Former Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal

Former Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, has completed a deadline day free transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal in a move which shocked the Saudi Pro League.

Benzema, 38, had been at Al Ittihad since 2023 but was entering the final six months of his contract and was said to be unhappy with the terms on offer for a renewal.

“Al Hilal signed French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to represent the football team for one and a half years,” the Saudi club said in a statement.

Benzema, who fired Al Ittihad to a league and cup double in 2025, posted on X: “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.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was said to be angered by Benzema’s transfer and sat out Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Riyadh as a result. Al Nassr have not explained his absence, nor has Ronaldo made any public statement.

Reports in Portugal claimed the striker feels Al Nassr deserved more support from the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund. The Saudi PIF owns Al Nassr, as well as rival clubs Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. The Portuguese outlet A Bola said the 40-year-old feels the other PIF-owned clubs had received stronger backing.

Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus added Iraqi prospect Hayder Abdulkareem to his squad in January but admitted he wanted more signings.

Jesus said: “I spoke about the winter period. We don’t have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al Nassr is not good, and doesn’t allow it. I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.”

Ronaldo is one of several high profile stars at Al Nassr, alongside Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, while Jhon Duran, signed for $75m last January, remains out on loan at Fenerbahce.