Alexander Mostovoy, a former member of the Russian national team, shares his perspective on Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad. The comments come from Euro-Football.Ru, casting a wide lens on a transfer that has drawn attention across European and Middle Eastern leagues.
Mostovoy argues that Benzema made a prudent decision. After a long era at Real Madrid, where he earned every major title including the Ballon d’Or, the striker faced a lucrative offer that made the choice almost effortless financially. He notes that a yearly figure approaching 100 million euros would be life-changing for anyone, and recalls Ronaldo’s prior experience in Saudi football as a successful blueprint. The implication is that high-stakes moves can reset a player’s career trajectory while still honoring past achievements.
The contract at Al-Ittihad is reported to span three years, with the Golden Ball recipient said to earn around 200 million euros over the first two seasons. The structure of this deal underscores the club’s intent to secure a marquee presence that can drive both on-field performance and global attention for the Saudi Pro League.
On June 4, Real Madrid publicly confirmed that Benzema would depart at the season’s end. In the previous campaign, the 35-year-old contributed in 23 appearances, tallying 18 goals and 3 assists. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga and claimed the national cup, the Copa del Rey, highlighting a season of competitive success for a club steeped in trophy history.
Throughout his 14 years with Real Madrid, Benzema amassed a remarkable collection of 25 trophies, a prolific scoring record of 353 goals, and a prominent place on the club’s all-time scoring list. His longevity at one of football’s most scrutinized clubs underscores a legacy built on consistency, skill, and pivotal moments that helped shape the modern era of the sport.
With Benzema’s new chapter at Al-Ittihad, fans will be watching how his experience translates into the Saudi league and how he adapts to a different footballing culture and schedule. The move represents more than a transfer; it signals a broader trend where elite players explore new leagues while continuing to contribute at a high level. The challenge ahead will involve balancing expectations, adapting to a distinct tactical environment, and maintaining peak performance as a veteran forward who has already left a lasting mark on European football.
The departure marks the end of a storied chapter with Real Madrid and the start of a fresh phase for Benzema, one that may redefine how top players approach late-career moves and the role they play beyond their best years. Observers will be keen to see how the transfer influences Al-Ittihad’s ambitions and how Benzema’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess translate to the team’s plans for domestic and continental competition.
Analysts note that such high-profile signings can have a ripple effect—boosting the league’s profile, attracting sponsorship, and motivating current players. For Benzema, the journey continues with the same drive that characterized his Real Madrid era, now channeled into a new jersey and a different footballing horizon. The narrative remains anchored in achievement, adaptation, and the enduring appeal of seeing a football icon embrace a bold, new challenge.