Khaberni - Discover the schedule for French player Karim Benzema's first match with Al Hilal, the club he recently joined from Al Ittihad.
The management of Al Hilal succeeded in securing the services of Karim Benzema in the last days of the winter transfer window of 2026, taking advantage of the crisis that erupted between the French player and the Dean with a contract for a season and a half.
Karim Benzema refused the offer from Al Ittihad club management to extend his contract, which was expected to expire in the summer of 2026, due to the low financial compensation.
Al Hilal club announced today, Tuesday, the arrival of Karim Benzema to the Saudi capital Riyadh to begin his journey with the leader of the Roshan Professional League.
The French international is expected to conduct his first training with Al Hilal today, Tuesday, in preparation for the upcoming league match against Al Akhdoud.
The match against Al Akhdoud on the upcoming Thursday, February 5, 2026, is expected to be Benzema's first wearing the Al Hilal shirt.
Benzema said in a video via Al Hilal's official account on "X" social media site: "I have arrived in Riyadh from Jeddah, Ahlan to our fans, how are you?"
He continued: "I am happy to be here, and see you soon, God willing."
Incidentally, this date coincides with the birthday of Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, the winger of Saudi Al Nassr, who expressed his displeasure with Benzema's transfer to Al Hilal.
Ronaldo believes that this deal gives an advantage to the leader over the global in the battle of the teams to win the title of the Saudi Professional League.
It is noted that Benzema has successfully scored 16 goals in 21 matches defending the colors of Al Ittihad during the current season.
