Real Madrid star Karim Benzema heads to Saudi Arabia, joins Al Ittihad as free agent
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema made a significant move by joining Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad as a free agent. After leaving Real Madrid following 14 successful years, Benzema signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions and will wear no. 9 shirt.
Benzema stated that he is eager to experience a new football league in a different country. He acknowledged his achievements in Spain and Europe, adding that the time is right for a new challenge and elevate both the club and the game in Saudi Arabia.
“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe,” Benzema said.
“It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project … I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”
Benzema follows the path of his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in December on a 2.5-year contract. This move highlights the increasing appeal of Saudi Arabia as a football destination for top players.
During his time at Real Madrid, Benzema played a crucial role in the club’s attack and enjoyed immense success, winning the UEFA Champions League five times and the LaLiga title four times. In the 2021-22 season, he had his best performance, scoring 44 goals and leading the club to its 14th European title and the LaLiga crown.
Benzema’s decision to leave Real Madrid was influenced by a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, estimated to be over 100 million euros. Despite facing injuries and missing out on France’s World Cup squad, the 35-year-old striker, who won the Ballon d’Or last year, opted to void the one-year extension clause in his contract and embrace a new challenge.
Al Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League title holders, consider Benzema’s arrival as a historic and impactful transfer for the club.
“Benzema’s arrival is the most impactful transfer in the club’s history to date,” Al Ittihad said in a statement. “It also marks another huge step in the Saudi Pro League’s journey to become one of football’s leading destinations for the world’s very best after its biggest season to date.”
The club’s president, Anmar Alhailae, expressed his delight, describing Benzema as a “global football icon, he’s box office and very much at the top of his powers. He joins a club and hugely competitive league – in a country with big ambitions both on and off the pitch.”
