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Ex-Liverpool striker AXED by Al-Hilal after Benzema arrival

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been brutally axed from the Al-Hilal squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema. The Saudi Pro League heavyweights, who have their sights set on another domestic title triumph, acquired ex-Real Madrid star Benzema during the winter transfer window. There is now no room in their ranks for Uruguay international Nunez.

Karim Benzema Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Hilal Al-Nassr 2025-26

Benzema allegedly provoked Ronaldo with Saudi title joke

Karim Benzema reportedly provoked former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after sealing his controversial transfer to Al-Hilal, with the French forward said to have sent a Saudi Pro League title joke to a disgruntled friend that has taken strike action at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo was left frustrated at seeing a fellow Ballon d’Or winner change clubs during the winter transfer window.

📽️ | Benzema in 'didn't say goodbye' spat after free transfer

Karim Benzema became caught up in an angry exchange with a journalist following his stunning debut for Al-Hilal. The veteran French striker has sparked remarkable scenes in the Saudi Pro League - with Cristiano Ronaldo going on strike - after completing a free transfer. Benzema has refuted suggestions that he left Al-Ittihad without saying goodbye to his former team-mates.

Ronaldo 'threatens Al-Nassr exit'

Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to leave Al-Nassr in the summer as he continues his strike action against the club, CBS Sports reports. The Portugal superstar missed the 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh in protest at PIF's decision to transfer Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.

Al Ittihad v Al Taawoun: Saudi Pro League

‘Like Real Madrid in Asia' - Benzema reveals Al-Hilal trophy ambition

Karim Benzema has ignited a storm in the Saudi Pro League by branding his new club Al-Hilal the "Real Madrid in Asia" immediately after completing a controversial transfer from rivals Al-Ittihad. While the Frenchman eyes more silverware, the move is said to have infuriated Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly attempted to block it.

Ronaldo still training despite unhappiness over Al-Nassr transfer window

Cristiano Ronaldo has not left Riyadh and continues to train with Al-Nassr, debunking reports of a strike. The Portuguese legend remains furious over the club's lack of transfer activity and the controversy surrounding Karim Benzema's proposed move to Al-Hilal, but a return to his homeland has been ruled out as he eyes the MLS or Europe for his next step.

How CR7 & Benzema threw the Saudi Pro League into crisis

Three years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the sporting world by joining Al-Nassr. Six months later, the Portuguese trailblazer was joined in the Saudi Pro League by a number of high-profile players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte. Some of those superstars were clearly past their prime, but the mere fact that they were willing to move to the Middle East felt significant.

Liverpool FC v Qarabag FK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8

Saudi Pro League's transfer plan for Salah revealed

Mohamed Salah has reportedly emerged as Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad's number one priority to replace Karim Benzema. The Egyptian has long been a target for Saudi Arabian clubs and has endured a disappointing campaign so far, hitting out at Liverpool in December before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old signed a new contract with the Reds last April but his future is up in the air having only scored six club goals this season.

Benzema agrees shock transfer to Al-Hilal amid Ronaldo protest

Karim Benzema has completed a shock January transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day. The former Real Madrid star was into the final few months of his deal with Al-Ittihad but has now moved on. The proposed move is unlikely to go down well with Cristiano Ronaldo who has been left frustrated by recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League.

How disgruntled CR7 holds key to THREE high-profile transfers

Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly impacting three high-profile deals that were being lined up late in the winter transfer window. Portuguese GOAT CR7 is frustrated at how things are playing out at Al-Nassr and is looking to flex his muscles when it comes to business being done by domestic rivals in the Middle East.

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Ronaldo isn't happy! Why frustrated CR7 could REFUSE to play

Cristiano Ronaldo could refuse to play for Al-Nassr in their next Saudi Pro League fixture, according to reports in his native Portugal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be cutting a frustrated figure in the Middle East. With that in mind, the evergreen 40-year-old is considering ruling himself out of contention for selection in a derby date with Al-Riyadh.

Why Real Madrid icon Benzema has REFUSED to play for Al-Ittihad

Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has reportedly refused to play for Al-Ittihad ahead of their Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Fateh. The veteran striker is in his third season at the Jeddah outfit but it seems this could be his last following an apparent dispute with the club. The 38-year-old's contract expires in the summer - however, at this rate, the Frenchman could be leaving before then.

Ronaldo doubles Messi’s earnings to top highest-paid chart

Sportico have released their annual highest-paid athletes list, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top of that chart. The Portuguese GOAT earned double what eternal rival Lionel Messi pulled in over the course of 2025, with the Al-Nassr forward making $260 million (£194m). There are 13 football players in the top 100, with Brazilian icon Neymar tumbling down the standings.

Vinicius Junior Cristiano Ronaldo Karim Benzema Real Madrid

Vini Jr matches Real record held by Ronaldo, Benzema & Puskas

Vinicius Junior’s moment of magic for Real Madrid in their Super Cup clash with Clasico rivals Barcelona counted for little in the grand scheme of things, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat, but it did see him match a notable record. The Brazilian forward now sits level with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Ferenc Puskas when it comes to goal contributions in major finals.

Al Ittihad v Al Shabab: Saudi King's Cup

Al-Ittihad expect Benzema to sign new contract in summer

Al-Ittihad director Ramon Planes believes the club's captain and star striker Karim Benzema will extend his stay in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old's contract is set to expire in June 2026. Speculation over the five-time Champions League winners future intensified towards the end of last year, when he gave a cryptic answer to questions over his intentions to extend his stay in the Middle East.

Benzema hints at sensational France return for 2026 World Cup

Karim Benzema has reignited one of the most compelling storylines of his extraordinary career by revealing he remains fully open to representing France at the 2026 World Cup, despite a turbulent international history that has long suggested his time with Les Bleus is over. Didier Deschamps' men will be looking to regain the global crown in North America spearheaded by the likes of Kylian Mbappe, and Benzema is willing to lend a helping hand to the cause.

Frequently asked questions

: Lionel Messi is a versatile attacker who has featured both through the middle and in a free role from the right, allowing him to cut inside on to his stronger left foot.
: Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, in Argentina on June 24, 1987.
: The Argentine maestro wears the number he has been known to don for the majority of his career, the No. 10, at MLS outfit Inter Miami.
: Lionel Messi is often among the shortest players on a football pitch, standing at just 1.70m (5ft 7in). However, it is due to his low center of gravity which has made him one of the most fearsome forces to be reckoned with in football history.
: Lionel Messi weighs 67kg (148 lbs), his low weight aiding him in gaining high bursts of acceleration and gliding past defenders as if they were never there.
: Lionel Messi began his journey in football with local club Grandoli at the age of four, in 1992, before joining the team he loved the most, Newell's Old Boys, at the age of six. He stayed with the Argentine club until 2000, when he made the switch to Barcelona.
: Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo have three sons: Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro.
: Lionel Messi is married to Argentine model and media personality Antonella Roccuzzo. The couple exchanged vows back in 2017.

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