Karim Benzema departs Al-Hilal as retirement from professional soccer looms
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 11:18 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Karim Benzema is a free agent after mutually parting ways with Al-Hilal with immediate effect. The 38-year-old striker ended his tenure with the Saudi club after joining in January. According to media personality Waleed Al-Farraj, Benzema rejected offers to join Al-Shabab or return to Al-Ittihad. Retirement remains a primary option for the former Real Madrid forward, who continues to serve as an ambassador for Saudi tourism. A return to European club soccer is not currently under consideration. The vacancy at Al-Hilal follows reports that the club expects to sign forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for sixty million euros.
- •Karim Benzema terminated his contract with Al-Hilal effective immediately.
- •The striker rejected proposed moves to Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad.
- •Retirement is under consideration to preserve existing Saudi tourism ambassador roles.
- •Al-Hilal prepares to add Ollie Watkins to the squad from Aston Villa.
- •Benzema confirmed he will not return to European professional soccer.
- 11:18 PMYahoo Sports — Karim Benzema leaves Al Hilal after just six months
- 2:12 PMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Official: Benzema is no longer an Al-Hilal player
- 11:31 PMYahoo Sports — Karim Benzema terminates Al-Hilal contract as Saudi rejection sparks stunning retirement possibility
"Former France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has left Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after just six months. The Riyadh-based club announced on Monday the 38-year-old's contract, which had a year left to run, has been terminated by mutual agreement.
"What next?It had been in the works, and now it’s official: Karim Benzema is no longer an Al-Hilal player!The Frenchman and the Saudi club officially terminated his contract this Monday afternoon.Hav...
"Karim Benzema is a free agent after parting ways with Al-Hilal with immediate effect. The question now is whether the 38-year-old ever plays again.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 11:18 PMKarim Benzema leaves Al Hilal after just six months
Former France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has left Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after just six months. The Riyadh-based club announced on Monday the 38-year-old's contract, which had a year left to run, has been terminated by mutual agreement.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 2:12 PM🚨 Official: Benzema is no longer an Al-Hilal player
What next?It had been in the works, and now it’s official: Karim Benzema is no longer an Al-Hilal player!The Frenchman and the Saudi club officially terminated his contract this Monday afternoon.Hav...
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 11:31 PMKarim Benzema terminates Al-Hilal contract as Saudi rejection sparks stunning retirement possibility
Karim Benzema is a free agent after parting ways with Al-Hilal with immediate effect. The question now is whether the 38-year-old ever plays again.
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