Benzema Leaves Al Hilal After Short Spell

Al Hilal has confirmed in Riyadh the departure of striker Karim Benzema, ending a short spell with the Saudi Pro League club after roughly six to seven months. The separation was reached by mutual consent in late August 2026, with the club issuing an official statement announcing the split.

Benzema had joined Al Hilal from Al Ittihad on a free transfer during the 2025–26 winter window. The move was announced in early February 2026 as a short-term deal of about a year and a half, initially set to run to mid-2027 before it was cut short by agreement between the two sides.

During his time at the club in the 2025–26 season, Benzema recorded around 10 league goals across his appearances, As of September 1, 2026, he is no longer registered as an Al Hilal player for the 2026–27 season, with his record for the new campaign showing no appearances or goals.

Financial details of the contract, including any salary figures, signing bonuses, or settlement terms upon termination, have not been officially disclosed. The original transfer and the later termination were handled as contractual matters between the clubs and the player under Saudi Pro League and Saudi Football Federation regulations.

The comings and goings of high-profile international players continue to draw wide attention among football fans across the Kingdom, reflecting the growing global profile of the Saudi Pro League. For residents and expats following the league, Benzema's exit marks another chapter in a busy period of transfer activity ahead of the new season.

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