The former Real Madrid forward was in the final months of his contract with Al-Ittihad but has now completed a switch that is expected to frustrate Cristiano Ronaldo, who has reportedly been unhappy with recent transfer developments in the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema on the move
Benzema has joined Al-Hilal this winter alongside Mohamed Kader Meite. The deal went through despite reports earlier in the day suggesting it had stalled due to dissatisfaction from Ronaldo, according to ESPN. The Portuguese star is said to be upset that Al-Hilal — Al-Nassr’s main title rivals — have strengthened in January while his own side have not.
Both clubs are controlled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and remain locked in a title battle. Al-Hilal currently sit top of the table, holding a one-point advantage over Al-Nassr after 19 matches.
Ronaldo goes on strike?
Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s most recent match against Al-Riyadh on deadline day, following reports that the 40-year-old was considering refusing to play in protest over the league’s transfer activity.
Al-Nassr have not officially explained his absence, and Ronaldo has yet to comment publicly on the speculation. If his omission was intended as a statement, it appears to have had little impact, with Benzema now officially joining Al-Hilal as he aims for a second Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has still not won the league since joining Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2022.
Benzema says farewell
Benzema has since shared a farewell message to Al-Ittihad on social media, writing:
“Al Ittihad, this chapter comes to an end, but respect and gratitude will always remain. Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and above all the fans for the welcome, the love and the energy you gave me every day. This journey has given me so much, personally and professionally. I leave proud of what we achieved together and wish you all the best for what lies ahead.”
Benzema still going strong at 38
The striker turned 38 in December but continues to perform at a high level. He has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season and recently stressed that retirement is not on his mind.
Speaking to AS, he said: “My contract with Ittihad is ending soon. I don’t yet know if I will stay or leave. It depends on many things. I feel physically strong, I work hard and I still perform well. I can see myself playing for another two years.”
Benzema also confirmed he has received interest from European clubs, adding: “It’s true that there are offers from Europe. I need to think carefully about what is best for me. I feel good here and appreciated, but we will see. Football is about balance — what they expect from me and what I can give in return.”
What comes next?
Attention now turns to when Ronaldo will return to action, with Al-Nassr set to face Benzema’s former club Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Friday night.
Before that, Al-Hilal and Benzema will take on struggling Al Akhdoud on Thursday, with the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
