Karim Benzema, Ballon d’Or winner, has reached an agreement on a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad following his departure from Real Madrid.
The 35-year-old French striker enjoyed an illustrious 14-year tenure at Real Madrid, accumulating an impressive collection of 25 trophies, including five Champions League titles and four La Liga triumphs. Although his contract was set to expire in a year, Real Madrid granted Benzema an early release.
Benzema is here ????✍️
A new tiger will roar ????
Welcome to Ittihad!#Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSA pic.twitter.com/I3GEm90fRB— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 6, 2023
Benzema’s goal-scoring prowess was a standout feature of his time at Real Madrid, as he found the back of the net 354 times, a feat surpassed only by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 450 goals for the club. Coincidentally, Ronaldo currently represents another Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr.
Expressing his thoughts on the move, Benzema acknowledged the quality of the Saudi Arabian league, stating, “It’s a good league and there are many good players,” said Benzema. “Cristiano Ronaldo is already there, a friend which shows Saudi Arabia is starting to further progress its level. I am here to win, like I did in Europe.
“I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe. It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project.”
Al-Ittihad, under the guidance of former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo, will benefit from the addition of Benzema to their squad.
Benzema’s final appearance for Real Madrid saw him make his mark by converting a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao before being substituted. With 648 appearances for Real Madrid since his transfer from Lyon in 2009, Benzema bid farewell to the club on a high note.
In a noteworthy development, Al-Ittihad was among the four prominent Saudi Arabian clubs taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also holds ownership of Newcastle United. Al-Nassr, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al-Hilal, who have been linked to Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi this summer, are the other clubs under the fund’s ownership.
