Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema has signed a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions of Saudi Arabia, following his departure from Real Madrid. The 35-year-old French striker enjoyed a successful 14-year tenure with Madrid, winning 25 trophies, including five Champions Leagues and four La Ligas. However, both parties agreed to terminate his contract one year early.

During his time at Real, Benzema scored an impressive 354 goals, making him the club’s second-highest scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr, another Saudi club. Benzema expressed his excitement about joining the Saudi league, highlighting the presence of Ronaldo as a testament to its growing stature. He aims to continue his winning ways in Saudi Arabia, just as he did in Europe throughout his career.

Managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, Al-Ittihad will provide Benzema with a new challenge and project. Having made 648 appearances for Real Madrid since his transfer from Lyon in 2009, Benzema concluded his time with the club on a high note, scoring a penalty in his final game before being substituted.

In a related development, it was announced that Al-Ittihad, along with three other prominent Saudi clubs, has been acquired by the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United. Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s team, and Al-Hilal, strongly linked to Paris St-Germain’s Lionel Messi, are among the other clubs included in the ownership change.