Benzema's brief Al Hilal spell ends as club reshapes attack
Karim Benzema has mutually terminated his contract with Al Hilal after less than seven months, having joined in February from Al Ittihad. The 38-year-old scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for the Saudi club, which recently signed Ollie Watkins and is closing in on Gabriel Martinelli. Benzema previously spent 14 years at Real Madrid, winning 24 trophies and the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
Benzema's brief tenure at Al Hilal saw him contribute 10 goals and five assists across 16 matches after arriving from Al Ittihad in February. His earlier Saudi spell was more productive, with 54 goals in 83 appearances and a league title in 2024-25. The striker's European legacy remains substantial, having spent 14 years at Real Madrid where he collected 24 trophies including five Champions League crowns. His 2022 Ballon d'Or followed a 44-goal season, making him one of only three players outside Ronaldo and Messi to claim the award since 2008.
Al Hilal's decision to part ways follows significant attacking investment, including the £50 million acquisition of Ollie Watkins and an impending €70 million deal for Gabriel Martinelli. These moves signal a strategic shift toward younger talent as the club reshapes its forward line.
This transfer reflects the evolving nature of Saudi football's recruitment strategy, moving from marquee veteran signings toward younger, prime-age talent. Fans of the SPL may see this as a maturation of the league's approach, while observers could interpret it as a sign that the initial wave of European stars is passing. For Benzema, the brief spell may mark the closing chapter of a storied career, potentially prompting reflection among aging players considering lucrative Middle East moves about the fit