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Karim Benzema has left Al Hilal after just six months following the mutual termination of his contract.
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The former Real Madrid and France striker had one year remaining on his deal with the Saudi Pro League club.
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Benzema’s departure comes a day after Al Hilal completed the £51m signing of England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
September 01, (THEWILL) — Karim Benzema has left Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after just six months, bringing a short-lived spell in Saudi Arabia to an unexpected end.
The Riyadh-based club confirmed on Monday that it had reached a mutual agreement with the 38-year-old to terminate his contract, despite the striker having another year remaining on his deal.
The decision leaves Benzema without a club as questions grow over what comes next for the former France international.
Benzema joined Al Hilal in February after leaving fellow Saudi club Al Ittihad, where he had spent time following his departure from Real Madrid.
His move to Al Hilal was expected to provide another chapter in an extraordinary career that has included major success in Spain, Europe and international football.
Al Hilal move comes after Watkins signing
Benzema’s departure was announced just a day after Al Hilal completed the £51 million ($69m) signing of England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
Watkins’ arrival significantly strengthens Al Hilal’s attacking options and comes as the club continues to build a squad capable of competing for major domestic and continental honours.
The Saudi side thanked Benzema for his contribution during his brief spell at the club, praising his professionalism, commitment and leadership both on and off the pitch.
“Al Hilal Club Company and French player Karim Benzema have mutually agreed to terminate their contractual relationship, bringing his time with Al Hilal’s first football team to an end,” the club said.
The statement also expressed its appreciation for Benzema’s contribution during his time with the team.
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What next for Benzema?
The biggest question now concerns Benzema’s next move.
At 38, the veteran striker remains one of the most decorated forwards of his generation, but his immediate future is unclear following the termination of his Al Hilal contract.
There has also been speculation that Benzema could decide to retire from professional football rather than pursue another move.
Whatever decision he makes, his career has already secured his place among the game’s elite.
Benzema spent 14 years at Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals in 648 appearances and winning five Champions League titles.
He also claimed five La Liga titles and the 2022 Ballon d’Or after producing one of the finest individual seasons of his career.
His departure from Real Madrid in 2023 brought an end to one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, before he moved to Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad.
Now, after brief spells with both Saudi clubs, Benzema faces another major decision.
For Al Hilal, the focus will shift towards Watkins and the club’s ambitions for the new campaign.
For Benzema, meanwhile, the next few weeks could determine whether the former Ballon d’Or winner begins another chapter or brings an extraordinary career to a close.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
