Al Hilal president says Karim Benzema departure was a football decision

Al Hilal president Prince Nawaf bin Saad says the club’s decision to end its contract with Karim Benzema was driven primarily by sporting considerations.

The Saudi club announced on Monday that it had reached a mutual agreement with the French striker to terminate his contract after intensive negotiations in recent days.

“Ending the contractual relationship with the Frenchman Karim Benzema was a sporting decision, and I would like to thank Benzema because dealing with him was extremely professional and dignified,” Prince Nawaf said in comments reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.

He insisted the 38-year-old had not been “excluded”, adding that a player of Benzema’s stature could not simply be dropped from the club.

“Benzema accepted the decision to end the relationship, and I do not say exclusion, because a player like Karim cannot be excluded. He is a great player, but perhaps with the presence of Ollie Watkins his opportunities may decrease,” said Prince Nawaf.

“A player with his history must be informed honestly about the club’s overall situation.”

Prince Nawaf said the discussions had been conducted in a positive manner and that the statements issued by both sides reflected the respect between them.

“The understanding was excellent, and I believe that the media statements from the club, the way the player was bid farewell, and the way the player also bid farewell to the club, reflect the level of sophistication and good treatment between both parties,” he said.

He added: “Karim Benzema is a great player with a very great history. He is an important player in the history of world football, and we wish him every success.”

Al Hilal also confirmed that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal had covered the financial settlement required to end the agreement.

“The board of directors of Al Hilal Club Company, chaired by Prince Nawaf bin Saad, values Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s covering of the contractual settlement with the Frenchman Karim Benzema, through which the club company ended its contractual relationship with the player by mutual consent,” the club said on its website.

The statement thanked Prince Alwaleed for his support of Al Hilal and for his “historic initiatives”, which it said demonstrated his continuing commitment to backing the club, strengthening its progress and helping it meet its objectives while remaining competitive across different levels.

Reports indicate that only Benzema’s contract with Al Hilal has been terminated. His agreement with the Saudi Pro League is understood to remain in place in principle until 2030, despite his apparent intention to retire.

Benzema’s spell at Al Hilal therefore ends after just 16 appearances. He scored 10 goals, supplied five assists and won the King’s Cup during that time.

He joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after leaving Real Madrid, helping the club known as the Tigers win the Saudi league and the King’s Cup. Benzema scored 54 goals and provided 17 assists in 83 appearances for Al-Ittihad.

Benzema moved to Real Madrid from French club Lyon in 2009 for a fee of 35m euros. During 14 years with the Spanish side, he made 648 appearances, scored 354 goals and recorded 158 assists.

He won 25 trophies with Real Madrid, more than any other player in the club’s history.

At international level, Benzema made 97 appearances for France between 2007 and 2022, scoring 37 goals.