Official: Karim Benzema Completes Al Hilal Move on a 18-Month Deal from Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema has completed a deadline day free transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal in a move that shocked the Saudi Pro League. The French star signed on Monday following the termination of his contract with Al Ittihad, marking one of the most surprising transfers in the winter window.

Transfer Details Finalized

Benzema, 38, joined Al Ittihad in 2023 but was entering the final six months of his contract and was reportedly unhappy with the renewal terms offered by the club. Out of contract in six months with Al Ittihad, Benzema rejected a contract extension from Al Ittihad, considering it “disrespectful”.

Al Hilal signed French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to represent the football team for one and a half years. The move was held up briefly by the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund but was ultimately completed on deadline day after all issues were resolved.

Benzema’s Departure Statement

The former France striker had missed the team’s previous two league matches and posted on X, stating: “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”. Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad on a free transfer in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid, scored 16 goals in 21 matches for Al Ittihad in all competitions this season.

Al Ittihad Era Achievements

The 38-year-old striker joined Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023 following his departure from Real Madrid, signing a three-year deal. He quickly became captain and scored 54 goals in 83 matches, helping the club win the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title. Benzema led Al Ittihad to a league and cup double in 2025, the first domestic double in Al Ittihad’s history.

Karim Benzema’s Club Career Progression

Al Hilal Strengthens Championship Bid

Al Hilal sit top of the league standings with 47 points, one point ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, while Al Ittihad are sixth with 34 points. The addition of the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner significantly bolsters Al Hilal’s attacking firepower as they bid to extend their league dominance.

Al Hilal is Saudi Arabia’s most successful team with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships, coached by two-time Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi. The club’s current squad already boasts significant talent, and Benzema’s arrival adds championship experience at the highest levels.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Reported Reaction

Cristiano Ronaldo was said to be angered by Benzema’s transfer and sat out Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Riyadh as a result. Al Nassr have not explained his absence, nor has Ronaldo made any public statement. Portuguese reports claim the 40-year-old feels Al Nassr has not received sufficient backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, which owns Al Nassr alongside rivals Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.

Benzema’s Future at Al Hilal

The striker turned 38 in December but is still going strong. Benzema has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances so far this season and insisted recently he has no intention of hanging up his boots anytime soon.

His experience and proven track record in Saudi football position him to make an immediate impact for the league leaders.

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