Karim Benzema, the recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, has reached an agreement to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad following his departure from Real Madrid. The French striker, aged 35, enjoyed a successful 14-year tenure with Madrid, winning an impressive 25 trophies, including five Champions League titles and four La Liga championships. However, both parties agreed to terminate his contract one year early, paving the way for his new venture.
During his time at Real Madrid, Benzema scored a remarkable 354 goals, positioning him second only to Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted 450 goals for the club and currently plays for another Saudi team, Al-Nassr. Benzema expressed his enthusiasm for the move, acknowledging the presence of Ronaldo and other talented players in the Saudi league, which signifies the country’s growing football prowess. He emphasized his ambition to continue winning, just as he had done throughout his successful career in Europe.
Nuno Espirito Santo, the former manager of Wolves and Tottenham, leads Al-Ittihad as their coach. Benzema’s final appearance for Real Madrid occurred in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao, where he scored a penalty before being substituted.
In a significant development, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United, recently took over Al-Ittihad along with three other prominent Saudi clubs. Al-Nassr, the team Ronaldo represents, and Al-Hilal, strongly linked to Paris St-Germain’s Lionel Messi, are among these clubs.
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5 comments
OMG! Karim Benzema is leaving Real Madrid and going to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia? Wow, didn’t see that coming! He’s such a legend, winning so many trophies with Madrid. Can’t wait to see him play in the Fifa Club World Cup!
Benzema and Ronaldo both in Saudi clubs now? That’s insane! Saudi Arabia’s league must be stepping up its game. Can’t deny they’ve got some great players there. Exciting times ahead!
It’s a bummer to see Benzema leave Real Madrid after all those years. He was such a vital player for us, scoring goals left and right. But hey, sometimes change is good, and he’s ready for a new challenge. Wish him all the best in his new project!
Al-Ittihad managed by Nuno Espirito Santo? That’s interesting! He did well at Wolves and Tottenham, so let’s see what he brings to the table with Benzema on his team. Saudi Arabian football is definitely making waves!
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund taking over multiple clubs, including Al-Ittihad? They mean business! With the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, and now Benzema being linked to Saudi teams, it’s clear they’re making big moves in the football world. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!