Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Professional League champions, announced one of the biggest deals in the history of Saudi and Asian football, officially signing French star Karim Benzema, winner of the 2022 Ballon d'Or, on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract with Real Madrid. Benzema's contract with Al-Ittihad is for three years, a strategic move aimed at strengthening the team and the Saudi league in general.
Background to the deal: A revolution in Saudi football
Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad comes within the context of a massive transformation project underway in Saudi Arabian sports, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This move follows the transfer of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr, which paved the way for attracting elite international football stars. The project aims to raise the competitiveness and technical quality of the Saudi Professional League, positioning it among the top 10 leagues globally, while also increasing its international popularity and attracting new investments.
A career full of achievements and gold
Karim Benzema is considered one of the most prominent strikers of his generation, boasting a legendary career with Real Madrid, where he spent 14 years and became the club's second-highest scorer in history. Benzema contributed to 34 team titles throughout his career, including:
- UEFA Champions League (5 times)
- FIFA Club World Cup (5 times)
- Spanish League (4 times)
- French League with Lyon (4 times)
Internationally, Benzema has made 97 appearances for the French national team, winning the UEFA Nations League title. Individually, his career reached its peak with the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player, the UEFA Best Player in Europe award, and numerous top scorer titles in major tournaments.
The expected impact of the deal on the football scene
Benzema's signing is expected to have a multifaceted impact. Domestically, his arrival will bolster the reigning champions, Al-Ittihad, and intensify competition with other top clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli, promising an exceptional season. Regionally and internationally, the presence of a player of Benzema's stature, a Ballon d'Or winner, lends the Saudi league unprecedented credibility and global appeal, encouraging more stars to join, increasing the value of television broadcasting rights, and attracting millions of viewers worldwide to follow the Roshan League.
