Al-Hilal CEO Draws Bold Comparison Between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Atletico Madrid
Al-Hilal kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 journey with a thrilling 1-1 draw against the mighty Real Madrid. However, the buzz leading up to the match wasn’t just about the game—speculations about Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential move from Al-Nassr to Al-Hilal during the additional FIFA transfer window stole the spotlight. Al-Hilal CEO, Esteve Calzada, didn’t shy away from addressing the rumours, even comparing his club to the legendary Real Madrid and Al-Nassr to Atletico Madrid.
“We Are the Real Madrid of Saudi Arabia”
In an exclusive interview with Diario AS, Calzada painted a vivid picture of Al-Hilal’s stature in Saudi football. “Who haven’t they linked us with? Cristiano, of course,” he said with a chuckle. “We’re a bit like Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia—everyone leaks stories about us because they think we might be interested in everything. Sometimes it’s true, but often it’s not. It reminds me of Manchester City’s early days when it seemed like every player had an offer from them.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Transfer Saga: A Rare Possibility
Calzada also reflected on the complexities of signing a player from a fierce rival. “We’ve adopted a policy of not commenting on rumours,” he stated. “At the end of the day, Al-Nassr is like Atlético Madrid, and Al-Hilal is like Real Madrid. Strengthening your team with a player from your eternal rival would be a very unusual situation.”
Ronaldo, fresh off his UEFA Nations League victory with Portugal, hinted at continuing his journey with Al-Nassr during post-match interviews. Despite the swirling transfer rumours, his commitment to the club remains strong. His contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire on 30 June 2025, leaving fans eagerly speculating about his next move.
What’s Next for Al-Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo?
As Al-Hilal continues their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, the transfer rumours surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo add an extra layer of intrigue to their season. Whether the Portuguese superstar stays at Al-Nassr or makes a historic switch remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the football world will be watching closely.
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