Karim Benzema departs Al-Hilal as France striker becomes unattached

French-Algerian striker Karim Benzema has joined the ranks of unattached players after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

The 38-year-old centre-forward’s move away from Al-Hilal was completed on 31 August 2026, ending a spell that began when he joined from Saudi rivals Al-Ittihad on 2 February. No transfer fee has been recorded for his departure.

Benzema made two league appearances for Al-Hilal during the 2026-27 season, scoring once, and also featured in one King’s Cup match. He leaves with a market value of €5m and becomes available after a short period with the club.

His arrival at Al-Hilal followed his departure from Al-Ittihad, where he spent the previous two seasons after leaving Real Madrid in July 2023. Benzema joined the Saudi club on a free transfer after 14 seasons in Madrid, having originally moved to Spain from Lyon for €35m in 2009.

The forward is one of the most decorated players of his generation. He won the Ballon d’Or and was named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe in 2022, the same year he helped Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League. Benzema lifted the European Cup five times with the Spanish club, as well as four Spanish league titles and three Spanish Cups.

He also won the FIFA Club World Cup five times and claimed four UEFA Super Cups during his Real Madrid career. His honours began at Lyon, where he won four French league titles and the French Cup before making the move to Madrid.

Benzema was awarded the Saudi Pro League’s League Player of the Year prize in 2025 and was also named the league’s Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he won the Saudi Arabian championship with Al-Ittihad and two Saudi Cups, one with each of his Saudi clubs.

The right-footed forward also won the Nations League with France in 2021 and remains a major figure in the country’s football history, alongside his club achievements.

Benzema’s departure from Al-Hilal leaves the former Ballon d’Or winner without a club from 31 August 2026.