In a gesture aimed at strengthening ties with the yellow and black supporters, French star Karim Benzema, striker for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, sent a message of thanks and support to the team's fans, asking them to continue their backing for the remainder of the season. This message comes at a sensitive time for the team, giving it special significance for the fans who are eagerly awaiting the return of "Al-Ameed" (the Dean) to its former glory.
On his official X account (formerly Twitter), Benzema posted a picture of himself in an Al-Ittihad jersey on the pitch, accompanied by a brief but meaningful caption: “Thank you… Keep supporting us.” The tweet was met with widespread approval from fans, who saw it as a positive gesture from the striker and an indication of his desire to fight for the team until the end.
Context of historical transition and current challenges
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 in a historic transfer that shook the global sports world. His move from Real Madrid, following a legendary and trophy-laden career, made him one of the world's most prominent stars to choose the Saudi Professional League as his new destination, part of a massive sporting project aimed at raising the level of competition and attracting global attention. However, his first season with the former league champions was not easy. The player and the team as a whole faced significant challenges, including declining results, a change in coaching staff, and a series of injuries that affected the stability of the squad and the team's overall performance, placing Benzema under immense pressure from the media and fans.
The importance of the message and its expected impact
Benzema's message gains significance from its timing, coming as the team strives to get back on track in the Saudi Professional League and compete strongly in remaining tournaments like the King's Cup. Domestically, this message serves as a renewal of the bond between the player and the fans, an attempt to unify the ranks and revitalize the morale needed to achieve victories. Regionally and internationally, the interaction of a star of Benzema's stature with his Saudi fan base reflects the integration of international stars into their new environment and presents a positive image of the players' experience in the Saudi league, enhancing the league's appeal and soft power. It's a simple gesture, but it could be the spark Al-Ittihad needs to regain its balance, relying on the experience of its captain and the support of its loyal fans.
