Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Ittihad is edging into a decisive phase, and the Frenchman — still operating in the same league that Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate — has finally broken his silence on where he may play next season.

After the 2026 World Cup, France manager Didier Deschamps could end up facing Cristiano Ronaldo with reports linking him to a Saudi Pro League rival.

What unfolded wasn’t just a fierce battle on the pitch, but a drama that spilled over into social media, leaving fans speculating about a subtle message that reignited the old rivalry.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward, whose name was once synonymous with silverware, is now enduring the longest trophy drought of his illustrious career, a run that has seen near misses, heartbreaks, and an ever-deepening sense of frustration.

Nearly three years after joining Al-Nassr, the Portuguese superstar finds himself battling a strange, unrelenting curse.

Despite being in top form, Al Nassr faced a surprising elimination against Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad in the King's Cup. Following the match, Cristiano Ronaldo quickly sent an encouraging eight-word message to fans and teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an unexpected setback in the 2025-26 season as Al Nassr ended up being eliminated by Al Ittihad being down to 10 men in the King's Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will face Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad in the King Cup of Champions.

Set to face Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad once again in the 2025-26 season, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to lose an Al Nassr star teammate for the game.

Karim Benzema’s club, Al Ittihad, has reportedly agreed to bring in a Portuguese coach who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, never shy of making his feelings known, sent out a fiery post-match message aimed not just at Benzema, but at every rival in Saudi Arabia.

In a pivotal Saudi Pro League clash, Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of Al Nassr’s goals in a 2-0 win over Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad.

Karim Benzema and Jose Mourinho—two names forever tied to the golden era of Real Madrid—are once again being mentioned in the same breath.

Al Ittihad host Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Matchday 4 of the 2025/2026 Saudi Pro League. Fans in the U.S. can watch every moment, with kickoff times and full broadcast information available for both TV and streaming platforms.

Karim Benzema is set to meet once again with Cristiano Ronaldo in the game against Al Nassr, and the Al Ittihad head coach has provided an update regarding the French status.