Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has joined Al Hilal on a free transfer, ending his stint with Al Ittihad and shaking up the Saudi Pro League.
The 38-year-old had been with Al Ittihad since 2023 but was entering the final six months of his contract and reportedly rejected renewal terms.
“Al Hilal signed French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to represent the football team for one and a half years,” the Saudi club confirmed in a statement.
Benzema reflected on his Al Ittihad chapter on X, posting: “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 has reportedly angered Cristiano Ronaldo, who sat out Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Riyadh. Neither Ronaldo nor the club has offered a public explanation for his absence. Portuguese media outlets suggest the 40-year-old feels Al Nassr, unlike other PIF-owned clubs, didn’t receive sufficient financial backing from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus said earlier this year: “I spoke about the winter period. We don’t have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al Nassr is not good, and doesn’t allow it. I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.”
Ronaldo remains among a star-studded Al Nassr squad alongside Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman. Meanwhile, Jhon Duran, signed for $75 million last January, continues on loan at Fenerbahce.
