Joy for Cristiano Ronaldo: Karim Benzema triggers hype at Al-Ittihad

TransferKarim Benzema is greeted enthusiastically by the Al-Ittihad Club and its fans in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The French are happy to meet ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as an opponent in the league there.

Foto: AFP via Getty Images“>

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Karim Benzema now belongs to Al-Ittihad – Foto: AFP via Getty Images

Karim Benzema received a frenzy in Saudi Arabia

JIDDA. It can sometimes go that fast. It was not two weeks ago that there was a departure from Karim Benzema not even given rumors by Real Madrid. Then the disaster for the royals took its course: last week Monday the first reports appeared that the 35-year-old Frenchman was considering a mega financial offer from Saudi Arabia. Sunday: the confirmation of his farewell. Tuesday: his farewell. And now, on Thursday: Performance at the Al-Ittihad Club in Jeddah.

Benzema, the new superstar, was enthusiastically welcomed by around 60,000 onlookers in the King Abdullah Sports City. He also proudly presented his Ballon d’Or won in October 2022, although he just cleared it with his spectacular performances as a royal. Enthusiastic cheers.

Benzema no longer in that mystical white from Real, but in the yellow and black jersey of the Saudi club, the reigning champions in his league, by the way. A sight that you have to get used to, not only in Spain’s capital – and actually don’t want to.

“Al-Ittihad a club with many values”

“I won a lot in Europe and I chose Al-Ittihad because it’s a club with many values. It’s a club with success behind it, always evolving. I like the ambition and the character of the fans. That’s why I chose this club.”said the attacker in a press conference, which he incidentally declined in Madrid when he said goodbye, and thus resorted to platitudes.

Karim Benzema: “It’s important that Cristiano Ronaldo is here”

Shortly after arriving on Saudi Arabian soil, the ex-international made it clear that he wanted to be part of this new adventure “leave a lasting legacy because I love football”. A certain Cristiano Ronaldo, his once congenial storm colleague in Madrid, does that no less. From the new season they will face each other as opponents, the Portuguese world star is under contract with championship rivals Al-Nassr FC.

“It is important that Cristiano Ronaldo is in Saudi Arabia because he is a very important player. He brings a lot to football in this country. It’s important to show that Saudi football can have a global impact.”, the second top scorer in Real history (354) is happy about the presence of the top scorer in Real history (450). At their new clubs, both are poured with money: Benzema, who signed until 2026, should collect a total of around 600 million euros in salary, CR7 – again until 2025 – should collect 200 million euros net per season.