Karim Benzema is set to leave Al Hilal after reaching an agreement with the Saudi Pro League club to terminate his contract by mutual consent, bringing his short spell with the Riyadh-based side to an early end. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday: “Karim Benzema has decided to leave……
Karim Benzema is set to leave Al Hilal after reaching an agreement with the Saudi Pro League club to terminate his contract by mutual consent, bringing his short spell with the Riyadh-based side to an early end.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday: “Karim Benzema has decided to leave Al Hilal with mutual contract termination agreed today. Benzema to announce his decision on future soon; options include retirement or playing in another Saudi club. No European return.”
The 38-year-old French striker joined Al Hilal in February 2026 after leaving Saudi rivals Al Ittihad. He made his debut for the club on February 5 against Al-Okhdoud in the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema’s departure comes only months after his move to Al Hilal, following a two-and-a-half-year spell at Al Ittihad. Before moving to Saudi Arabia, he spent 14 seasons at Real Madrid, where he became one of the most decorated and prolific players in the club’s history.
Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and made 648 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 354 goals and providing 165 assists.
During his time at Madrid, Benzema won five Champions League titles, four La Liga trophies and three Copa del Rey titles. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 after a remarkable individual campaign.
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The Frenchman finished his Real Madrid career as the club’s second-highest goalscorer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, having played a central role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
His 2021-22 campaign was particularly outstanding, with Benzema scoring 44 goals and providing 15 assists in 46 appearances. He finished that season as La Liga’s top scorer and helped Madrid win both the Spanish league title and Champions League.
After leaving Real Madrid in 2023, Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al Ittihad. He scored 38 goals in 64 appearances for the Jeddah club before making the switch to Al Hilal.
His spell at Al Hilal also produced strong individual numbers, with Benzema scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in 16 appearances for the club.
The veteran forward had previously indicated that he intended to remain at Al Hilal, but his decision has now changed with the two parties agreeing to end his contract.
Benzema’s next move remains uncertain. According to Romano, the former France international is considering either retiring from professional football or continuing his career with another Saudi Pro League club.
