Karim Benzema is enjoying Saudi Arabia: It’s my second home, there are great people who love football

He was brought up for big football by Olympique Lyon, became a legend at Real Madrid, and since the summer Karim Benzema has been playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad. Although he has only been with the Jeddah side for a few months, he already admits that he feels at home in the Middle East.

Karim Benzema is undoubtedly one of the best footballers not only of his time, but also of history. After his transfer from Olympique Lyon to Real Madrid, he was in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo for a long time, but after his departure, his star began to shine brightly.

The French striker had not put up bad numbers up until then, but he often faced unjustified criticism. He made a huge contribution to the team, sacrificing himself. Without him, Ronaldo might not have put up such great numbers.

Once Ronaldo was gone, Benzema started to shine. He scored goals, set up goals, played fantastic. A criticised footballer became a Real Madrid hero who also went on to win the most valuable individual trophy in 2022. He won the Ballon d’Or.

In the summer, however, Benzema decided to leave the Santiago Bernabeu and set out to meet a new challenge. He went to Saudi Arabia, signing for Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad.

The Lyon product was one of the few footballers who could not be suspected of following the money. A Muslim himself, he said he wanted to one day play and live in a Muslim country. Now he has lived to see it.

Benzema is at home in Saudi Arabia

Karim Benzema, however, had to deal with problems after arriving at Al-Ittihad. Apparently, he didn’t quite click with now former coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Then, in October, talk of his links to terrorists began in his native France.

But now he’s really enjoying the engagement. “I’m really happy here. There are great people here who love sport. I came here not only to play football but for a giant sporting project,” Football-España quotes him as saying.

“At first I was surprised by the affection of the locals. I received a great welcome. The fans are passionate. Saudi Arabia is my second home,” Benzema admits.

Born and raised in Lyon, he lived in Madrid for 14 years. So it is surprising that it is only in Saudi Arabia that he feels at home. It is worth noting, however, that the French footballer has generally not had a good relationship with France.

Firstly, he was in trouble for having fun with an underage prostitute, blackmailing his teammate Mathieu Valbuena, not being allowed to play for the national team for eight years and, most recently, the aforementioned links to terrorists.

He does indeed look happy in Saudi Arabia. He has played 13 competitive games for Al-Ittihad this season with a record of 9 goals scored and 4 assists.

Source: Football-España, Transfermarkt