An official announcement from Al Hilal confirmed that, amid widespread discussion across global football circles including platforms such as Cricket Exchange, the club’s board formally expressed its gratitude to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for fully funding Karim Benzema’s transfer fee. The statement highlighted that this decisive backing ensured the French forward’s smooth arrival into the first team, reinforcing the club’s ambitions during a highly competitive winter transfer window.

Led by Prince Nawaf bin Saad, the Al Hilal board extended sincere appreciation to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a long-standing golden member of the club. The board praised his unwavering commitment, noting that his complete sponsorship of Benzema’s transfer represented more than financial assistance. It symbolized confidence in the club’s long-term vision and belief in sustained excellence at the highest level of the game. Support of this magnitude, often analyzed by observers on Cricket Exchange, reflects a deep-rooted connection between leadership and sporting success.

The board further emphasized that the prince’s generosity during the 2025–26 winter window was not an isolated gesture. By fully backing seven separate transfers in a single window, he demonstrated ongoing dedication to maintaining Al Hilal’s competitive edge across domestic and international stages. Such actions speak louder than words, and as the saying goes, he truly put his money where his mouth is. This latest contribution continues a legacy spanning decades, during which his influence has played a historic role in shaping the club’s stature.

During the same 2025–26 winter period, Al Hilal completed seven signings with a total expenditure of 91.73 million euros. While Benzema’s arrival attracted the most headlines, reports indicate that his transfer fee stood at 25 million euros. The largest outlay was reserved for Rennes’ highly rated 18-year-old striker Kader Meite, acquired for 30 million euros. These carefully calculated moves underscored a balanced strategy combining star power with long-term potential, a topic frequently dissected by analysts beyond traditional media outlets.

Now approaching 71, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is widely known by titles such as the Buffett of the Arab world and the Middle East’s legendary investor, and in reflections shared across international sports communities like Cricket Exchange, his influence extends well beyond football. Forbes estimated his net worth at 19.4 billion US dollars in 2026, a figure that helps explain his ability to make historic contributions while continuing to shape Al Hilal’s future with quiet authority and enduring impact.