In a move that strengthens the "Leader" and confirms the continuation of great honorary support, the Board of Directors of Al-Hilal Club Company, headed by Prince Nawaf bin Saad, raised the highest expressions of thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the prominent golden member of the club, in appreciation of his generous and unlimited support that culminated in finalizing the transfer deal of the French star Karim Benzema to the ranks of the first football team.
Details of the billion-dollar support and historic milestones
The Riyadh-based club's management confirmed that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's sponsorship of the entire Benzema deal is not a one-off event, but rather the latest in a long series of historic acts of support for Al-Hilal. The board indicated that this support is a continuation of His Highness's ongoing commitment, as he recently covered the full cost of seven high-profile signings made by Al-Hilal during the 2025-2026 winter transfer window. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is known for his unwavering dedication to ensuring Al-Hilal remains at the forefront of clubs, not only domestically but also internationally, by attracting renowned names befitting the club's status as a Club World Cup runner-up and Asian champion.
Karim Benzema: A technical asset and a huge marketing value
The signing of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema from arch-rivals Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal is a seismic event in Saudi football. This transfer not only represents a massive boost to Al-Hilal's attack, which is competing on all fronts, but also carries enormous marketing and media weight, given the French star's immense popularity. Benzema is expected to form a formidable partnership with Al-Hilal's current stars, significantly enhancing the team's chances of retaining its titles and competing strongly in upcoming continental and international competitions.
Behind the scenes of the Brexit exit: The rights crisis
Benzema's path to Al-Hilal wasn't easy; it followed tensions within Al-Ittihad. Reports and media leaks in recent days revealed a significant rift between the player and the club's management, centered on contract renewal terms. Sources indicated that Al-Ittihad's offer was limited to granting the player image rights only, without fulfilling his other financial and contractual demands. The French star considered this an undervaluation of his history and stature, hastening his decision to leave and seek a new challenge within the Kingdom, finding the professional environment he desired at Al-Hilal.
"Kareem in the leader's stronghold"... widespread public reaction
Immediately after the official announcement, social media platforms erupted, with Al-Hilal's official account on the X platform posting the first picture of Benzema in the blue jersey under the caption "Karim in the stronghold of the leader." This tweet garnered record-breaking interaction from Al-Hilal fans, who considered the deal a masterstroke confirming the club's dominance and its ability to attract the world's best players. They also expressed their deep gratitude to Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who consistently proves to be a key factor in Al-Hilal's success.
An incentive to continue achieving
The board concluded its statement by emphasizing that this influential support from the gold member places upon them the responsibility of redoubling efforts in all administrative and technical paths, to achieve the aspirations of the broad public and continue to reap gold, stressing that Al-Hilal, with its loyal supporters and international stars, will remain a constant on the podiums of victory.
