Karim Benzema offers farewell message to Al Hilal but leaves retirement question unanswered

Karim Benzema has thanked Al Hilal after leaving the Saudi Pro League club by mutual consent, but the former France and Real Madrid striker has given no indication of whether he intends to continue playing or retire.

The 37-year-old’s departure was confirmed as Al Hilal moved to strengthen their attack with the signing of England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. Benzema responded publicly for the first time since the announcement in a message posted on his account on X.

However, his statement stopped short of revealing his next destination or clarifying reports that he could bring his playing career to an end.

“A chapter of my career is coming to an end,” Benzema wrote. “I am grateful to Al Hilal, my team-mates, the coaching staff, the fans and everyone at the club for the time we spent together.”

He added: “I wish Al Hilal all the best for the future, and thank God for everything.”

The message carried the tone of a farewell, although Benzema did not name another club and made no explicit comment on whether he would remain involved in professional football.

His future had become the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks. One possibility discussed was a move to another club in the Saudi Pro League, while reports also suggested he could consider an opportunity outside Saudi Arabia.

More recently, there have been claims that the former Ballon d’Or winner could decide to retire altogether. Benzema has not confirmed or denied those reports, leaving his next move unresolved after the end of his spell with Al Hilal.

His exit became official after he and the club reached an agreement to terminate his contract by mutual consent. Al Hilal’s subsequent move for Watkins signalled the club’s intention to rebuild its forward line and provided further context to Benzema’s departure.

Benzema joined Al Hilal as one of the most prominent players to feature in Saudi football, having established himself as one of the leading forwards of his generation. His career has included a long and successful spell at Real Madrid, while he also represented France at international level.

For now, Benzema’s first public response after leaving Al Hilal has been limited to expressing gratitude to the club, his fellow players, staff and supporters. He has not disclosed where he might play next, or whether there will be a next club at all.

That leaves several possibilities open for the experienced striker. He could continue his career in the Saudi Pro League, seek a new challenge elsewhere or choose to retire, but his latest message provides no definitive answer.