Reports have revealed that French star Karim Benzema has officially transferred from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal in the final hours of the winter transfer window in the Saudi Professional League.
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after leaving Spain’s Real Madrid. His contract with the Saudi team was set to run until the summer of 2026, which is the end of the current season.
Recent times have seen controversy surrounding the player’s participation in matches. He was absent from Al-Ittihad’s match against Al-Fateh, despite being physically fit according to sources, due to a dispute with Al-Ittihad’s management over contract renewal. Benzema rejected the offer presented to him, which stipulated he play for free in exchange for receiving all of his image rights revenue.
As the dispute escalated, Al-Hilal intervened and officially recruited the player before the transfer window closed. He signed a contract lasting until the summer of 2027 after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad.
It was confirmed that Al-Ittihad attempted to present an improved offer to Benzema through his brother and agent, but he rejected it, preferring the move to Al-Hilal. This was despite efforts made by Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo to prevent the transfer to the traditional rival. Benzema responded to the intervention attempts by saying, “No one imposes anything on me.”
During the current season, Benzema played 21 matches for Al-Ittihad across all competitions, scoring 16 goals. This solidified his standing in the league and led Al-Hilal to insist on signing him to strengthen their attack before the end of the winter transfer period.
Benzema’s transfer is part of a wave of high-profile deals for global stars in the Saudi Professional League, which aims to raise the level of the championship and attract fans. It places Al-Hilal in direct competition with Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad for the top spot.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is not a place or cultural site, but a French professional footballer. He is best known for his long and successful career at Real Madrid, where he won numerous trophies and became the club’s second all-time top scorer.
Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad is a historic football club based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1927. It is one of the most successful and popular clubs in the country and Asia, with a rich history of winning numerous domestic and continental titles, including the AFC Champions League.
Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1957. It is one of Asia’s most successful clubs, with a record number of Saudi Professional League titles and Asian Champions League victories. The club has a deep-rooted rivalry with Al-Nassr and is historically associated with the Saudi royal family.
Saudi Professional League
The Saudi Professional League is the top division of professional football in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1976. It has grown to become one of the most prominent leagues in Asia, with historic clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, and gained significant global attention following high-profile international player signings in recent years.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and famous sports organizations, historically renowned for its European success, including a record number of UEFA Champions League titles. The club has been home to many legendary players and is deeply embedded in Spanish cultural identity.
Spain
Spain is a country in southwestern Europe with a rich and diverse cultural history shaped by Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish rule, culminating in the unification of the Christian kingdoms in the late 15th century. Its global influence expanded significantly during the Age of Exploration, and today it is renowned for its distinct regional identities, artistic heritage, and architectural landmarks like the Alhambra and Sagrada Família.
Al-Fateh
Al-Fateh is a prominent mosque located in Manama, Bahrain, originally built in 1987 and named after Ahmed Al Fateh, the founder of the Bahraini dynasty. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of holding over 7,000 worshippers, and its iconic dome is constructed entirely of fiberglass. The site also houses the National Library of Bahrain within its complex.
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1955. It is one of the country’s most successful clubs, historically known for its fierce rivalry with Al-Hilal and for winning numerous domestic and continental titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a world-famous Portuguese professional footballer, not a physical place or cultural site. His history includes rising from a humble background in Madeira to become one of the sport’s greatest players, winning numerous team and individual awards across clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
