Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo protesting Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal move is affecting N’Golo Kante’s future

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 11:08 AM ET

Cristiano Ronaldo’s opposition to Karim Benzema’s proposed move to Al Hilal is now having wider consequences across the Saudi Pro League.

The internal transfer had already been facing uncertainty, but the fallout is now extending beyond Benzema and into other high-profile negotiations.

What appeared to be a single dispute is quickly becoming a broader standoff.

Photo by Clicks Images/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo blocks Karim Benzema move to Al Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo is reported to be against Karim Benzema joining Al Hilal due to concerns over competitive balance within the Saudi Pro League.

Reports indicate Ronaldo believes the move would undermine fair competition, with Al Ittihad valuing Benzema at a minimum of 25 million euros and Al Hilal previously keen to push talks forward.

Despite Benzema’s strong form this season, the transfer has stalled as resistance remains in place.

N’Golo Kante deal held up amid wider transfer standoff

The impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s intervention is now being felt across other proposed deals involving Saudi clubs. Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu explained the issue.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s intervention in Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal transfer has caused N’Golo Kante to be unable to sign with Fenerbahce yet, while Youssef En-Nesyri has been unable to join Al Ittihad.

“The clubs have finalized the agreements and submitted them to the Saudi Pro League; official signatures are on hold pending approval.”

The situation highlights how a single high-profile disagreement is delaying multiple transfers as league approval remains unresolved.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: