Ronaldo's Saudi Saga: Power Plays, Benzema Drama, and the Price of Icon Status

Muscle Display

English media figure Simon Jordan argues Ronaldo’s current Saudi crisis is not a random incident but the result of a relationship built from the moment he signed with Al Nassr and the role he has been given within the kingdom’s sports project.

Ronaldo recently sparked a controversy by opposing Karim Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, criticizing what he sees as heavy support for Al Hilal compared with other clubs.

The question of Ronaldo’s participation against Al Ittihad next Friday remains unclear as the Saudi Pro League schedule unfolds.

Jordan, speaking in a recorded interview, said Ronaldo was presented as an exceptional star and is being pushed in every possible sporting event because of his influence, now at the forefront of the mental landscape for Saudi sports officials, not only for performance but also for influence and empowerment.

He added that Ronaldo’s signing was expected to deliver both technical impact and broad influence, yet it granted him substantial power within the system. Paying such sums, he argued, effectively undermines any attempt to exert real authority over the player, who doesn’t need money after a long career.

Jordan described Ronaldo’s current actions as a “muscle display,” questioning how anyone could expect to control a player who has no real leverage over him.

Retirement Home

Jordan compared the current situation with what happened at Manchester United, insisting Ronaldo wouldn’t have been able to behave this way there, where he was kept in check regardless of status, with later appearances suggesting he was preparing for exit after not being treated as the top star.

He stressed that what is happening now is a natural result of that equation, claiming the organizers brought this problem upon themselves and that he feels no sympathy for them.

He criticized the Saudi league overall, saying he does not take its hype seriously and that it is not the same as what was pitched two or three years ago; in the end, what has been achieved is a final stop or a retirement home for former greats.

Punchline 1: If Ronaldo’s ego had a season ticket, it would come with a VIP parking spot for the press—right next to the spotlight he already runs places with his stare.

Punchline 2: In football, you either chase records or chase the coffee for press conferences—Ronaldo seems to be multitasking as a one-man marketing department and a very loud echo in the room.