SUMMARY
- Al-Ittihad star Karim Benzema has been going through a rough patch since his arrival.
- Benzema has failed to score even a single goal since December 2023.
It has been more than four months since Karim Benzema last scored for his club, Al-Ittihad. Last year, Benzema shocked the soccer world by announcing his decision to leave Real Madrid and join Al-Ittihad. Besides the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr., Benzema was the latest in a line of high-profile soccer stars to move to Saudi Arabia. However, Benzema’s Saudi Arabia story hasn’t gone exactly according to plan.
Karim Benzema’s acquisition was supposed to give the defending champions, Al-Ittihad, a major boost ahead of the 2023-24 season. Besides being a prolific goalscorer and a five-time Champions League winner, Benzema also won the 2022 Ballon d’Or. However, since he arrived in Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s form has taken a massive dip. The ex-Real Madrid star has managed to score just 12 goals in 26 appearances so far for Al-Ittihad.
Benzema, who was once feared by goalkeepers across Europe for his lethal finishing, hardly looks like his past self. The French star’s last goal came on December 15, 2023, during Al-Ittihad’s Club World Cup defeat against Al Ahly. Since then, Benzema has continued to draw blanks in front of the goal, which has led to Al-Ittihad languishing in fourth place in the Saudi Pro League, thirty points shy of league leader Al-Hilal.
Karim Benzema has not scored a goal since 15 December 2023 😬 pic.twitter.com/ZvDYkYR8Vo
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) April 5, 2024
Moreover, fitness issues and alleged problems with coach Marcelo Gallardo have also been reported to be big factors contributing to Benzema’s dip in form. Back in February 2024, Benzema was left out of Al-Ittihad’s squad after an alleged clash with Gallardo. Nevertheless, the French international has finally issued a clarification regarding his ongoing struggles in Saudi Arabia.
Karim Benzema blames his Al-Ittihad teammates for his dip in form
Karim Benzema recently addressed his on-the-pitch troubles in Saudi Arabia and explained the reasons behind his rough patch to his fans and supporters. As quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Benzema admitted that he can no longer be the player that his fans were accustomed to seeing in a Real Madrid shirt. He said, “I’m not the same Benzema of Real Madrid because it’s not the same game, the same players.”
🚨🇸🇦 Benzema when asked about not scoring goals since December: “I’m not the same Benzema of Real Madrid because it’s not the same game, the same players…”.
“I need help on the pitch, I need a lot of things. I can’t win games alone”. pic.twitter.com/vDCZG3IrDm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2024
In addition to this, Benzema rather shockingly laid the blame on his Al-Ittihad teammates for his dip in form. The former Lyon forward publicly claimed that it’s wrong for people to expect him to win games alone and stated that he needs more help from his teammates. While there has been no official statement from Al-Ittihad, it is unlikely that Benzema’s statement will go down well with his teammates.
Karim Benzema comes clean on his future in the Saudi Pro League
Meanwhile, there have been several rumors and reports linking Karim Benzema with a move away from Al-Ittihad at the end of the 2023-24 season. During the January transfer window, reports emerged claiming that Benzema was unhappy in Saudi Arabia and was hoping for a move back to European soccer. However, Benzema rubbished these rumors a couple of months ago and labeled the ones spreading them as “liars.“
🚨 Karim Benzema on his future and potential move in the summer: “We will see. For me the most important is here for the moment… let’s see what happens in the future”.
“There are many news every day. Let’s see”. pic.twitter.com/NXnolTvyWt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2024
Most recently, Benzema once again opened up about his potential future, if any, in Saudi Arabia. Benzema revealed, “We will see. For me, the most important is here for the moment.” However, unlike the last time, Benzema refused to completely rule out a move away from Al-Ittihad. Benzema, who will turn 37 at the end of this year, is currently valued at $16.2 million and might prove to be a bargain if any of the big European clubs decide to sign him in the upcoming transfer window.