Karim Benzema has broken his silence on his underwhelming performance in the Saudi Pro League.
The French footballer ended a nine-year legendary chapter with Real Madrid in the Spanish topflight to join Al-Ittihad in 2023.
He signed a three-year lucrative contract and was tipped to continue on his heroic club career in the emerging football league in the Middle East.
Futballnews understand Benzema’s move to the Saudi Pro League was part of Saudi’s bold and ambitious project to thrust the SPL into the global limelight by signing some of the biggest European footballers.
Karim Benzema was tipped to replicate his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s individual success in the Saudi elite division and pair with the Portuguese in selling the league to its emerging global audience.
Far from expectations, it has been a dreaded career chapter for Benzema in the SPL. He has 9 goals and 7 assists in 20 league matches for Al-Ittihad, but the last time he scored for the club was on December 15, 2023.
Benzema’s dragging goal drought has impacted Al-Ittihad’s fortunes in the Saudi Pro League. The team sit at a distant 4th on the table with 47 points, 30 points away from league leaders Al-Hilal.
Benzema’s struggles must have been compounded by off-field issues as well. We reported earlier he fell out with former Al-Ittihad and now Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo, leading to the sack of the SPL winner.
The one-time Ballon d’Or winner also deactivated his social media handle, temporarily in December 2023 after Al-Ittihad suffered a heavy 5-2 loss to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Karim Benzema breaks silence on SPL struggles
Karim Benzema’s goal duck since December 2023 continued in Al-Ittihad’s barren draw against Al-Taawoon on Friday, April 5 in the Saudi Pro League.
When asked about his dip in form after the game, Benzema said he needed help.
He also added that he has struggled to adapt to his new club and SPL as they are different environments from Real Madrid where he took his career to its peak.
“Yes, because it is not the same game, it’s not the same players. I need help. I need someone to help me on the pitch. I can’t win one game alone. I need other players and a lot of things!,
“But it’s different. It’s my first season in Saudi [Arabia]. I hope to finish well this season. I hope to win.”
Notably, Benzema’s 16 SPL goal contributions in 20 appearances on his debut season for Al-Ittihad is a promising stats, and the former Lyon forward will be hoping to build on his gains next season.
