Not Cristiano Ronaldo, But $430,000,000 Poorer Karim Benzema Opened the Door For Superstars to Leave Europe For Saudi Pro League, Claims Danish Legend

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have set the stage on fire together during their years in Real Madrid. However, the duo will now be challenging each other in the Saudi Pro League.

Following his move to Al-Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United, many would say Cristiano Ronaldo opened new roads for players to move to the Middle East. However, not everyone agrees with the statement. Dutch legend Bo Svensson in his recent interview claimed it isn’t Ronaldo but Karim Benzema who has been the catalyst to ignite the new wave of European stars moving to the Saudi Pro League.

Svensson picks Karim Benzema as the Saudi catalyst over Cristiano Ronaldo

While it is hard to decline that Cristiano Ronaldo was the first among many to make the switch to the Saudi League. Bo Svensson’s statement holds a lot of value. Cristiano moved to Al-Nassr following an ugly spat with United, unlike Karim Benzema who ended his spell with Real Madrid on a high.

In a recent interview with BILD, Mainz manager and Dutch legend Bo Svensson credited Karim Benzema as the catalyst that influenced European players to make a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

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“I take it very seriously. It’s different from back then with China. Only three foreigners were allowed to play per club, and really big names didn’t go to China either.”

“For me, the decisive transfer to Saudi Arabia wasn’t Ronaldo at 38. But Benzema, who just played in the semi-finals of the Champions League. This could be a door opener for others. If you see the names now, the number of players going there. The money that’s available where even the Premier League can’t keep up. I’m excited to see how it goes.”

While the statements among fans and experts may differ, there is no doubt that the Saudi Pro League has now emerged as a destination for players across Europe.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema set to lock horns

The Saudi Pro League is now more competitive than ever, and Cristiano Ronaldo will have to bring out his A-game. With multiple European stars making a switch to the league across different teams, calling Al-Nassr or Al-Hilal the top contender is old news.

With Karim Benzema joining Al-Ittihad alongside compatriot N’Golo Kante, the Saudi side will be eager to add more titles to their cabinet. However, Al-Nassr has done its best in the transfer window to rope in new names to complement Cristiano.

As potential transfer possibilities loom over in the coming days. It will be interesting to see if Ronaldo vs Benzema takes the central stage or if someone else steps up to the mark to become the hero of the league.

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