Karim Benzema is Officially Unveiled as an Al-Ittihad Player in Front of 60,000 Fans

In a grand ceremony held at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Karim Benzema was officially unveiled as a player for Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad, with 60,000 enthusiastic supporters in attendance.

The French striker follows in the footsteps of his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, becoming the second superstar to make the move to the Middle East.

Amidst roaring applause, Benzema proudly donned the number nine shirt as he stepped onto the pitch, capturing the excitement of the crowd.

The announcement began with a press conference where questions were asked in English, and Benzema responded in French, which was then translated.

Signing a lucrative three-year contract worth £258 million, Benzema made it clear that his decision to join Saudi Arabia was motivated by his Muslim faith, rather than the financial rewards on offer. “Because I am Muslim and it’s a Muslim country. I’ve always wanted to live there. I’ve already been to Saudi Arabia, and I feel good about it,” expressed Benzema. “To me, it’s where I want to be… I hope to bring my football skills and, most importantly, win titles for my new club. It’s a new chapter for me, and I would like to contribute to the further success of the club. It’s a club with a lot of passion.”

As a practicing Muslim, Benzema finds himself playing in the “holy kingdom” where Islam is practiced by 90% of the population.

During the event, the prolific goalscorer proudly displayed his Ballon d’Or award to the jubilant Al-Ittihad supporters gathered in the stadium.

A dazzling light show illuminated his initials alongside the number nine, symbolizing the significance of the shirt number he chose, which he previously wore during his illustrious spell of success in Madrid.

With 354 goals in 648 games and a record-breaking 25 trophies won during his time at Real Madrid, Benzema bid farewell to Spain at a press conference, expressing his deep gratitude to the club and his teammates.

“I’ll never forget Real Madrid because it’s impossible. It’s difficult to talk. There are so many emotions,” Benzema shared. “I was fortunate enough to fulfill my childhood dream thanks to the president, who, a long time ago when I was just 21 years old, came to my house with my parents. I saw him and thought, he’s the man who brought Zizou and Ronaldo, and now he wants me in his team. Thank you very much for that.”

While it’s a bittersweet day for the talented striker as he departs from the club he holds dear, Benzema embraces the opportunity for a new chapter in his career, with the support of his family.
His time at Real Madrid has been marked by immense success, including four LaLiga titles, five Champions League crowns, and the prestigious 2022 Ballon d’Or.

Karim Benzema’s journey began in 2009 when he joined Real Madrid from Lyon, and now he embarks on a new adventure, ready to create another memorable story in his football career.