Bombshell in Saudi Arabia: Benzema to Al Hilal

Bombshell in the Saudi Arabian league. One of the competition’s biggest stars swaps Jeddah for Riyadh. Karim Benzema, 38, has signed for Al Hilal, according to sources close to AS. The league leaders secure the French star after he joined Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023 with the Ballon d’Or under his belt. Disagreements in recent weeks over a contract renewal with the club he won the title with in 2025 have led to the headline move of this winter transfer window in Saudi Arabia, a signing that could reshape the league.

We have been reporting on Benzema’s disputes with Al Ittihad management. Last December, the Frenchman told Diario AS of his desire to renew his contract, but said he expected recognition for his efforts, something that never arrived. Broken promises, words left unsaid and clear signs of a desire to sever ties ultimately caused the relationship between Benzema and Al Ittihad to collapse.

At that point, the PIF, the country’s Public Investment Fund that controls the four major clubs, intervened and was unwilling to let Benzema leave the competition. Several European teams attempted to convince the striker, but Al Hilal pushed strongly to enter the race. It was the Riyadh club that finally secured his arrival in the final hours before the transfer window closed on 2 February. For hours, the Benzema to Al Hilal deal was blocked, largely due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s opposition to his biggest sporting rival strengthening with a player of Benzema’s calibre. Meanwhile, his own club, Al Nassr, remains effectively paralysed in the transfer market.

Benzema’s arrival is a major boost for Al Hilal in the title race against Al Nassr, Al Ahly and Al Qadsiah, and strengthens their bid to reclaim the Asian Champions League crown.

The signing has also shaken Al Nassr and its star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has complained to the ownership about the club’s inactivity in the winter market while their biggest rival adds a world-class player. The Portuguese forward has made his anger clear and has decided not to play for Al Nassr until further notice. He was not even included in the squad for the victory over Al Riyadh.

Benzema scored 54 goals and provided 17 assists in 83 appearances for Al Ittihad. The Frenchman believes he still has football left in him, which is why he sought recognition in a new contract. He will now spend his final years at Al Hilal, and a future return to Real Madrid remains a possibility once he decides to retire from professional football.