The Frenchman Karim Benzema began his journey with Al-Hilal by sending a direct message to the team's fans, following his arrival in Riyadh on Tuesday afternoon, after officially completing his transfer during the current winter transfer window.

Al Hilal Club announced early today its signing of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad Club, with a contract extending for a season and a half, in a free transfer deal that received widespread attention from the supporters of the team.

Benzema, in a video posted by Al-Hilal on their official account on Platform X, expressed his happiness at joining the team, noting his arrival from Jeddah and promising the fans that they will see him soon.

Karim Benzema is the seventh signing made by Al-Hilal during the winter transfer market, following the acquisitions of Mohamed Kader Mitty, Rayan Al-Dosari, Pablo Mari, Murad Hawsawi, Sultan Mandash, and Simon Boubary.

The French star is anticipating a special match wearing the Al-Hilal jersey against his former team, Al-Ittihad, on February 19th, as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, at the Kingdom Arena.

Benzema had refrained from participating in the last two matches for Al-Ittihad against Al-Fateh and Al-Najma, in protest against the contract renewal offer, which he deemed unsuitable, before his contract expires next June.

Karim Benzema played 83 matches with Al-Ittihad since joining in the summer of 2023, during which he scored 54 goals and assisted 17 goals. He won the Saudi League title and the King's Cup before moving to Al-Hilal.