Karim Benzema (38) terminates contract with Al-Hilal and could retire

Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal have parted ways with immediate effect, Fabrizio Romano reports. The Frenchman has had his contract terminated and now faces a major decision over his future.

Now 38, Benzema moved from Real Madrid to Ittihad Club in 2023. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner then made the switch to rivals Al-Hilal in January 2026.

Just six months later, Benzema is a free agent and may not join another club at all. "Benzema will announce his decision about his future soon," Romano writes.

For now, Romano says only two options remain. "Retirement and another Saudi club are the options. A return to Europe is not going to happen," Romano adds.