Karim Benzema, the esteemed French forward who was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2022, made a surprising move this summer by joining Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. After spending 14 successful years with Real Madrid, Benzema sought to embark on a new adventure and contribute to the growth of Saudi football. In an interview with the Saudi Pro League website, he expressed his desire for a fresh challenge and his longstanding fascination with living in Saudi Arabia, a Muslim country. The warm welcome and genuine affection he received from the people further solidified his decision.
Benzema’s decision to join Al Ittihad is part of a larger trend of football stars venturing into the Middle East. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in December 2022, several notable names have followed suit, including Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozovic. The level of the game in Saudi Arabia has surprised Benzema, who admitted that European football rarely showcases matches from this region. However, the influx of renowned players has piqued the interest of football enthusiasts, sparking a newfound curiosity in this corner of the footballing world.
Under the stewardship of Nuno Espirito Santo, Al-Ittihad has bolstered their squad beyond the addition of Benzema. They have acquired the services of former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kanté and ex-Celtic forward Jota. Benzema expressed satisfaction with the team’s continuity from the previous year, believing that a few strategic reinforcements have enhanced their overall strength. The collective cohesion within the squad has contributed to their current fourth-place standing in the league, trailing leaders Al Hilal by four points after nine games.
Conceding that he is still adjusting to his new environment, Benzema affirmed his excitement for the future. The French forward has already displayed his prowess on the field, contributing three goals and three assists in seven league appearances this season. However, he is convinced that his best is yet to come. As he settles further into the team dynamics and elevates his own performance, he strives for collective success. Benzema’s ultimate objective is to secure trophies for Al Ittihad by the end of the season, a goal that holds personal significance to him.
Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid marked the end of an era. Regarded as the club’s second-highest goal scorer of all time, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, he etched his name in the history books of the Spanish giants. Over the course of his tenure, Benzema amassed an impressive collection of 25 trophies, showcasing his remarkable impact and contributions to the club’s success.
Karim Benzema’s decision to join Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia has brought forth a promising new chapter in Saudi football. With his experience, skillset, and determination to help the sport grow, the French forward has made a significant impact in a league that is progressively capturing global attention. As the Saudi Pro League continues to attract established stars, the spotlight on the region’s football will undoubtedly intensify, offering new avenues for growth, development, and excitement for fans around the world.
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