Karim Benzema has publicly ridiculed claims he could be removed from Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad and used only in the AFC Champions League Elite, saying such a scenario will happen “in your dreams only”.
The French striker, who joined the Riyadh club last year, has faced speculation over his future after local reports suggested Al Hilal were assessing options to sign a new foreign centre-forward. According to those reports, the coaching staff are unconvinced by Benzema’s contribution over his first six months at the club, and one idea under consideration was to deregister him from the domestic league while keeping him for Asian competition.
That prompted renewed debate over whether the former Real Madrid forward might be sacrificed in the club’s Saudi Pro League plans as they look to reinforce an already star-studded attack ahead of the new campaign.
Player responds directly on Instagram
Benzema chose to respond himself when content creator Mimi Rivera posted a video on Instagram discussing the possibility of the 36-year-old featuring only in the AFC Champions League Elite for Al Hilal.
The striker replied underneath the clip with a short message: “This will happen in your dreams only.”
The sarcastic response was widely interpreted as a categorical rejection of the rumours surrounding his role at the club and a clear message about his intention to remain fully involved with the team in all competitions.
His comment was quickly shared across social media platforms and amplified by Al Hilal supporters, who seized on the post as evidence that Benzema intends to stay and fight for his place.
Mixed reaction from Hilal fans
Among Al Hilal fans, Benzema’s intervention was seen in different ways. Many viewed the response as the player decisively closing down speculation over a potential exclusion from the Saudi Pro League squad.
Others felt the comment underlined his determination to prove himself after what has been widely described as a difficult start to life in Saudi Arabia, interpreting it as a sign he is ready to compete hard for his spot in the line-up in the coming season.
Challenging season ahead for Al Hilal
Al Hilal are preparing for a demanding campaign in which they are expected to challenge for domestic and continental honours, with ongoing discussion about strengthening their forward line with additional high-profile signings.
Despite that backdrop, Benzema appears intent on turning the page on his early struggles in Riyadh. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is understood to be focused on rediscovering the level that made him one of Europe’s most prolific strikers and on helping Al Hilal contest every trophy on offer in the new season.
