club figures declining public comment on the dispute.
- Sky Sports reports Benzema’s transfer was funded by private investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal rather than PIF, and says Saudi officials want Ronaldo to return for Friday’s match against Al‑Ittihad.
- Ronaldo’s contract reportedly runs to June 2027 with a summer release clause of about £43m (€50m), and major outlets say he is weighing a potential summer exit with the transfer window now closed.