Karim Benzema is quickly bringing his second stint in Saudi Arabia to an end. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and Al-Hilal have terminated his contract.
Karim Benzema’s time at Al-Hilal is coming to an end after just under seven months: The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and the Riyadh-based club have agreed to a mutual termination of his contract. This was announced on Monday. Benzema had only joined Al-Hilal from rival Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of February.
However, signs of the end of this partnership had already been evident. The 38-year-old was not even on the roster for Al-Hilal’s competitive match against Al-Khaleej last Friday—even though he had dismissed rumors of an imminent departure as recently as mid-August. Another reason for the abrupt end to his time in Riyadh is the impending signing of Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli. The Frenchman’s departure frees up a spot for a foreign player on Al-Hilal’s roster—only ten are allowed—while also providing the club with new financial flexibility.
Saudi Pro League Ambassador Through 2030
Al-Hilal is already preparing for life without the longtime Real Madrid striker: With the signing of English national team player Ollie Watkins, Al-Hilal recently unveiled a new center forward. Despite his brief stint in the capital, the 38-year-old made a strong impression on the field. After joining the club in early February, Benzema was involved in 15 goals (ten goals, five assists) in 16 games and won the Saudi Cup.
It is not yet known where the 97-time French national team striker will go next. According to consistent media reports, Benzema has ruled out retiring—so a return to Europe is also a possibility. However, he remains an ambassador for the Saudi Pro League through 2030, having joined the league in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid (648 games, 354 goals, 158 assists).
Before joining Al-Hilal, he played for Al-Ittihad for two and a half years (83 games, 54 goals, 17 assists in total).
