Karim Benzema is determined to bring home trophies to his new team, Al Hilal, which he describes as the “Real Madrid of Asia.”
After rejecting a contract extension with Al Ittihad beyond June, the French forward decided to join Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal on Monday.
In his first remarks since joining the club, the former Real Madrid captain expressed his joy on the team’s website, saying: “It feels good to be here. After my initial training with the team and the coach, I am thrilled to be part of this great team with an impressive history and multiple trophies.”
“It resembles Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is fantastic—the fans are wonderful, the gameplay is solid, and the mentality is strong. I always admired this team during my time at Madrid; matches against them were challenging and memorable. Today, I am delighted to officially be an Al Hilal player.”
Sources indicate that Benzema, 38, felt undervalued by the contract extension Al Ittihad had put forward.
The Al Ittihad deal, governed by the Saudi Pro League that manages contracts for key players in clubs owned by the PIF (Saudi Public Investment Fund), reportedly would have amounted to the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner playing without compensation, according to sources.
Despite having offers from European teams, Benzema chose to remain in Saudi Arabia, partly due to his image rights agreement lasting until 2030.
His transfer to Al Hilal, orchestrated by the PIF, has caused friction with former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads rival team Al Nassr.
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Reports suggest Ronaldo refused to play for his team on Monday in protest over PIF’s lack of investment into Al Nassr, which he believes favors Al Hilal instead.
Ronaldo aims to secure his first major title with Al Nassr, which currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League, just one point behind Al Hilal.
Benzema, who helped Al Ittihad clinch the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup last season, is eager for more achievements. “It’s a clear message,” he expressed. “I have a strong desire to succeed. I will dedicate myself completely on the field to assist this team, and, inshallah, we will win trophies together. That is what matters most to me. We have a great team and passionate fans, and together, inshallah, we will achieve success.”
Having joined Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023, Benzema boasts an impressive tally of 25 trophies won with Madrid, including four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey victories, and five Champions League titles.
This season, he has scored eight goals in 14 league matches.
Benzema’s debut match with Al Hilal is set for Thursday against Al-Okhdood Club.