In what has already been hailed as the most significant transfer in Saudi Pro League (SPL) history, French icon Karim Benzema has officially joined league leaders Al-Hilal following a blockbuster deadline-day deal on February 2, 2026.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner arrives from Jeddah-based rivals Al-Ittihad, signing an 18-month contract that keeps him in Riyadh until June 2027. The move has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, not only for the internal shift of power within the Kingdom but for the dramatic fallout it triggered among the league’s other global stars.
A Masterclass Debut
Benzema wasted no time justifying his “royal” arrival. Making his debut for Al-Hilal on February 5, 2026, the 38-year-old delivered a clinical masterclass against Al-Akhdoud. The Frenchman netted a stunning hat-trick and provided an assist in a crushing 6-0 victory, instantly silencing any critics of his mid-season move.
In his first interview with the club, Benzema likened Al-Hilal to his former home: “I’m so happy and glad to be part of this team… It’s like Real Madrid here in Asia, you know”.
The “Ronaldo Rebellion” and the Text Message Scandal
The transfer has done more than just bolster Al-Hilal’s attack; it has ignited a firestorm at Al-Nassr. Reports suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo was left “incensed” after receiving a light-hearted text message from his former Real Madrid teammate. In the message, Benzema reportedly joked about receiving a pay rise and being destined to win the league title again with Al-Hilal.
This provocation, combined with a perceived bias from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) toward Al-Hilal, led Ronaldo to a “silent strike”. The Portuguese legend missed recent fixtures, including a clash against Al-Riyadh, in protest of the lack of investment in his own squad compared to the record-breaking spending of their Riyadh rivals.
Shifting the Power Balance
Al-Hilal’s swoop for Benzema follows his refusal to extend his stay at Al-Ittihad, where he had famously led the club to a historic domestic double only last season. His departure leaves Al-Ittihad struggling to replace their talisman, while Al-Hilal—already boasting stars like Darwin Núñez, Salem Al Dawsari, and Marcos Leonardo—appears nearly unstoppable.
As of February 11, 2026, Al-Hilal sits firmly at the top of the table with 50 points, currently ahead of Al-Nassr in a high-stakes battle for the title.
Career Statistics Snapshot: Karim Benzema (2025–26 Season)
| Team | League | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 1 | 3 | 1 | 72 |
| Al-Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 14 | 8 | 0 | 1192 |
| Al-Ittihad | AFC Champions League | 4 | 4 | 0 | 360 |
