Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal mutually agree to terminate contract after six months
The 38-year-old French forward agreed to end his deal with Al-Hilal on 31 August 2026, just six months after arriving from rival Al-Ittihad, amid squad restructuring under Simone Inzaghi.
Mutual termination in Riyadh
Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal agreed on Monday, 31 August 2026, to mutually terminate the French forward's contract, ending his tenure at the Riyadh club after six months. The 38-year-old had joined Al-Hilal in February 2026 from domestic rival Al-Ittihad on an agreement originally set to run until June 2027. The club released an official statement confirming the departure and acknowledging the striker's conduct during his spell.
Al-Hilal wishes to salute Karim Benzema's contribution during his time with the team, the professionalism, commitment and leadership he demonstrated, both on and off the pitch.
Benzema released a farewell message on social media platforms X and Instagram on Monday afternoon, addressing supporters and colleagues.
A chapter closes. I am grateful to Al-Hilal, my teammates, the staff, the fans and everyone at the club for the time we shared together. I wish Al-Hilal all the best for the future.
Tactical tensions and squad reshaping
The departure follows internal squad adjustments and managerial decisions under head coach Simone Inzaghi. Friction developed following a recent match in which Benzema was substituted, after which Inzaghi did not select him for the matchday squad. Benzema made his final appearance for Al-Hilal on 20 August 2026.
The contract resolution aligns with a broader offensive restructuring at the Riyadh club. On 30 August 2026, Al-Hilal completed the signing of England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for a reported 51 million pounds ($69 million). The club has also opened negotiations to acquire Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli as Inzaghi rebuilds his forward line.
- Benzema leaves Real Madrid to sign with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad
- Transfers from Al-Ittihad to rival Riyadh club Al-Hilal
- Makes his final match appearance for Al-Hilal
- Al-Hilal signs forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for 51 million pounds
- Al-Hilal and Benzema announce mutual contract termination
Stint in Saudi Arabian football
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in June 2023 after concluding a 14-year career at Real Madrid, joining Al-Ittihad under the ownership of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. During his time at Al-Ittihad, he won one Saudi Pro League championship and one King's Cup. In February 2026, he transferred to Al-Hilal, where he won the 2025/26 King's Cup playing alongside Portuguese midfielder Rúben Neves.
Reports from French and Portuguese outlets offer differing records for his statistical return at Al-Hilal. Outlets including Le Parisien and Franceinfo recorded nine goals in 13 appearances, while Notícias ao Minuto reported ten goals and five assists in 16 matches, and SAPO recorded ten goals across 22 fixtures.
Future options and career record
Benzema has not announced retirement from professional football. Spanish sports publication AS reported that the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner has received multiple contract proposals to continue playing, including formal inquiries from clubs in North America's Major League Soccer as well as the possibility of returning to Al-Ittihad.
Beyond his club status, Benzema serves as an official ambassador for the Saudi Pro League through 2030 and supported the Saudi bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Prior to moving to the Middle East, Benzema played 648 matches and scored 354 goals for Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga trophies between 2009 and 2023. At international level, he earned 97 caps and scored 37 goals for France, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
