When Al Hilal announced they’d signed Karim Benzema on a free transfer from Al Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League’s already wild season got even wilder. The former Real Madrid legend, Ballon d’Or winner, and Champions League hero has swapped gold for blue — and if his first words as a Hilal player are anything to go by, he’s not here for a quiet retirement.
“Al Hilal is like Real Madrid here in Asia,” Benzema said after his first training session in the iconic blue jersey, number 90 on his back. “I faced this team when I was in Madrid, and it wasn’t an easy game at all. Today, I’m happy to be part of this great club.”
A Statement Signing at the Perfect Time
Here’s the thing about this deal: the timing is impeccable. Al Hilal currently sit atop the Roshn Saudi League with 47 points, just one point ahead of Al Nassr in what’s shaping up to be the tightest title race in years. Adding a striker who’s bagged 38 goals in 64 Saudi Pro League appearances — including 8 in just 14 matches this season — isn’t just a luxury. It’s a statement.
Benzema signed an 18-month contract, which takes him through the end of next season. And honestly? For a player who still clearly has elite quality, this feels like a chess move designed to checkmate the competition.
Not Here for Vacation
What stood out from Benzema’s post-training interview wasn’t the pleasantries. It was the edge. “My message is clear,” he told reporters. “You know my mentality. I have a lot of ambition. I’ll work hard and give everything on the pitch. The most important thing for me is winning titles.”
That’s not the language of someone winding down their career. That’s a competitor who wants silverware, and Al Hilal — with their history of continental dominance — is exactly the kind of club that matches that energy.
Al Hilal Doubles Down
Benzema wasn’t even the only big news at Al Hilal on Wednesday. The club also announced a contract extension for Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, locking him in until 2029. Neves, who joined from Wolverhampton in 2023, has been instrumental in winning four trophies — the league title, King’s Cup, and two Saudi Super Cups. His message to fans was refreshingly honest: “I’m sorry it took so long. Thank you for your patience.”
Between Benzema’s arrival and Neves committing his future, Al Hilal are clearly building something that goes beyond just this season.
First Test: Al Akhdoud on Thursday
Benzema won’t have to wait long for his potential debut. Al Hilal face Al Akhdoud — currently second from bottom — on Thursday in Round 21 of the Roshn Saudi League. On paper, it’s a comfortable fixture. But with Al Nassr breathing down their necks, every point matters, and having Benzema available adds a dimension that opponents will struggle to handle.
Saudi Arabia continues to attract football’s biggest names, and Al Hilal are proving they’re not just participants in this revolution — they’re leading it. The question now isn’t whether Benzema can still perform at the highest level. It’s whether anyone in the Saudi Pro League can stop the team he just made even stronger.
