In a stunning late-window move that has sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has transferred from Al Ittihad to their direct title rivals Al Hilal, completing a dramatic intra-league switch on deadline day.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner signed an eighteen-month contract with Al Hilal, the current league leaders, after terminating his deal in Jeddah.
The move, orchestrated by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) which oversees several Saudi clubs, has intensified the championship race and reportedly sparked discontent from superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for fellow contender Al Nassr.
The transfer was precipitated by a complete breakdown in relations between Benzema and Al Ittihad’s management.
With his contract set to expire in six months, the 38-year-old French striker rejected a proposed extension that sources described as “disrespectful,” as it would have effectively seen him play without a salary while retaining control over his image rights.
“Al Ittihad, This chapter comes to an end, but the respect and gratitude will always remain,” Benzema wrote in a social media farewell. “I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared”. His departure was signaled by his omission from Al Ittihad’s matchday squad in their previous league fixture.
For Al Hilal, managed by former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, the signing is a massive sporting and commercial coup. The Riyadh-based club, Saudi Arabia’s most successful with 21 league titles, swooped in to secure the former Real Madrid icon on a free transfer
“Karim Benzema is officially Hilali,” the club announced on social media platform X.
The acquisition not only bolsters their attacking options with one of the era’s most decorated forwards but also significantly weakens a direct rival, reshaping the dynamics of the title race.
The fallout from the move extends beyond the pitch, reportedly causing significant friction with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Sources indicate Ronaldo was angered by the PIF’s involvement in strengthening Al Hilal, Al Nassr’s primary title challengers, while his own club was unable to make similar market moves.
In a dramatic protest, the Portuguese star refused to play in Al Nassr’s most recent league match. With Al Hilal leading the table by a single point over Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, the addition of Benzema adds immense pressure and star power to the final stretch of the season.
Benzema, who insists he remains physically capable of playing at a high level for two more seasons, had received offers to return to Europe but chose to remain in Saudi Arabia, partly due to a long-term image rights contract that runs until 2030.
His move to Al Hilal also facilitated other transfers, including N’Golo Kanté’s expected departure from Al Ittihad to Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
As the league resumes, all eyes will be on the developing rivalry between the reinforced Al Hilal, a discontented Ronaldo at Al Nassr, and Benzema’s quest for a second Saudi crown in as many years.