Karim Benzema’s highly publicised stint in the Saudi Pro League is facing a big roadblock as he seeks an abrupt exit this summer. The 38-year-old French striker and former Ballon d’Or winner is determined to leave Al-Hilal, but untangling himself from his lucrative contract involves far more than a simple club-to-player agreement, as per reports.
Why does Karim Benzema want to leave Al-Hilal?
According to recent reports from Sky Sports, Benzema is pushing hard to leave Al-Hilal this summer to regain autonomy over his playing career. The reports revealed that the veteran forward is actively looking to terminate his contract so he can hit the open market. By doing so, he ensures he has the absolute freedom to sign with the club of his choice without any transfer fee complications dictating his next destination.
In most traditional European leagues, a player and a club can sit down, negotiate a payoff, and tear up a contract. However, the governance structure of marquee transfers in Saudi Arabia prevents such a straightforward exit. Benzema cannot unilaterally leave or rely solely on Al-Hilal’s front office to grant his release.
🚨🚨| Al Hilal wants to 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 with Karim Benzema, but it’s an extremely complicated and political matter. 🇸🇦⚠️
[@sachatavolieri] pic.twitter.com/vXPaP45A6L
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 17, 2026
What role do Saudi authorities play in the transfer?
Because the contracts of elite international stars in the region are subsidised by external governing bodies, Benzema’s departure requires high-level administrative clearance. Before the striker can pack his bags, an agreement must be formally reached with the Saudi Pro League executives as well as the relevant Saudi political authorities. Until these entities give their final stamp of approval, the French star remains tethered to his current contract.
If the league and state authorities ultimately green-light the departure agreement, Benzema will be granted the free agency he desires. As a free agent with one of the most decorated resumes in world football, including a 2022 Ballon d’Or and five Champions League titles, he will be able to dictate his next destination entirely on his own terms.
Benzema’s current unrest comes just months after a mid-season move. He officially joined Al-Hilal on February 4, 2026, signing a one-and-a-half-year deal on the final day of the winter transfer window. The transfer followed his dramatic exit from rival club Al-Ittihad, whom he originally joined from Real Madrid in June 2023. After leading Al-Ittihad to the 2024-25 league title and winning Player of the Season honours, his relationship with the Jeddah club deteriorated, leading to the free transfer to Riyadh-based Al-Hilal.
