Benzema Signs For Al-Hilal To Boost Saudi Pro League Title Bid

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Karim Benzema has completed a high-profile move to Al-Hilal from Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad, with the forward set to wear the number 90 shirt. Al-Hilal sit top of the table and target a fifth league crown in seven seasons.

The transfer links two of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund clubs and adds further tension in the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo is already unhappy at Al-Nassr, with frustration growing over perceived uneven PIF backing among the competing teams.

The move to Al-Hilal, who are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been one of the recent causes of frustration for Ronaldo at title challengers Al-Nassr. The Portuguese forward refused to play a role in their 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh on Monday due to a lack of transfer activity from the PIF at his own club.

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2023, Benzema has become one of the league’s most productive players. Benzema has scored the fifth-most Saudi Pro League goals in that period, with 38. His expected goals total of 40.3 ranks fourth across the competition over the same stretch.

Benzema’s overall attacking output also stands among the division’s best. The forward has 54 goal involvements, level with Sadio Mane and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 92, and Salem Al Dawsari, with 57, are ahead in combined goals and assists.

His shooting volume highlights Benzema’s continued influence in the final third. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Benzema has attempted 236 league shots. Only Ronaldo, with 432 attempts, has more. The pattern is similar for shots on target, with Benzema on 116 and Ronaldo on 178.

This season, Benzema has scored eight goals in 14 league fixtures for Al-Ittihad. The French forward now joins an Al-Hilal squad chasing domestic dominance, seeking to convert that individual form into another title, while strengthening an attack already built around several high-profile names.

Al Ittihad, This chapter comes to an end, but the respect and gratitude will always remain, said Benzema.

Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day. This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colours and of everything we shared. I wish you all the best for whats next.

Key attacking numbers from Benzema’s Saudi Pro League spell underline why Al-Hilal moved. The figures below cover league matches since Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in 2023.

Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal reshapes the Saudi Pro League title picture and the balance among PIF-owned clubs. The deal strengthens the leaders’ attack, affects Al-Ittihad’s plans, and adds another layer to Ronaldo’s concerns at Al-Nassr during a close championship race.