Karim Benzema has left Al Hilal by mutual consent, just under seven months after joining the club.
The former Real Madrid striker’s departure follows the Saudi Pro League (SPL) club’s £50million signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, while The Athletic reported on Sunday they are also close to an agreement with Arsenal over a €70m deal for Gabriel Martinelli.
Benzema, 38, made just 16 appearances for Al Hilal, recording 10 goals and five assists, following his arrival from Al Ittihad in February.
Benzema was one of several high-profile players to swap Europe for Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023, after the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of four clubs — Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Hilal.
Thank you Karim 🎥💙 pic.twitter.com/t789xmqlH2
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 31, 2026
He scored 54 goals in 83 appearances for Al Ittihad and was the club’s top scorer in the 2024-25 season as they won the SPL title and King’s Cup.
Benzema’s move brought to an end his 14-year stay at Madrid, where he won 24 trophies, including four La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies.
He won the 2022 Ballon d’or award after scoring 44 goals in the 2021-22 season, as he became just the second player other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to have won the award since 2008, with then-Madrid teammate Luka Modric breaking the trend in 2018.
The Athletic reported in January 2024 Lyon were exploring a move for their former player, just six months on from his move to Saudi, but he ultimately remained with Al Ittihad.
Lyon’s interest came after Benzema had been absent from team duties over the Saudi Arabian mid-season break, leaving on holiday without permission before reporting late back to the team. He remained with Al Ittihad after that winter window closed, but his situation at the club remained complicated.
