Striker Karim Benzema has left Al Ittihad to join Al Hilal, a rival of Ronaldo and Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League title race.

"Karim Benzema has officially become an Al Hilal player," the Saudi Pro League leaders announced on the morning of February 3rd.

The deal had been stalled due to obstacles from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). But all barriers were removed on the last day of the mid-season transfer window, allowing Benzema to fulfill his wish to move to another team in the same league.

The 38-year-old French striker still VIN88 has six months left on his contract with Al Ittihad, but he refused to renew it because the club only offered him playing time without a basic salary. Outraged by this "disrespectful" offer, Benzema declared a strike, refusing to participate in Al Ittihad's recent matches against Al Fateh and Al Najma.

Benzema waves to the fans after a match with Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Photo:Reuters

PIF originally controlled the top four clubs.Saudi Pro LeagueThis includes Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. This fund is believed to have coordinated the transfer of Benzema to Al Hilal – a move that reportedly angered Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar even refused to play for Al Nassr against Al Riyadh last night in protest, claiming that the PIF (Portuguese Football Federation) was not investing adequately in Al Nassr and was showing excessive favoritism towards rivals, especially Al Hilal. This was due to the pressure from the "rebellionFollowing Ronaldo's departure, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sports has temporarily halted the Benzema deal in recent days.

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But another source from the Gulf nation points out a crucial difference in the financial structure between Al Hilal and the other major clubs in the Saudi Pro League. From summer 2026,Al HilalIt will be wholly owned by Prince Al Waleed.

Unlike Al Nasser, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli – three teams still under the management and budget allocation of the PIF – Prince Al Waleed has the right to use his personal wealth to make blockbuster signings. This is considered the reason why Al Hilal – the most successful team in the Saudi Pro League – spent heavily in the 2026 winter transfer window.

Before moving to Al Hilal,Benzema He received numerous offers from Europe. But the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner chose to stay in Saudi Arabia, partly because his image rights contract there runs until 2030.

The completion of the Benzema deal also triggered a domino effect that had been causing a "stalemate" in recent days. Al Ittihad was able to sign striker Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce. Conversely, former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante will also leave the reigning Saudi Pro League champions to join the Turkish team.

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During his nearly three years with Al Ittihad since 2023, Benzema has been considered an icon of the Jeddah team, scoring 54 goals in 83 appearances and making a significant contribution to winning the league title and the Copa del Rey last season.

Karim Benzema celebrates his goal amidst Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointment during the Al Ittihad - Al Nassr match at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, on May 7, 2025. Photo: AFP

However, the relationship between the two gradually deteriorated. In January 2024, he was absent without permission after the winter break, sparking rumors of a return to his former club Lyon. Although Benzema eventually stayed, the internal conflicts could not be resolved. The French striker publicly criticized the club's transfer policy in April 2024, stating that he "needed better teammates."

Besides his role as a player, Benzema currently serves as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup. At his new club, Al Hilal, he will be alongside a host of formidable stars such as Ruben Neves, Darwin Nunez, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, as well as a number of new signings acquired for a total of $107 million in January 2026.

As for Ronaldo, he is still anxiously awaiting his first Saudi Pro League title. Now, the pressure is even greater as his biggest rival, Al Hilal, is further strengthened by Benzema, his former teammate with whom he achieved countless glories at Real Madrid.