Benzema transfers to Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad
Saudi Pro League leaders announced on Monday that Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal, after his contract with Al-Ittihad was terminated.
Reports from local media indicate that Benzema’s decision to join Al-Hilal followed his refusal to accept a contract extension with Al-Ittihad. The ex-France striker had been absent from the team’s last two league matches. “Al-Hilal secured the signing of French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to join the football team for a duration of one and a half years,” the Saudi club announced in a statement.
Benzema enjoyed a fruitful tenure with Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, guiding the team to both the league title and the King’s Cup last season. It marked the inaugural domestic double for Al-Ittihad. “This journey has provided me with immense growth, both personally and professionally,” Benzema, who made a free transfer to Al-Ittihad in 2023 after spending 14 years with Real Madrid, shared on X.
“I depart with my head held high, proud to have represented these colors and of all that we experienced together.”
The 38-year-old former Real Madrid striker netted 16 goals in 21 appearances for Al-Ittihad across all competitions this season.
Al-Hilal currently leads the league standings with 47 points, holding a one-point advantage over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad occupies the sixth position with 34 points.
