Benzema’s Al Hilal: PIF Offloads Majority Stake in $373M Deal
Saudi Arabia’s PIF has sold a 70% stake in Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, led by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. The deal values the Saudi Pro League club at $373 million. Al Hilal signed stars like Benzema and Neymar after the PIF took control in 2023.
Saudi sovereign wealth fund offloads majority stake in Benzema’s Al Hilal...
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund on Thursday announced it had sold its majority stake in Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, home to French striker Karim Benzema.
The PIF, which also owns Premier League side Newcastle United, sold a 70% stake in Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), the investment firm led by billionaire Saudi royal Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
The transaction values Al Hilal’s share capital at 1.4 billion Saudi riyals ($373 million).
The sale comes as the PIF’s backing of LIV Golf faces scrutiny, with reports suggesting the breakaway tour is close to collapse amid a possible pullback of Saudi funding.
“Al Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people,” Bin Talal said in a statement.
“This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development.
“By applying our global investment standards and cultivating strategic partnerships, we will unlock Al Hilal's full potential while preserving its history and identity.”
The PIF, the public fund chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took a majority stake in the Riyadh club in 2023 alongside three other Saudi Pro League sides - Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad - as part of the kingdom’s sports investment drive.
That cash injection allowed Al Hilal to sign several high-profile foreign players, most notably Brazilian star Neymar, who left in January 2025.
French striker Benzema was the most recent arrival at Al Hilal after ending his contract with Al Ittihad.
“The sale aligns with PIF's strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy,“ the PIF statement read.
Stepping Into a New Chapter of Glory 💙 pic.twitter.com/zya4Au7XRB
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 16, 2026
“This strategy supports PIF's wider efforts to drive the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.“
“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”
The PIF said it had “driven Al Hilal’s transformation... enabling substantial growth in its value.”
“As a remaining shareholder, PIF will continue supporting Al Hilal's growth journey.“
No comments:
Leave comment here