French striker Karim Benzema (R) joined Saudi Pro League soccer club Al Hilal in February. Photo by Stringer/EPA
Aug. 31 (UPI) — Al Hilal and French striker Karim Benzema mutually agreed to part ways, the Saudi soccer club announced Monday.
Benzema, 38, joined the Saudi Pro League club in February. He previously spent parts of three seasons with Al Ittihad from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
“A chapter comes to an end,” Benzema wrote on Instagram. “Grateful to Al Hilal, my teammates, the staff, the fans and everyone at the club for the time we shared together.
“Wishing Al Hilal all the best for the future.”
Benzema had one year remaining on his contract with Al Hilal. He totaled 10 goals and five assists in 16 games for the club. He recorded 54 goals over 83 appearances at Al Ittihad.
“Al-Hilal Club Company expressed its appreciation for Benzema’s contributions during his time with the team, as well as the professionalism, commitment, and leadership he demonstrated both on and off the pitch,” the Saudi club said.
“The club extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Karim Benzema for his time in the Al-Hilal shirt and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Al Nassr (4-0), led by Cristiano Ronaldo, leads the Saudi Pro League standings. Al Hilal (3-0) sits in second, three points behind the league leaders.
Al Hilal will host seventh-place Al Ahli (2-1-0) in Saudi Pro League play at 2 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.