Karim Benzema has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia side, Al-Ittihad – after a 14-year illustrious career at Real Madrid came to an end.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia in the past couple of days. The player has been unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player and the deal is worth €200 million per season.
The former Olympique Lyonnais forward spent 14 years at Real Madrid scoring 354 goals in more than 650 appearances – and won 25 trophies including five Champions League titles.
Benzema became the main man at Real Madrid after Ronaldo left the club for Juventus in 2018. His best season was the 2021/22 season as he helped Real Madrid win a record 14th champions league crown – as he earned the Ballon d’Or Award that season.
“I am excited to see you in Jeddah,” Benzema said in a video posted on Al-Ittihad’s social media channels. “Al-Ittihad is a new challenge for me. It’s a good league and there are many good players. Cristiano Ronaldo is already here, he is a friend who shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to get ahead and I am here to win as I did in Europe.”
Benzema will be unveiled in front of a capacity crowd in Jeddah on Wednesday. He is expected to be joined by more high-profile stars in the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer window, with Lionel Messi among those linked with a move.
Ronaldo, who hit 450 Real goals, plays for another Saudi club, Al-Nassr.
“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 is managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
