Benzema’s Rocky Saudi Season: A Star in the Storm at Al-Ittihad

Context and Form

The French striker Karim Benzema, leader of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is experiencing a season markedly different from his peak days, marked by a drought in goals and a reduced impact, especially in the big matches, and reflecting the club’s broader struggles this term.

Last season stands out as Benzema’s most impressive period in Saudi football, when he rekindled much of the magic from his Real Madrid days and played a central role in Al-Ittihad’s domestic double in the league and the cup.

Yet despite a promising start with the same core group and under coach Laurent Blanc, the winds shifted against the team’s ambitions, and the expected flood of performances did not fully arrive this term.

Three goals in six games, with all three coming in one hat-trick against Akhdood in the opening round, oddly summed up the start of Benzema’s campaign—he hasn’t found the net since that trio.

The goalscoring tally for a player nearing 500 career goals has become harder to come by, with opponents pinning him down more tightly than ever as Al-Ittihad navigates a tougher schedule.

Offensive overload

Naturally, the team’s struggles reverberated onto Benzema. The 37-year-old star has not been as calm in his remarks or as measured in his reactions to journalists—nor in his clashes with some fans—reflecting a season under more pressure than he anticipated.

After a clash against Al-Hilal in the fourth round of the Saudi Pro League, Benzema reportedly snapped at a fan who asked for a signed photo, reportedly of the striker in a relaxed pose. The incident was interpreted by many as a sign of mounting frustration with the results and the spotlight on him.

Following the defeat to Al-Hilal, he was also less than enthusiastic in pre-match comments about expectations for the next clash against Al-Nassr, particularly when asked about potential guarantees for a win and advancement in cup competition.

He famously responded with a dry line about predicting the unpredictable: “How can I promise something I don’t know?” and added a jab about the futility of promising what cannot be foreseen.

The upcoming knockout game against a rival was framed as a must-win, and Benzema underscored that the team either prevails or exits the competition, highlighting the pressure and high stakes surrounding every fixture.

Syrian isolate? Not quite

It isn’t only about Benzema’s individual form; the broader attacking system has struggled to sustain meaningful Dinamism. The absence of Houssem Aouar for stretches and the reduced impact of the midfield’s attacking thrust have left the Frenchman somewhat isolated at times, policing his spaces under tight defensive coverage.

All of these factors have converged to create a season where Benzema’s usual influence has felt limited, even as the squad battles through a demanding schedule and tactical adjustments under Blanc’s leadership.

Uncertain horizon

Amid the current mood of ambiguity, Benzema’s future remains a question mark. The contract with Al-Ittihad runs through the end of the current season, and renewal talks have yet to reach a definitive conclusion, keeping fans and stakeholders watching every development closely.

Al-Ittihad’s hierarchy hopes to emulate the example set by Al-Nassr’s retention of Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming for stability rather than another reshuffle in a season already filled with drama.

Meanwhile, European teams are observing. Reports have linked the Frenchman with a possible return to the continent, with clubs like Benfica and a Turkish option such as Fenerbahçe mentioned in speculative circles, given his past links to European football and managerial connections like Jose Mourinho.

There is a sense that Benzema remains a highly attractive option for European sides, even as he weighs his options against the backdrop of a Saudi project that has been built around his presence and star power.

In short, the season is far from over, and Benzema still carries the potential to flip the script, whether in Saudi Arabia or on another European stage, should the right opportunity arise.