Karim Benzema Signs Three-Year Deal with Saudi Arabia Champions Al Ittihad Following Real Madrid Departure

French forward Karim Benzema has officially joined Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad on a three-year contract after bidding farewell to Real Madrid.

The departure from the Spanish club marks the end of his impressive 14-year tenure, during which he clinched La Liga titles four times and lifted the Champions League trophy five times. Benzema’s 354 goals for Real Madrid place him second only to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Notably, Ronaldo, who scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, currently plays for another Saudi club, Al-Nassr.

Al Ittihad, managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, finished five points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, who secured the second position last season.

On Twitter, Al Ittihad shared a video of Benzema signing the contract until 2026, without disclosing the financial details.

The 35-year-old, who will wear the No 9 shirt, expressed his excitement about embarking on a new football journey in a different country. He stated, “I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe. It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project. I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”

Benzema’s remarkable stint at Madrid, which began in 2009, saw him secure a club-record 25 titles. In his final season with Madrid, he captained the team to victory in the Copa del Rey final, clinched the second spot in La Liga, and reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they were defeated by Manchester City.

The farewell to the fans came after Benzema scored in his final Madrid game, a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao.