Softfootball understands that Karim Benzema has completed a surprise move to Al Hilal after officially terminating his contract with Al Ittihad.
The transfer goes down as one of the most eye-catching in-season switches the Saudi Pro League has seen, with the former Ballon d’Or winner crossing rivalry lines at a critical stage of the campaign.
Following a recent report that Benzema is set to join Al Hilal after contract talks break down between Benzema and Al-Ittihad, the French striker joins Al Hilal on a free transfer, as reported by sport expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, signing a one-and-a-half-year deal that runs until June 2027.
He posted:
BREAKING: Karim Benzema signs in as new Al Hilal player from Al Ittihad, HERE WE GO! Former Ballon d’Or leaves Al Ittihad to join Inzaghi’s project at Al Hilal with immediate effect.Benzema agreed on all terms tonight.
The paperwork was wrapped up just hours before the winter transfer window closed, which only added to the drama around the move. For Al Hilal, already sitting top of the table, it’s a bold play and a clear signal they want to finish the job this season.
With six months left on his deal with Al Ittihad, he chose to walk away rather than drag things on. He had already been left out of Al Ittihad’s last two league matches.
Still, his time at Al Ittihad was not short on success. Benzema was central to their historic domestic double in 2025, helping the club lift both the Saudi Pro League title and the King’s Cup for the first time. Across 83 appearances, he scored 54 goals and added 17 assists.
Now at Al Hilal, Benzema strengthens an already dangerous squad. They sit just one point ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, and the title race suddenly feels sharper and louder. His arrival also reignites talk around power balance in the league, especially among PIF-backed clubs.
Benzema is expected to be unveiled soon and could debut in the Riyadh derby against Al Nassr. A first appearance against former side Al Ittihad on February 19 is also on the table. At 38, he’s still scoring, 16 goals in 21 games this season, and clearly, he didn’t come to Saudi to fade quietly.
