Abderrazak Hamdallah has voiced strong support for Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that the Portuguese forward brings immense value to the Saudi Pro League and should not be held responsible for Al-Nassr’s challenges.
Speaking in a recent television interview, the Moroccan international described Ronaldo’s presence as transformative, highlighting his status as the league’s top scorer and dismissing criticism of the former Real Madrid star as uninformed.
“People who criticise Ronaldo clearly don’t understand football,” Hamdallah said. “He’s doing exactly what he was brought in to do—score goals and raise the level of the game here.”
The striker’s comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Al-Nassr’s recent performances, with some observers placing blame on high-profile signings like Ronaldo.
Hamdallah, however, was quick to reject such claims, insisting that the Portuguese icon has lived up to expectations and continues to perform at an elite level.
He went on to describe Ronaldo as “one of the greatest players world football has ever seen.”
Addressing the perennial debate between Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Hamdallah offered a measured perspective. “Messi is on another level,” he stated.
“I personally rank him first, ahead of Ronaldo. But that doesn’t change the fact that Ronaldo is one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of football.”
The Moroccan forward also took the opportunity to clarify reports surrounding his relationship with French striker Karim Benzema, following rumours of tension between the two during their time together at Al-Ittihad. Hamdallah denied that any personal conflict existed, emphasising his respect for Benzema.
“There was never any conflict between us,” he explained. “I have a lot of respect for Karim. But yes, there was a situation that could have impacted my future at the club.”
That situation, he revealed, centred on the jersey number he had worn since joining Al-Ittihad. With Benzema’s arrival, Hamdallah was asked to relinquish the number 9 shirt.
He refused. “I felt that I deserved to keep the number I had chosen,” he said. “I’m a top player too, and I wanted to stand my ground.”
Feeling disrespected, Hamdallah said he requested an immediate transfer. It was only after intervention from the club’s former president that a resolution was found.
“He stepped in and asked me to reconsider. In the end, I stayed and took the number 99, while Benzema wore number 9.”
Hamdallah’s remarks shed light on both the internal dynamics of Saudi clubs and the high-profile nature of the league’s recent signings. As established stars from European football transition to the Middle East, issues of hierarchy and identity remain prevalent.
Yet Hamdallah’s willingness to address the controversies with clarity and professionalism highlights his continued influence both on and off the pitch.
With the Saudi Pro League continuing to draw international attention, players like Hamdallah and Ronaldo remain at the centre of a footballing project aiming to redefine the sport’s global landscape.
