Karim Benzema (39, Al Hilal) described his new club Al Hilal as "the Real Madrid of Asia" and expressed a strong desire to collect trophies.
His transfer, which shook up the Saudi Pro League (SPL), is being seen as a scene symbolizing a shift in the league's power structure beyond a simple player move.
Benzema officially joined league leader Al Hilal after refusing to extend his contract with Al Ittihad on the 3rd. In his first interview with the club's official channel since the transfer announcement, he said, "I am really happy to be here. From the first training session, every moment with the coach and the squad has been satisfying. Al Hilal is a team with a fine history and tradition, and a club that has already lifted numerous trophies."
He added, "Everything resembles Real Madrid. From the fan culture and the quality of the squad to the mentality toward winning, you could call them the Real Madrid of Asia," praising Al Hilal. Recalling his experience facing Al Hilal while playing for Real Madrid, Benzema said, "They were not an easy team to face and left an impressive memory. I am very happy to now be a part of that team."
The background of this transfer involved conflict with Al Ittihad. According to multiple sources, Benzema regarded the contract renewal terms offered by Al Ittihad as an "offer that did not show respect," and evaluations emerged that the contract was effectively close to free. In the negotiations, overseen by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which manages contracts of key Saudi Pro League stars, Benzema reportedly felt strong dissatisfaction.
Despite interest from several European clubs, an image rights contract guaranteed through 2030 also played an important role in Benzema's decision to remain in Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the PIF led the move to Al Hilal, and the process provoked the captain of Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, the club's biggest rival in the Saudi league.
Ronaldo reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, saying the PIF was concentrating reinforcement efforts only on Al Hilal and not investing sufficiently in Al Nassr. In fact, he showed his protest by indicating he would not play in this week's match against Al Ittihad. Al Nassr currently sits second in the league, one point behind leader Al Hilal, as they pursue their first major trophy challenge.
Benzema begins another challenge for a title at Al Hilal. He said, "This is a clear message. My mentality has not changed. I have big ambitions and will give everything on the field. Trophies are more important than individual records. I want to help this team and win with the fans."
Last season, Benzema still proved top-level competitiveness by leading Al Ittihad to both the league title and the King's Cup. During his time at Real Madrid, he lifted 25 trophies in total, including four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and five UEFA Champions League trophies, and he won the Ballon d'Or in 2022. This season he has maintained his scoring touch with eight goals in 14 league matches.
Benzema's Al Hilal debut will be a league match against Al Okhdood club on Thursday. With Al Hilal having built the strongest force in the Saudi league and Benzema proclaiming Al Hilal as the "Real Madrid of Asia," attention in Middle East football is focused on what results their combination will produce.
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