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

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.

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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