Club World Cup spotlight brings renewed attention to Saudi football giants as Esteve Calzada draws parallels with Madrid-Atleti derby
As the FIFA Club World Cup shines a global spotlight on Saudi football, Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada has addressed swirling rumors about a potential move for Cristiano Ronaldo, firmly dismissing the idea due to the heated rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr. Speaking to Diario AS, Calzada likened the relationship between the two Saudi Pro League powerhouses to the storied rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in Spain’s LaLiga.
In the weeks leading up to the Club World Cup, Al Hilal had been sensationally linked with a surprise approach for Ronaldo, whose contract with Al Nassr is set to expire at the end of June. However, Calzada made it clear that poaching the Portuguese superstar from their cross-city rivals would have created an awkward and unprecedented situation in Saudi football.
“At the end of the day, Al Nassr is like Atlético and Al Hilal is like Madrid,” Calzada said in the interview. “It would be a very unusual situation to strengthen your team with a player from your eternal rival.”
Rivalries Beyond the Pitch
The rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr is arguably the most intense in Saudi Arabian football, rooted in decades of competition, cultural identity, and fan loyalty. The two clubs, both based in Riyadh, have a long history of competing for domestic and regional dominance. The addition of international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Neymar Jr. at Al Hilal has only intensified the rivalry, both on the pitch and off it.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in December 2022 marked a transformative moment for the league, instantly attracting international media attention and raising the commercial profile of Al Nassr. With the Saudi Pro League aiming to establish itself as a global football destination, speculation around player movement among top clubs has only grown. However, as Calzada emphasized, some boundaries in football remain sacred.
“Cristiano is the captain of Al Nassr. He’s more than just a player for them. He represents their image, their identity,” Calzada explained. “In that sense, trying to sign him would not only be complicated—it would be controversial and likely disrespectful to the rivalry.”
Club World Cup Brings Focus to Saudi Clubs
Al Hilal, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, are currently participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, representing Asia on the global stage. The tournament presents a golden opportunity for the club to showcase its talent and ambition, following a major investment in international stars and coaching staff. With the likes of Neymar, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Kalidou Koulibaly on the roster, Al Hilal is eager to assert itself as more than just a domestic powerhouse.
The Club World Cup also offers a rare platform to compare Saudi football with elite clubs from Europe, South America, and beyond. Calzada believes that rather than relying on high-profile shock transfers, clubs like Al Hilal should continue building their identity around long-term planning, strategic acquisitions, and a deep connection with their supporters.
“Our project is not about chasing headlines,” Calzada said. “It’s about developing a sustainable model that puts Al Hilal on the world map while respecting our heritage and traditions.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Contract and Future
Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 39 in February, has continued to defy age with impressive performances in the Saudi Pro League and international competitions. Since joining Al Nassr, he has consistently delivered goals and led by example, earning admiration both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
His current contract with Al Nassr runs until the end of June 2025, and while no official announcement has been made regarding an extension or exit, speculation about his next move continues to dominate headlines. Some reports have linked him with a possible return to Europe or a final stint in Major League Soccer, but the player has yet to hint at his future intentions.
Despite Al Hilal’s financial capabilities and global ambitions, Calzada’s comments appear to close the door on any possibility of Ronaldo switching sides in Riyadh.
“It wouldn’t make sense—for us or for him,” Calzada concluded. “Our rivalry is deep, and that’s part of what makes football in this region so passionate.”
Historical Context: Saudi Football’s Growth
The rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr has grown even more prominent as Saudi Arabia increases its investment in sports as part of Vision 2030—a national plan aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting cultural engagement. Football has played a central role, with Saudi clubs securing high-profile international players, modernizing infrastructure, and competing in global events like the Club World Cup.
Al Hilal’s approach under Calzada has focused on attracting top-tier talent while fostering youth development and maintaining a strong domestic presence. The club has also begun exploring broader partnerships with European clubs and global brands, aiming to expand its influence and appeal.
While marquee names like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar dominate headlines, club executives like Calzada are quick to remind fans and stakeholders that strategy and identity are just as important as star power.
Looking Ahead
As Al Hilal continue their campaign at the Club World Cup, the focus remains on performance and prestige rather than headline-grabbing transfers. The comments from CEO Esteve Calzada not only put to rest rumors about a Ronaldo bid but also underscore the club’s respect for its rivalry with Al Nassr and its commitment to integrity and tradition in football.
With Ronaldo’s future still up in the air and Saudi football on a historic rise, the coming months are likely to feature more headlines. But for now, one thing is clear: the eternal rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr is alive and well—and some lines, no matter how tempting, are not meant to be crossed.
