Ronaldo’s ‘dirty’ gesture during Riyadh Season Cup has fans seeing red

Video grab of the incident. (Social media)
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Updated 09 February 2024
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Ronaldo’s ‘dirty’ gesture during Riyadh Season Cup has fans seeing red

RIYADH: Social media erupted in anger over Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo reaction to Al-Hilal fans following the derby rivals’ clash in the Riyadh Season Cup on Thursday night.

A brief fan-shot video showed the Portuguese striker putting an Al-Hilal scarf in his shorts after it was thrown at him while he walked toward the tunnel at Kingdom Arena in the Saudi capital.

Ronaldo then threw the scarf back at the Al-Hilal fans.

“He must be held accountable,” said a user on X, adding they are now waiting for disciplinary action from sporting authorities. 

Another social media user said that he “used to respect and love the Don” before that “dirty” move, adding: “Great players show their mettle in times of defeat.”

Al-Hilal won a heated local derby 2-0 in what was a frustrating night for Al-Nassr and their fans. 

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Salem Al-Dawsari scored for Al-Hilal in the first half before the team shut down Al-Nassr with a determined defensive display. 

Another fan said Ronaldo’s “bad behavior has been repeated,” referring to an incident last April when the 39-year-old attacker grabbed his crotch after Al-Hilal fans taunted him with the name of World Cup winner Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo was again captured on video arguing with Al-Hilal fans during the match on Thursday after relentless chants of “Messi, Messi.”

The Al-Nassr star was also booked by the referee for kicking the ball away in frustration on the 53rd minute. 

He also seemed to be agitated while walking through the Al-Hilal guard of honor, shooing away an event official who was in his way.


Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal

Updated 03 February 2026
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Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal

RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.

The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.

Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.

“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.

“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”

Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points. 

— with input from Reuters