French star Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad striker, affirmed that the holy month of Ramadan provides him with tremendous spiritual and physical motivation, noting that his performance improves significantly during the fasting period. Benzema's remarks came ahead of the highly anticipated match between his team, Al-Ittihad, and their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, in the highlight of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, a match known as the "Saudi Clasico.".
In statements carried by Al-Ittihad's official account, Benzema, winner of the 2022 Ballon d'Or, said: "My performance is better during Ramadan. This month gives me greater focus and increases my strength and enthusiasm, praise be to God." These words reflect the positive mindset of the French striker and illustrate how he draws extra energy from the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan to deliver his best performance on the pitch.
General context: The challenge of fasting in the professional world
Benzema's comments highlight an issue that concerns many Muslim athletes worldwide: how to balance their religious obligations of fasting with the demands of high-intensity physical performance in competitive sports. Professional athletes require significant discipline in managing their training schedules, diets, and rest periods to cope with abstaining from food and drink for extended periods, something Benzema appears to have successfully transformed from a challenge into a competitive advantage.
The importance of El Clásico and its expected impact
This match holds special significance as it marks Benzema's first encounter with Al-Hilal in the league while wearing the Al-Ittihad jersey. Following his historic move to the Saudi league in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid, all eyes have been on his performances in major matches. The Saudi Clasico between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Asian football, with both clubs boasting a long history of intense competition and a massive fan base.
Domestically, the match's outcome will be crucial in the race for the Roshan League title, with Al-Hilal aiming to solidify their lead, while Al-Ittihad hopes to close the gap and mount a strong comeback. Internationally, the presence of a star of Karim Benzema's caliber in such a clash enhances the Saudi League's global standing and attracts attention from around the world, contributing to the Kingdom's sporting objectives within Vision 2030.
