European football legend, 38, has lucrative Saudi contract worth £85m ripped up

Karim Benzema has agreed to tear up his lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with the French striker reportedly considering retirement.

The 38-year-old signed for the club during the January transfer window and had a deal until June 2027.

Benzema had joined on a free transfer from fellow Saudi club Al-Ittihad, who he had signed for after leaving Real Madrid in 2023.

His move had been the spark for Cristiano Ronaldo staging a brief strike at Al-Nassr, with the forward said to have felt his side were not being backed financially compared to their rivals.

Benzema's spell at Al-Hilal looks to have been a brief one, with the club set to announce his departure following talks.

The forward was said to have spoken with Al-Hilal in recent days over his future, with the parties agreeing to tear up his contract.

Saudi journalist Waleed Al-Farraj reported that Benzema is considering retirement.

He said: 'Benzema was presented with several options, including a move to Al-Shabab or a return to Al-Ittihad, but he rejected both options.

'When the decision came into his hands, he indicated that he was leaning towards retiring from football.' 

Benzema was reportedly earning up to £85million-a-year when he moved to Al-Ittihad, before moving to Al-Hilal.

The nature of his contract has reportedly limited his future options, with the Frenchman reportedly being paid by both Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League.

Reports claim the striker is paid £18.5million annually by Al-Hilal, which is supplemented by a separate deal.

Benzema is also said to have four years remaining on a contract with the Saudi Pro League, worth £17m a year, which requires him to promote football and participate in certain promotional events in the country.

It is claimed a move abroad would lead to the cancellation of this deal, limiting Benzema's options further if he wishes to continue his career. 

His departure from Al-Hilal comes after the Saudi side confirmed the £50m signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

The England international could soon be joined by Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, after a £55m deal was agreed to sign the Brazilian forward.