Karim Benzema’s stunning switch from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal has reportedly pushed Cristiano Ronaldo closer to breaking point at Al Nassr, sparking fresh rumours over a potential Saudi exit.

Reports suggest Ronaldo deliberately boycotted Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al Riyadh on Monday as a protest against what he views as inadequate transfer backing.

Sources claim the 40-year-old is frustrated by what he sees as unequal financial support, particularly when compared to Al-Hilal, which is heavily backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Al-Hilal’s aggressive recruitment strategy has reportedly seen them outspend Al Nassr by nearly £180 million since Ronaldo’s arrival in the 2022–2023 season.

Benzema’s arrival is expected to strengthen Al-Hilal’s title charge as they sit one point clear at the summit, narrowly ahead of Ronaldo’s side.

Despite mounting frustration, Ronaldo has maintained elite-level output, scoring 117 goals in 113 appearances since joining Al Nassr. His contract runs until 2027, but doubts are growing after his unexplained absence on Monday.

Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Ronaldo’s decision was neither injury- nor illness-related, but a personal choice.

Al Nassr currently trails Al-Hilal by three points and added just one player during the January window. Insiders say Ronaldo is increasingly unhappy with the club’s recruitment policy and perceived imbalance within the league.

Bookmakers have now installed Major League Soccer as a serious option, with odds of 7/4 for a move that could see him reunite with long-time rival Lionel Messi.

A return to Sporting Lisbon stands at 5/2, staying in Saudi Arabia is priced at 5/1, while a sensational Real Madrid comeback sits at 10/1.

Ronaldo first rose to prominence at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson before becoming Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 games.