Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema signs an 18-month contract with Saudi leaders Al-Hilal on a free transfer after a reported contract dispute.
FORMER France striker Karim Benzema has joined Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on an 18-month contract.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner moved on a free transfer after a reported fallout with his former club Al-Ittihad.
“Karim Benzema is officially Hilali,” the Riyadh-based club announced on social media.
The 38-year-old scored eight goals in 14 league matches for Al-Ittihad this season.
Media reports state he missed Al-Ittihad’s last two matches due to dissatisfaction with a contract extension offer.
His entourage reportedly described an offer from the league’s sporting director as “insulting”, amounting to “playing for free” aside from image rights.
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 following 14 trophy-laden seasons with Real Madrid.
He scored 21 goals last season as Al-Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League title.
Al-Ittihad currently trail their Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal by 12 points in the standings.
Both clubs are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). – AFP
