Al-Hilal and Karim Benzema agree to terminate contract after 6 months

By: The Associated Press Posted: Last Modified:

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RY (AP) — Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is leaving Al-Hilal just six months after joining from rival Al-Ittihad.

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RY (AP) — Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is leaving Al-Hilal just six months after joining from rival Al-Ittihad.

The Saudi club said in a statement on Monday that they have agreed to mutually terminate their contract.

It’s unclear whether the 38-year-old Benzema will join another club or retire.

FILE - Al Ittihad's then player Karim Benzema celebrates at the end of the Soccer Club World Cup first round soccer match between Al Ittihad and Auckland City FC at King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
FILE - Al Ittihad's then player Karim Benzema celebrates at the end of the Soccer Club World Cup first round soccer match between Al Ittihad and Auckland City FC at King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

The announcement of Benzema’s departure came after England striker Ollie Watkins joined the list of high-profile departures from Aston Villa on Sunday to sign with Al-Hilal for a reported 51 million pounds ($69 million).

Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in June 2023 when he left Real Madrid after 14 years and 648 games in which he scored 354 goals.

Benzema won a club record 25 titles with Madrid, including five Champions League trophies. He has 97 caps and 37 goals with France.

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See AP’s full soccer coverage here

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