Benzema Out at Al Hilal After Just Six Months

Picture the scene: Karim Benzema walks out of Al Hilal’s training complex in Riyadh for the last time, barely six months after his grand arrival.

The 38-year-old French striker’s contract has been terminated by mutual agreement, leaving the Saudi Pro League giants to reshape their attack without their marquee signing. Here’s why this sudden split matters for both parties.

Why Did Benzema Leave Al Hilal So Quickly?

Al Hilal announced on Monday that the club and Benzema “mutually agreed to terminate their contractual relationship,” ending his time with the first football team. The former Real Madrid star had a year left on his deal, making this an early exit that few expected when he joined in February 2026 after a spell with fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad.

The change in sporting direction under new coach Simone Inzaghi was cited as a key factor in the split. Inzaghi’s tactical overhaul reportedly left little room for a striker approaching his late thirties, even one with Benzema’s pedigree. The mutual agreement suggests both sides recognised the fit was no longer working.

“Al Hilal Club Company and Karim Benzema mutually agreed to terminate their contractual relationship,” the club statement read.

What Were Benzema’s Numbers in Saudi Arabia?

The published statistics vary depending on the source. One account credits Benzema with 16 appearances and 10 goals, plus five assists. Another report lists 10 goals and nine assists across just 14 appearances. Either way, the output was respectable for a player past his peak.

Those numbers translate to roughly a goal every 140 minutes. Not bad for a 38-year-old, but perhaps not enough to justify the wages and squad space in a title-chasing side.

Was This a Tactical Decision by Simone Inzaghi?

Inzaghi appears to be building a faster, more dynamic attack than what Benzema could offer. The Italian coach’s system relies on pressing from the front and quick transitions, which demands mobility that the veteran striker increasingly struggles to provide.

Al Hilal’s sporting directors clearly sided with their new coach over their star player. That hierarchy decision speaks volumes about the club’s long-term direction.

Benzema’s departure frees up significant wage budget and a foreign player slot, which Al Hilal can now use to target a younger, more suitable striker.

What Does This Mean for Benzema’s Career at 38?

Benzema leaves with a remarkable legacy intact: the 2022 Ballon d’Or and five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid. His Saudi adventure, spanning two clubs, never quite recaptured that magic.

Retirement now seems the likeliest option for the Frenchman, though a return to Europe cannot be completely ruled out. At 38, his options are limited, but his quality on the ball remains undeniable.

The question is whether any club wants a striker who just failed to stick at one of Asia’s biggest teams.

What Happens Next for Al Hilal’s Attack?

Al Hilal now have a vacancy at centre-forward with the Saudi season already underway. Their first game under the new setup was scheduled against Al Okhdood, a fixture Benzema was initially expected to feature in. The club’s recruitment team will move quickly, with the winter window approaching.

Expect them to target a proven goalscorer in his prime, someone who fits Inzaghi’s pressing demands. The Benzema experiment is over, the side’s ambition certainly isn’t. The takeaway: the player chose their tactical future over a Ballon d’Or winner’s past, and Benzema’s Saudi chapter closes with more questions than answers. His next move, if any, will define how he’s remembered in this phase of his career.

FAQs

Did Benzema retire after leaving Al Hilal?

No official retirement announcement has been made. The mutual termination only confirms his exit from the Saudi club. How many goals did Benzema score for Al Hilal?

Published reports cite 10 goals in either 14 or 16 appearances, depending on the source. Who is Al Hilal’s current coach? Simone Inzaghi, whose tactical direction reportedly influenced Benzema’s departure. What did Benzema win before joining Al Hilal? He won the 2022 Ballon d’Or and five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.