Karim Benzema’s time at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal is coming to an early end after the two parties agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
The 38-year-old French striker will become a free agent after less than two years in Saudi Arabia, having joined Al-Hilal in February following his departure from Al-Ittihad.
Benzema had originally signed a contract that was due to keep him at Al-Hilal until June 2027. His departure comes despite having been considered one of coach Simone Inzaghi’s main attacking options for the new campaign.
The decision leaves Benzema facing an uncertain next stage in a career that has already included the Ballon d’Or and a long spell at the highest level of European football.
His departure also coincides with a significant change to Al-Hilal’s attacking options. The Saudi club have signed England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa on a three-year deal, with the arrival signalling a new direction in the centre-forward position.
Benzema had made an immediate impact after arriving at Al-Hilal. In his first appearance for the club, he scored a hat-trick against Al-Akhdoud, underlining the quality that had made him one of the world’s leading strikers.
During the 2025-26 season, he scored nine goals in 13 appearances and helped Al-Hilal win the King’s Cup.
His appearances at the beginning of the current campaign took his overall record for Al-Hilal to 16 matches, with 10 goals and five assists.
Until recently, there had been little indication that his relationship with the club was about to end.
Reports suggested Benzema had rejected suggestions of problems surrounding his future after the match against Al-Fayha and appeared prepared to continue the season with the Saudi club.
Events then moved rapidly.
Benzema missed Al-Hilal’s match against Al-Khaleej because of lower-back pain and underwent a treatment programme. Around the same period, Al-Hilal completed the signing of Watkins before ultimately agreeing to end Benzema’s contract before the transfer window closed.
The Frenchman’s exit has now prompted widespread speculation over whether he intends to continue playing or bring his career to an end.
Retirement or another move?
At 38, Benzema is approaching a significant decision.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the striker is expected to decide his future soon. Retirement is one possibility, while remaining in Saudi Arabia is another. A return to European football, however, does not currently appear to be among the options being seriously considered.
Reports from Spain and France have offered a somewhat different picture.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Benzema does not currently intend to retire and has received offers to continue his career. Those possibilities include interest from Major League Soccer in the United States as well as other opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
French newspaper L’Équipe has also indicated that retirement is not Benzema’s preferred option at present.
That leaves the former France international with several possible destinations as he weighs what could be the final major decision of his playing career.
Saudi Arabia remains a possibility
One of the clubs linked with Benzema is Al-Shabab, with reports suggesting the Saudi side are interested in signing the striker.
However, there is no agreement between the player and the club, while reports indicate Benzema is not particularly enthusiastic about the move.
A return to Al-Ittihad has also emerged as a possibility.
AS included the Jeddah club among the destinations being discussed for Benzema, although there have been no reports of negotiations between the player and his former club.
A return to Al-Ittihad would see Benzema go back to the club where his Saudi Arabian career began in 2023.
However, despite its appeal, that scenario currently appears difficult and may ultimately be ruled out.
European return remains unclear
Another club mentioned in connection with Benzema is Inter Milan.
Speculation grew after the Frenchman appeared on social media wearing an old Inter shirt. Spanish website Fichajes interpreted the gesture as potentially significant and linked it with a possible move to the Italian club.
There is, however, no information confirming that Benzema or his representatives have entered negotiations with Inter.
The uncertainty means Benzema’s next destination remains unknown.
For Al-Hilal, the signing of Watkins provides an indication of the club’s plans for its attack, while Benzema is now free to consider his own future without a contract tying him to the Saudi side.
His spell at Al-Hilal produced 10 goals and five assists in 16 appearances and included a King’s Cup triumph, but it has ultimately lasted considerably less time than originally planned.
Benzema must now decide whether to continue his career in Saudi Arabia, consider another opportunity elsewhere or take the biggest step of all and retire.
For a striker who has spent much of his career at the top of the game, the decision could mark the final chapter of an exceptional playing career.
