The arrival of French star Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner, at Saudi club Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 marked a turning point in the history of the Saudi Professional League. It wasn't just a transfer of a world-class player; it was the beginning of a new era in which Benzema quickly proved his worth, making a strong start and an immediate impact that extended far beyond the pitch.
Background to the historic deal and its global context
Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad came amidst a football revolution in Saudi Arabia, fueled by an ambitious vision to make the Saudi league one of the top 10 leagues in the world. After a legendary career with Real Madrid, where he won every possible title and became the club's second all-time leading scorer, Benzema surprised the world by deciding to take on a new challenge in Jeddah. This move, which followed Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Al-Nassr, solidified the league's status as a magnet for top international football stars and thrust Al-Ittihad, the reigning league champions at the time, into the global spotlight.
A perfect start and decisive goals
The veteran French striker didn't need long to adapt, making a strong statement from his very first appearance in Al-Ittihad's jersey. His official debut came in the King Salman Cup for Arab Clubs, where he scored a brilliant goal and provided an assist in his first match against Tunisian side Espérance, leading his team to victory. Benzema continued his impressive form in the tournament, scoring in the first three matches in a row, confirming that he hadn't come to Saudi Arabia to retire, but rather to compete and make history.
In the Saudi Professional League, he quickly made his mark. In his first league appearance against Al-Raed, he provided an assist for his teammate Abderrazak Hamdallah, demonstrating his ability to play as part of the team alongside his goal-scoring prowess. His first league goal came soon after, finding the net against Al-Riyadh, thus beginning his scoring streak, which the club's fans had been eagerly anticipating.
Importance and expected impact of the deal
Benzema's impact extends far beyond goals. Domestically, having a player of his technical ability and leadership elevates the team as a whole, giving young players the opportunity to learn from one of the world's best strikers. Regionally and internationally, Benzema's signing has contributed to an unprecedented increase in viewership and engagement with the Saudi League, attracting global media attention and bolstering the Kingdom's soft power in the sports arena, thus serving its future goals of hosting major events.
