Hilal Pays Tribute to Prince Al-Waleed for Settling Benzema Contract

Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club has formally announced the mutual termination of its contractual relationship with veteran French striker Karim Benzema. The agreement concluded a tenure during which the player spent approximately six months with the Riyadh-based club.

Contract Termination Details

Benzema joined Al-Hilal in early February of last year on a free transfer following his departure from Al-Ittihad Jeddah. At that time, he signed a one-and-a-half-season contract with the blue-shirted team.

In an official statement, the club’s board of directors—chaired by His Highness Prince Nawaf bin Saud—expressed appreciation for the financial contribution made by His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. The statement specified that Prince Al-Waleed covered the full contractual settlement amount owed to Benzema, enabling the club to end the player’s contract by mutual consent.

Transfer Context and Roster Adjustment

The departure of Benzema clears administrative and registration space for English international striker Ollie Watkins, who recently joined Al-Hilal from Aston Villa in England.