Karim Benzema, the iconic French striker and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, continues to leave his mark on football in Saudi Arabia. From emotional reunions with his former Real Madrid teammates to a revitalized season under Laurent Blanc, Benzema’s story is a compelling mix of struggle, reinvention, and enduring passion for the game.
À reunion steeped in emotion: Benzema meets Real Madrid in Jeddah
As Real Madrid prepared for their Spanish Supercopa semi-final in Jeddah, Benzema made a surprise visit to the team’s hotel. The Al Ittihad striker was warmly welcomed by coach Carlo Ancelotti and his former teammates, many of whom he shared 14 seasons and 25 trophies with. “Do I feel the affection? Yes, always,” Benzema told Real Madrid TV. “In Jeddah, it feels like the whole city supports Madrid.”
The emotional connection didn’t stop there. Benzema attended Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Mallorca, where fans erupted as his face appeared on stadium screens. The Frenchman also took time to encourage former teammate Vinícius Júnior, who recently finished as runner-up for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. “I told Vinícius to ignore the noise and keep going,” Benzema shared with Marca. “He’s the best in the world, and one day he will win it.”
Adapting to new realities: Benzema’s rocky start in Saudi Arabia
When Benzema joined Al Ittihad in 2023 on a contract reportedly worth €100 million annually, expectations were sky-high. Yet, his first season was marred by difficulties on and off the pitch. Despite the arrival of high-profile teammates like N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho, Benzema felt the squad lacked depth compared to rival clubs such as Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Internal discord with then-coach Nuno Espírito Santo further complicated matters, with tensions reportedly arising after Benzema was handed the captaincy without the coach’s input.
Al I Ittihad finished a disappointing fifth in the league, far behind champions Al Hilal, and Benzema endured a challenging campaign. The striker scored only 13 goals in 29 matches, with injuries and a lack of chemistry on the pitch limiting his impact. Off the field, Benzema faced criticism from fans and struggled to adapt to life in Jeddah, despite its proximity to Mecca. Following a high-profile loss to Al Nassr, he even deactivated his Instagram account temporarily, reflecting the mounting pressure on the French superstar.
A tactical revival under Laurent Blanc
The appointment of Laurent Blanc as head coach in the summer of 2024 marked a turning point for both Benzema and Al Ittihad. Blanc, who previously coached Benzema during his tenure with the French national team, introduced a more attacking 4-3-3 system that played to the striker’s strengths. This shift, combined with the arrival of dynamic new signings like Houssem Aouar and Moussa Diaby, reignited Benzema’s form and confidence.
The results have been dramatic. Benzema has already scored 12 goals and provided three assists in just 12 matches this season, propelling Al Ittihad to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings. “Blanc’s coaching style reminds me of Carlo Ancelotti’s,” Benzema said in an interview with the Saudi Pro League’s official media. “He’s intelligent, adaptable, and knows how to get the best out of his players.” Club insiders have described Benzema as being in “incredible form,” a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts alike.
What the future holds for Benzema
While Benzema’s focus remains on delivering success for Al Ittihad, speculation about his future continues to swirl. His lucrative contract includes a role as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid, ensuring his ties to the country extend beyond his playing days. However, rumors persist about a potential return to Real Madrid, possibly for a tribute match or even a final stint in Europe. When asked about the possibility, Benzema left the door open: “Why not? I’m happy in Jeddah now, but the time will come to see how my life unfolds. For sure, I’ll always be close to Madrid.”
Off the pitch, Benzema has also built a new home in Madrid, though tax considerations and his commitments in Saudi Arabia suggest his immediate future remains rooted in the Middle East. Insiders have also speculated about a potential move to the UAE or another Gulf nation as he approaches the twilight of his career, keeping him within the burgeoning football ecosystem of the region.
Legacy of a football icon
Despite the rocky start to his Saudi Arabian chapter, Benzema’s resilience and adaptability continue to define his legacy. His ability to overcome challenges—both on and off the field—has solidified his status as one of the modern era’s most enduring football figures. Whether mentoring rising stars like Vinícius Júnior or leading Al Ittihad’s campaign for domestic dominance, Benzema remains a pivotal presence in every arena he enters.
As the striker’s journey unfolds, his story serves as a testament to football’s global reach and its power to transcend borders. From the iconic Bernabéu to the ambitious stadiums of Jeddah, Benzema’s career reflects reinvention, determination, and an unyielding commitment to greatness. With fans eagerly watching his next moves, one thing is clear: Karim Benzema’s story is far from over.
