Karim Benzema has expressed his ambition to win trophies with Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club he joined after a long and successful career at Real Madrid. In a recent statement, the French striker referred to Al Hilal as the “Real Madrid of Asia,” highlighting their stature and reputation within the continent.
Benzema, who spent over a decade at Real Madrid and became the club’s second all-time leading scorer, joined the Saudi side as part of a broader wave of high-profile moves to the league. He praised Al Hilal’s infrastructure, fan base, and winning tradition, suggesting that they share qualities reminiscent of his former team in Spain.
Al Hilal, based in Riyadh, is one of Asia’s most successful football clubs. They have won multiple league titles and are four-time winners of the AFC Champions League. The club has also made significant investments in recent years to attract international talent and bolster its competitiveness both domestically and across Asia.
“Al Hilal is a big club with a lot of history. They remind me of Real Madrid in many ways,” Benzema said. “I’m here to do what I’ve always done—work hard, play well, and win titles.”
As Al Hilal strives for further success, Benzema’s arrival is seen as a major step in their push for regional dominance. The team currently sits in a strong position in the Saudi Pro League standings, and with Benzema leading the line, they aim to add more silverware to their already extensive trophy collection.
Benzema’s move is part of a broader trend of top-level players exploring new opportunities in emerging markets. For Benzema, it represents not only a new chapter in his career but also a chance to contribute to the growth of football in a developing region.