KSAsportz report
JEDDAH — Karim Benzema, Al Ittihad’s star striker, has emphasized the need for the team to replicate their championship-winning form as they gear up for their Saudi Pro League title defense against Al Okhdood this Saturday. The Jeddah giants are looking to maintain their dominance after a successful season, in which they secured both the league and King’s Cup titles.
Last season, Benzema, who captained Al Ittihad to a league and cup double, finished with an impressive tally of 25 goals across all competitions, earning him the coveted title of the 2024–25 RSL Player of the Season.
Reflecting on his team’s achievements, Benzema stated, “I’m very happy finally to have won the league and the cup, which were very important. For me, the most important thing is collective trophies. To win an individual award is thanks to all my teammates and the fans.” He added, “One way or another, I was going to win in Saudi Arabia. We won trophies all together. I’m someone who doesn’t give up until I achieve my goals.”
The former Ballon d’Or winner expressed gratitude towards Al Ittihad’s devoted fan base, labeling them the “12th man” that spurred the team to its recent successes. “We’re lucky to have the best supporters in Saudi. Whether at home or away, they’re there. They sing, they push us forward. There’s a real connection with the supporters, and we thank them for the trophies by giving everything on the pitch,” he noted.
However, Benzema conceded that the challenge of retaining the double will be tougher this season, with rivals Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli making significant investments to bolster their squads.
Additionally, Al Ittihad faces the task of balancing their domestic ambitions with a return to the AFC Champions League, where city rivals Al Ahli will enter as defending champions.
“You just have to look at what we did last year, take everything we did — all the moments that helped us win — and achieve even more this year,” Benzema remarked. “Because the opponents will be tougher. Teams have strengthened. Now, every team wants to beat Al Ittihad. We need confidence and ambition. We’ll fight until the end and do everything to win more trophies, which are the most important thing in football. And above all, to bring joy to everyone.”
Benzema, who made headlines by joining Al Ittihad from Real Madrid in 2023 as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, remains optimistic about the growth of Saudi football. He stated, “The level of football in Saudi is rising every year. There are very good Saudi players, and I think with hard work, and with the arrival of European players and coaches, Saudi football can rise even higher.”