Al Nassr Director Defends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Goal-Scoring Record With Sly Dig at Saudi-Exit Desiring Karim Benzema

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were two marquee signings of the Saudi Pro Leagues. Yet, their trajectories couldn’t be any different. The Frenchman has just 9 goals and 7 assists in the league. A shadow of the player that won the Ballon d’Or at Real Madrid. CR7 on the other hand is loving life in the Middle East. The Al Nassr captain has 33 goals and 11 assists in the league. The 39-year-old’s goalscoring feats have led many to question the level of the Saudi League. But Al Nassr’s sporting director reckons that if it were that easy, ‘other strikers’, would have achieved the same.

Al Nassr director Marcelo Salazar said, “At the age of 39, Cristiano scored 54 goals last year.” Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo was the leading goalscorer in 2023 beating the likes of Mbappe and Haaland. Salazar added, “People say, ‘Oh, that was in the Saudi League, but (Benzema) was here and did not score 50 goals. Other strikers were here and did not score 50 goals.”

It seems that Marcelo Salazar is hinting that the Saudi League is no child’s play. Many great players like Roberto Firmino, and Neymar, have all struggled to make an impression. Even the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane are finding it hard to score goals. However, the biggest surprise has been Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has struggled on and off the pitch. In fact, the striker reportedly told the Al Ittihad management to sign new players or he will leave. Amusingly, Al Ittihad were the champions before the Frenchman’s arrival.

While Benzema wants out of the Saudi League, Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to complete his contract. Al Nassr is said to have decided on CR7’s contract.

The latest on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr future

Cristiano Ronaldo’s current contract with the Knights of Najd runs through until the summer of 2025. Then, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 40 and well past his physical prime. However, it seems that CR7 could extend his Saudi tenure. The latest story is that Al Nassr is keen on offering their captain a 1-year contract extension until 2026.

On paper, this move suits everyone. Even at an advanced age, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down and is set to walk away with the Golden Boot this campaign. Hence, having the soccer icon lead their attack would be ideal for the Saudi side. For Cristiano Ronaldo, playing at a high level with Al Nassr keeps his hopes of a World Cup participation alive. His new contract would expire before the tournament and after that, CR7 can make the ultimate call on his future.