Is the Saudi defending champion out of the game? Two star players flee: Benzema joins Al Hilal, Kanté moves to the Turkish Super League.

The Saudi Pro League has surged in popularity lately, drawing numerous European talents. Yet, it still feels somewhat "amateur" because the four giants—Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Shabab—share the same ownership. Last season, Al-Ittihad, captained by Benzema and Kanté, secured the championship, but this season remains unfinished as Al-Ittihad appears to have withdrawn, with two key star players fleeing the club.

The first to leave Al-Ittihad was Ballon d'Or winner Benzema. After receiving a humiliating contract renewal offer, Benzema departed to join this season’s Saudi Pro League leader, Al Hilal, who are competing against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for the league title, with only a one-point difference between them. Ronaldo expressed anger, believing Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal was unfair and protested by boycotting matches. Nonetheless, Benzema successfully left Al-Ittihad and now wears the number 90 jersey for Al Hilal, aiming to win both the remaining league matches and the AFC Champions League this season.

The second star to exit Al-Ittihad is widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in football, Kanté. According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 34-year-old French midfielder has terminated his contract with Al-Ittihad and will move to the Turkish Super League to join Fenerbahçe, signing a deal until June 2028. This transfer has been approved by FIFA. Returning to a top European league, Kanté plans to prepare intensively for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as the Saudi league’s hype isn’t enough to maintain the fitness level required. He aims to improve his form through Turkish league and Europa League matches, targeting a strong performance with France at this summer’s World Cup.