Karim Benzema completes move to Al-Hilal, labels new club ‘Real Madrid in Asia’
Benzema terminated his contract with Al-Ittihad after declining an extension and agreed a free-transfer deal until mid-2027 with Al-Hilal, who currently top the Saudi Pro League standings. The 38-year-old French international joins a side aiming to defend domestic honours and contend for continental success.
In his first comments since the move, Benzema told club media that he was “happy to be here” and compared the Riyadh giants to his former club Real Madrid, calling Al-Hilal the “Real Madrid in Asia” and expressing his ambition to help win more trophies.
He said the decision to join Al-Hilal came as he seeks fresh challenges and silverware in the later stage of his career, with the Saudi League providing a competitive platform.
The transfer has stirred discussion within the league, with some reports linking the move to tensions at rival clubs and reshaping the balance of title contenders as the season progresses.
