Karim Benzema ridicules rumours of Al Hilal league axe with pointed Instagram reply

Karim Benzema has publicly poured scorn on reports that he could be removed from Al Hilal’s domestic squad, telling a social media content creator that such a scenario would happen “in your dreams only”.

The French striker, who joined Al Hilal last season, has been the subject of recent speculation in Saudi media claiming the club were considering deregistering him from their Saudi Pro League roster and using him exclusively in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Those reports suggested Al Hilal’s hierarchy were exploring the signing of a new foreign centre-forward amid doubts within the coaching staff over Benzema’s impact during his first six months with the Riyadh side. That, in turn, fuelled talk that he might be sacrificed in the domestic squad list while retained for continental competition.

Benzema responds on Instagram

The 36-year-old moved to address the situation himself after well-known content creator Mimi Rivera posted a video on Instagram discussing the idea that Benzema could feature only in Asian competition for Al Hilal.

Responding directly under the video, Benzema wrote: “This will happen in your dreams only,” a sarcastic message that amounted to an unambiguous rejection of the claims surrounding his status at the club.

His brief comment was quickly picked up and circulated across social media platforms, with Al Hilal supporters widely sharing the exchange.

Fan reaction and future competition

Among sections of the Al Hilal fanbase, Benzema’s intervention was interpreted as a clear attempt to shut down the rumours and underline his intention to remain part of the domestic set-up. Some supporters argued that his words showed his determination to keep his place in the team and fight for his position ahead of the new campaign.

Others saw the post as a sign of the former Real Madrid forward’s confidence that he can re-establish himself after what has been viewed locally as a challenging start to life at the club.

Al Hilal, known as “Al Zaeem”, are preparing for a demanding season on multiple fronts, with continued discussion around further strengthening their attacking options with high-profile international arrivals.

Against that backdrop, Benzema appears intent on changing the narrative by rediscovering the level that made him one of Europe’s leading strikers, aiming to move beyond his difficult early spell in Riyadh and play a central role in Al Hilal’s push for trophies in all competitions.