10 Goals in 13 Games: Karim Benzema Leaves Al Hilal as Free Agent
Karim Benzema terminated his contract with Al Hilal with immediate effect on August 31, 2026, ending his tenure in Riyadh following the club’s acquisition of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. The 38-year-old striker is now evaluating whether to retire from professional football or seek a transfer to a third club in the Middle East.
Foreign Player Quotas and Roster Reshuffle Force Immediate Exit
The arrival of Watkins required Al Hilal to adjust their squad structure to remain compliant with Saudi Pro League limits on registered foreign players. That squad restructuring diminished Benzema’s standing in the first-team hierarchy, prompting the mutual decision to cancel the remainder of his deal.
Real Madrid
club| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Al Hilal | 13 | 10 |
Benzema recorded 10 goals in 13 appearances for Al Hilal after joining from Al-Ittihad in February 2026. Injury issues hampered his availability throughout his spell in the Saudi Pro League following his departure from Real Madrid in 2024.
Any return to European football has been ruled out. Benzema will choose between signing with another Middle Eastern side or formally announcing his retirement.
Details of the contract termination were reported by Fabrizio Romano.