Karim Benzema has departed from Al Ittihad and signed with Saudi Pro League competitors Al Hilal, as announced by the club on Monday.
Al Hilal confirmed on X that “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
Following delays from the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) earlier on Monday, the issues were resolved by deadline day, allowing the 38-year-old to fulfill his desire to switch Saudi clubs.
Benzema, whose contract with Al Ittihad was set to expire in six months, turned down a contract extension, deeming it “disrespectful.”
Sources indicate that the deal proposed by Al Ittihad would have effectively rendered his contract worthless.
Instead, PIF facilitated a transfer to Al Hilal for the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner, a move that reportedly frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, the Portugal star opted to refuse playing for Al Nassr on Monday in protest, alleging that PIF wasn’t sufficiently investing in Al Nassr and was favoring Al Ittihad instead.
Benzema, who had interest from European clubs, chose to remain in Saudi Arabia at least partly due to his image rights contract lasting until 2030.
Youssef En-Nesyri, currently a forward for Morocco and Fenerbahçe, is set to fill Benzema’s role in Jeddah, while former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kanté, 34, is also leaving Al Ittihad to join Fenerbahce.
As Ronaldo seeks his first league title in Saudi Arabia since moving in 2022, he faces an intensified challenge with Benzema joining the lineup, having previously played alongside him at Real Madrid. Benzema led Al Ittihad to last year’s title and clinched the King’s Cup.
Al Hilal boasts the title of Saudi Arabia’s most successful team, with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships to its name. Last year, the team stunned Manchester City at the Club World Cup, defeating them 4-3.
Under the management of Simone Inzaghi, a two-time Champions League finalist, Al Hilal presents a formidable challenge for Ronaldo’s aspirations of becoming league champion, especially after attracting numerous top soccer talents, including Benzema.