Trouble brewed as soon as Karim Benzema joined Al Nassr's rivals Al Hilal. Legendary former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has jumped to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo over his recent feud with the Saudi Pro League, insisting his former teammate has been "disrespected" by the recent saga.

Football clubs have spent a record $13. 08 billion on international transfers in 2025, governing body FIFA said on Wednesday.