The veteran French striker signs a free transfer with the Saudi Pro League leaders, switching clubs after a trophy-laden spell in Jeddah.
In a stunning inter-league transfer, Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal announced the signing of football superstar Karim Benzema on Monday. The former Real Madrid and France forward joins on a free transfer after terminating his contract with domestic rivals Al Ittihad.
The 38-year-old finalized a one-and-a-half-year deal with the Riyadh-based leaders, a move precipitated by his decision to reject a contract extension with Al Ittihad, where he had been absent for the previous two league matches.
Benzema departs Jeddah after a highly successful tenure, having captained Al Ittihad to an historic domestic double last season—securing both the Pro League title and the King’s Cup for the first time in the club’s history. This season, he remained prolific, scoring 16 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Reflecting on his departure, Benzema stated on X: “This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
The transfer significantly shifts the power dynamics in the Saudi top flight. Al Hilal, already leading the table with 47 points—one clear of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr—adds a proven winner to their squad for the title run-in. Al Ittihad, meanwhile, drops to sixth place with 34 points, having lost their talismanic striker to a direct competitor.
