Karim Benzema, the renowned French forward, made a surprising move this summer when he joined Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. After 14 successful years with Real Madrid, he decided to embark on a new challenge and contribute to the growth of Saudi football. In this article, we will delve into Benzema’s motivations, his impression of Saudi Arabia, and his ambitions for his new team.
Benzema’s decision to leave Real Madrid, where he had achieved tremendous success, was driven by his desire to try something different. As the recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2022, he stated, “With everything I’ve accomplished at Real Madrid, I felt it was the right moment to embrace a new challenge.” The opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia presented itself at an ideal time, aligning with his longstanding fascination with the country. Even before his football career, he had envisioned living in Saudi Arabia, primarily due to its status as a Muslim country. Upon arrival, Benzema was overwhelmed by the warmth and love shown to him by the people of Saudi Arabia both on and off the pitch, which has undoubtedly contributed to his happiness.
Karim Benzema’s decision to join Al Ittihad was driven by his belief in the potential of Saudi football and his desire to contribute to its growth. The Saudi Pro League champions were at the beginning of an exciting project, with several prominent football stars having already made their way to the Middle East, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozovic. Benzema expressed his surprise and delight at the quality of football in the Saudi Pro League, admitting that European audiences were mostly unaware of the league’s caliber. The influx of these big-name players has certainly bolstered the reputation and appeal of Saudi football.
Upon joining Al-Ittihad, Benzema found himself in a team coached by Nuno Espirito Santo, along with notable acquisitions such as N’Golo Kanté and Jota. Impressed by the stability and cohesion within the team, Benzema remarked, “The team hasn’t really changed from last year, which is a positive. We’ve made a few reinforcements, but overall, we have a strong squad that works well together.” The club currently sits in fourth place in the league, trailing leaders Al Hilal by a mere four points after nine games. Benzema remains optimistic about his performance and the team’s progress, emphasizing that his best is yet to come. As he continues to adapt and integrate into Al-Ittihad, he aims to elevate his game and contribute to the team’s pursuit of trophies by the end of the season.
It is important to acknowledge the legacy Benzema left behind at Real Madrid. As the second-highest goal scorer in the club’s history, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo, and a winner of 25 trophies with the Spanish giants, Benzema’s contributions cannot be understated. His decision to move to Saudi Arabia should not be viewed as a diminishing of his accomplishments but rather as a testament to his eagerness to explore new territories and leave a lasting impact wherever he goes.
Karim Benzema’s move from Real Madrid to Al Ittihad is a bold step that showcases his adventurous spirit and dedication to football. By embracing a new challenge and aiming to contribute to the growth of Saudi football, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a hunger for success. As he settles into his new team, all eyes will be on Benzema to see how he transforms the landscape of Saudi football and leaves an indelible mark on the game in the Middle East.
Leave a Reply