My wifeJourney in Saudi Arabia has reflected a classic football resolution from Maligned Megastar to title-winning talisman. Once subject to widespread dissatisfaction among fans and internal tensions within Al-itihadBenzema has risen to become the emblem for their 2024-25 Saudi Pro League triumph. His transformation was not just about goals – even if he delivered 21 of them – but about rebuilding trust, influence and identity.
After coming with great fanfare from Real Madrid 2023, Benzema’s first year in Jeddah was anything but smooth. Fighting with injuries and was criticized for an obvious lack of commitment and met 2022 Ballon d’Or winner growing hostility. The situation worsened with former coach Marcelo Gallardo, whose falling with Benzema reportedly contributed to his dismissal.
“Gallardo wanted bench Karim, and for us it was a red line,” Club President Loay Nazer revealedExplains the club’s decision to share roads with the Argentine tactician. “Karim is integrated into our vision.”
New regime and an EW Benzema
Summer proved to be important. Benzema played a silent but powerful role in shaping the club’s direction and on a reportedly affected the arrival of the arrival of Laurent Blanc As head coach and key signings as Houssem Aouar and Moussa Diaby. With so much turn behind the scenes, the pressure on the Frenchman was to deliver enormously.
And he delivers.
IN 28 League performancesBenzema chopped 21 goals and nine assistsDirectly contributes to 30 goals. His performances were not only statistically impressive – they came when it mattered. From late winners to moments of inspiration in narrow games, the Frenchman became the backbone on a page that changed from cracking to formidable.
Sealing the title in style – in front of Ronaldo’s shadow
On Match day 32Al-ITIhad dressed the title with a 3-1 comeback victory over al-RAED at King Abdullah Sports City. Although Benzema missed the game through injury, he saw from the Tribun when his teammates completed the assignment. After an early horror-al-Raed scored in the ninth minute through the Oumar Gonzalez-severe People’s Club with goals from Steven Bergwijn, Danilo Pereira and Abdulrahman already made help To seal the match and the league.
With this profit, Al-ITIhad collected 77 pointsestablish one nine-point gap over al-hilalwhich turned out to be inaccessible due to a superior disc from head-to-head. Triumph was particularly symbolic. In delay Cristiano Ronaldos al-NassrBenzema achieved something he never succeeded on Real Madrid – “To take Ronaldos crown” in the same domestic league. Even though Ronaldo ended the season as a top score with 23 goalsBenzema’s trophy and leadership offered the ultimate response in their long -standing silent rivalry.
Karim Benzema Trophies List 2025
Lyon (2004–2009)
- Ligue 1: 2004–05, 2006–07
- French cup: 2007–08
- Master Pokal: 2005, 2006, 2007
Real Madrid (2009-2023)
- The league: 2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23
- Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14
- Spanish Super Cup: 2012, 2017, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23
- UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22
- UEFA SUPER CUP: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
Al-ITIhad (2023-present)
- Saudi Pro League: 2024–25
France’s national team
- UEFA Nations League: 2020–21
Individual awards (selected)
- Ballon d’O or: 2022
- UEFA Champions League topscores: 2021–22
- Multiple topscores in La Liga and Champions League seasons
- French players of the year: Several times
