Benzema: Al-Hilal are the Real Madrid of Asia

Karim Benzema described Al-Hilal as the Asian equivalent of Real Madrid after completing his switch from Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad.

Benzema, who had entered the final six months of his contract with Al-Ittihad, joined the Pro League leaders on an initial one-and-a-half-year deal on Monday.

The former Madrid striker scored 38 goals in 64 league appearances for Al-Ittihad, who also sold midfielder N'Golo Kante to Fenerbahce ahead of the transfer deadline.

His move has reportedly caused friction across the league, with Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo believing Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund – which funds all three clubs – had shown favouritism towards Al-Hilal.

Al-Hilal, who appointed Simone Inzaghi as their head coach last year, are currently one point clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the table, with Al-Ahli and Al Qadsiah also within four points of the summit.

And Benzema believes he has joined the biggest club in Asia, telling the club's media channels: "It's good. I'm happy to be here. 

"After my first training with the team, with the coach, I'm so happy and glad to be a part of this team. It's a good team, with a good history. They have won a lot of trophies.

"It's similar, like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, they have a good mentality.

"I liked this team from before. I used to play against them with Madrid, and it was not an easy game. It was a good game, so I have good memories. Today I'm happy because I'm a player of Al Hilal."

Since first moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Benzema's 38 Pro League goals are the fifth-most of any player, while his 40.3 expected goals (xG) ranks fourth in the competition in that time, and he fired Al-Ittihad to the title in 2024-25.

He ranks joint-third for goal involvements (54), alongside Sadio Mane and Aleksandar Mitrovic, only behind Ronaldo (92) and Salem Al-Dawsari (57).

Benzema has eight goals in 14 league matches this campaign, and his debut for Al-Hilal – who also tied star midfielder Ruben Neves down to a new contract on Wednesday – could come against Al-Okhdood on Thursday.