Benzema’s Honest Reflections on His Journey in Saudi Arabia

In an interview with AS, Karim Benzema shared his enthusiasm for living in Jeddah, describing it as a pleasant experience similar to his time in Madrid. “It’s a country I really love. Every year, it opens up more and attracts more visitors,” he stated, highlighting the city’s attractions: “There are great restaurants, beaches… there’s plenty to do.” For Benzema, Saudi Arabia is more than just a workplace: “It’s a country that’s evolving, where interactions are friendly,” and he sees potential for football to grow thanks to “the experience of players coming from Europe.” At 37, he considers himself a pioneer in this movement, helping local youth develop the necessary skills and discipline to advance to other clubs: “I truly feel appreciated by them. It’s evident at all levels. The fans are always there for me, giving me immense confidence.”

On the athletic front, Benzema is fully dedicated to his role at Al Ittihad, the club where he made history by winning the King’s Cup and the league title last season: “I believe this club values the desire to progress; it has the mentality to achieve great things in football. We have fantastic supporters who are always there for us, at home and away. That’s very important for us. It was a wonderful and special time for everyone.” While his leadership is clear, he prefers to focus on supporting his teammates: “I’m here to help my teammates. If I perform well, it’s because they give me the chance. Scoring goals is a team effort. I can advise them on and off the field so they can improve and hopefully move to other teams in the future.”