Shock in Saudi football: Karim Benzema left Al Ittihad and joined Al Hilal

The Saudi Arabian football market has been rocked once again by a move few saw coming so soon. Al Hilal has officially announced the signing of Karim Benzema, who arrives after prematurely terminating his stint with Al Ittihad. This operation doesn't just move a superstar across the desert; it reignites the fierce rivalry between the kingdom’s most powerful clubs.

The Riyadh-based giants, Al Hilal, confirmed the arrival of the French striker via a brief but impactful statement. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner and Real Madrid legend has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract on a free transfer.

The move comes after a complete breakdown in negotiations between Benzema and Al Ittihad. While the Jeddah club sought a renewal, the 38-year-old forward reportedly deemed their economic conditions "unacceptable." Despite a contract that was set to run until mid-2026, Benzema decided that his time in the yellow and black had reached a bitter end.

Benzema leaves Al Ittihad with a sporting record that is undeniably impressive, though his departure leaves a sour taste for the fans. In his time with the club, he recorded:

While his clinical finishing remained world-class, his final months were overshadowed by quiet whispers of discontent and contractual disagreements with the board.

The transfer was not without its bureaucratic drama. Initially, the deal was blocked by the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees the financing of the league's top-tier clubs. The authorities required a full review of the agreement's terms before allowing the league's leader to strengthen even further. Once the "green light" was given on Tuesday night, the transfer was formalized, cementing Al Hilal as the most dangerous offensive force in Asia.

This signing arrives at a moment of peak tension in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo recently voiced his frustration regarding the lack of high-level reinforcements at Al Nassr, contrasting it with the massive spending spree enjoyed by Al Hilal.

Ronaldo sat out Al Nassr’s recent victory over Al Riyadh, and with Al Hilal adding Benzema’s pedigree to their ranks, the pressure on the PIF to "balance the scales" for the Portuguese star is only going to intensify.

With 19 matches played, the Saudi Pro League standings are razor-thin:

While Al Hilal celebrates, Al Ittihad sits in a disappointing 6th place with 34 points. The Jeddah club is now scrambling to reorganize, with rumors swirling about a move for Youssef En-Nesyri and a potential deal to send N’Golo Kanté to Turkish side Fenerbahce.

It is clear that Al Hilal has reclaimed its status as the "Galácticos" of the desert. With Benzema leading the line, the road to the 2026 title now runs through Riyadh.