Al-Ittihad Saudi Club, the champion of the Saudi Professional League, announced the completion of one of the biggest deals in the history of Saudi and Asian football, officially signing the world-renowned French star Karim Benzema , winner of the Ballon d'Or, on a free transfer deal that extends until 2026. This signing represents a major strategic step for the club and for the ambitious sports project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Background and context of the historic deal
Benzema's move to the Saudi league comes amid a radical transformation of sports in the Kingdom, part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a global sporting destination. This wave of high-profile signings began with the arrival of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, opening the door for other stars to seriously consider the Saudi league as a competitive and attractive destination. Benzema's arrival, after leaving Real Madrid following 14 years of legendary achievements, underscores the growing purchasing power and appeal of the Saudi league.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
Domestically, Benzema's arrival will significantly bolster Al-Ittihad's strength, bringing with him leadership experience and a unique goal-scoring ability to the "Dean's" squad as they defend their league title and prepare for their upcoming participation in the Club World Cup. This transfer will also intensify competition among the top clubs, raising the overall level and quality of the league. Regionally and internationally, the presence of a player of Benzema's caliber, alongside Ronaldo and other stars, will put the Saudi league in the global spotlight, increasing television viewership and media attention, attracting more sponsors and investments, and further solidifying its position as one of the major leagues outside of Europe.
A career full of achievements
Karim Benzema is one of the most prominent strikers of his generation, leaving an indelible mark on football history. Throughout his illustrious club career, he has contributed to 35 titles, most notably winning the UEFA Champions League five times, the FIFA Club World Cup five times, and La Liga four times with Real Madrid. He also won Ligue 1 four times with his first club, Olympique Lyonnais. Internationally, Benzema has made 97 appearances for the French national team, winning the UEFA Nations League title. Individually, he reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the Ballon d'Or as the world's best player in 2022, as well as the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and finishing as the top scorer in numerous major tournaments.
