Karim Benzema Completes Shock Free Transfer From Al Ittihad to Al Hilal
Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has completed a deadline-day free transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League.
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.
Confirming the move in a statement, Al Hilal said:
“Al Hilal signed French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to represent the football team for one and a half years.”
The Ballon d’Or winner, who led Al Ittihad to a league and cup double in 2025, also took to X to bid farewell to the club.
“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 wrote.
Meanwhile, the transfer is said to have sparked tension elsewhere in the league. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly reacted angrily to Benzema’s switch and subsequently sat out Al Nassr’s 1–0 victory over Al Riyadh. The club has not explained his absence, and Ronaldo has made no public comment.
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 (PIF), which owns Al Nassr alongside rivals Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. According to A Bola, Ronaldo believes the other PIF-owned clubs have benefited from stronger financial support.
Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus also admitted dissatisfaction with the club’s activity in the January transfer window, despite adding Iraqi prospect Hayder Abdulkareem to his squad.
“The financial situation at Al Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it,” Jesus said. “I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.”
Al Nassr boast several high-profile stars including Sadio Mané, João Félix, and Kingsley Coman, while Jhon Durán, signed for $75 million last January, remains on loan at Fenerbahçe.
Benzema’s move to Al Hilal further intensifies rivalry at the top of Saudi football as the season reaches a critical stage.
