Modrić Breaks Silence as Benzema Signs for Al Hilal: A Real Madrid Bond Heads to Saudi Arabia
3 February 2026
Context
A short note from Luka
Croatian star Luka Modrić, the longtime midfielder of AC Milan, commented on his former teammate Karim Benzema's move to Saudi side Al Hilal, a deal that has football insiders buzzing during this transfer window.
Details
Al Hilal officially announced Benzema's signing, a one-and-a-half-year contract that will keep the French forward with the blue-clad club until the summer of 2027, aimed at strengthening the team's attacking options with a wealth of experience.
His exit from negotiations with Al Ittihad followed a dead end over renewal terms; Benzema told the club he did not want to feature in the upcoming matches.
Tensions between the clubs had grown in recent weeks as Al Ittihad refused Benzema's renewal demands, so the French striker moved on to Al Hilal.
Since joining Al Ittihad in 2023 after a storied Real Madrid career, Benzema helped the club win the Saudi Pro League and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup before moving abroad.
Following the official announcement, Modrić reacted to Benzema's arrival with an Instagram post, writing "A new chapter begins" in a concise message that carried a touch of nostalgic meaning.
It is worth noting that Benzema and Modrić played together for 11 seasons at Real Madrid, forming one of the most celebrated partnerships in the club's history, before the Frenchman headed to the Saudi league.
Punchline 1: If goals were a currency, Benzema would be minting coins and Modrić would still be checking the ATM balance for accurate assists.
Punchline 2: In football, a partnership that survives 11 seasons deserves a standing ovation—until the Saudi sun cooks the pre-season under the palm trees, then we’ll all need sunscreen and a good referee.
