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Tag: Benzema

  • Benzema lauds Al Hilal fans after debut hat trick

    Benzema lauds Al Hilal fans after debut hat trick

    Karim Benzema thanked Al Hilal fans after scoring a hat trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League club. The French forward signed for the Saudi Pro League leaders from rivals Al Ittihad on Monday and made an immediate impact.

    Benzema received the man of the match award after scoring three goals and adding an assist in Thursday’s 6-0 league win at Al Okhdood.

    “I’m happy,” Benzema said after the game. “I’m happy because I played well, we played well, we kept a clean sheet and we scored. “Thank you to all the fans. We need them every game.

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    “Everybody is good to me. They give me everything so, when I’m on the pitch, I give everything to them.”

    Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after 14 trophy-laden years. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was instrumental in Al Ittihad winning the league crown and the King’s Cup last season. However, Benzema, 38, decided to make the switch to Al Hilal in January as according to sources, he felt disrespected by the contract extension Al Ittihad had offered him to remain at the club beyond June.

  • Unhappy Benzema may quit Saudi for EPL

    Unhappy Benzema may quit Saudi for EPL

    Chelsea and Arsenal have been handed a fresh update over their hopes of signing Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema in the January transfer window.

    Benzema’s future in Saudi Arabia has been up in the air throughout the entirety of the January window. The forward has been the subject of intense speculation despite only moving to the Middle East in the summer.

    The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad but is now reportedly unhappy at the club. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a January move with Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino desperate for a new striker.

    Saudi Pro League bosses are reportedly doing their best to prevent one of their star names from leaving. Now, according to AFP [via Get French Football News], Benzema has asked to leave the club.

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    After returning 17 days late to training, the 36-year-old has now asked to ‘temporarily’ leave the club. The report also states that Benzema has turned down the chance to go to another Saudi side on loan.

    To make things more confusing, Benzema also reportedly feels ‘unable to give the best version of himself due to the pressure’. Now, with just over a week until the window closes, Arsenal and Chelsea could swoop in.

    However, the biggest sticking point in any potential deal comes in Benzema’s wages. The Frenchman earns a reported £85million+ a year at Al-Ittihad and is unlikely to receive such lofty figures in Europe due to clubs’ ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play.

    Both Chelsea and Arsenal are faced with financial limitations meaning they’re unable to offer anywhere near Benzema’s reported wage. Only time will tell whether they can prise the striker to England for the first time in his career.

  • Saudi Arabia, my secondhome, says BenzemaBenzemaSaudi Arabia, my secondhome, says Benzema

    Saudi Arabia, my secondhome, says BenzemaBenzemaSaudi Arabia, my secondhome, says Benzema

    Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has called Saudi Arabia his second home, which begs the question, where does he call home.

    Benzema moved to Al Ittihad in July, and after just five months in Saudi Arabia has been enthusiastic about his life in the Middle East-

     “I am very happy to be in Saudi Arabia among these great people who love sports. I came to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not only to play football, but for a huge, gigantic sports project,” he explained at the Misk Global Forum, as carried by Diario AS.

     “At first I was surprised by this great affection and this great welcome when I arrived. Just as with the great reception from the Al Ittihad fans. They are not only affectionate, but passionate, they give us enthusiasm and we do everything possible to make them happy. Saudi Arabia is my second home [country] and the people here are great, they love football and have a lot of passion.”

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    The presumption would be that Lyon, where he was born, raised and took his first steps in football is his home, but Benzema does not have a simple relationship with France, or at least the French national team of late. After accusations of being involved in an underage prostitute ring, blackmailing his teammate Mathieu Valbuena, being exiled from the national team for eight years, and most recently a French government minister alleging that he had links to terrorist groups, there have been significant turbulence for Benzema in his native country.

    Equally, Benzema lived in Madrid as someone who was employed there, endearing himself to Real Madrid fans, for the past 14 years. It would be a surprise if after five months in Saudi Arabia had won more affection in his heart than Madrid or Lyon. At any rate, he seems happy.

  • Benzema disagrees with Saudi stars ‘hating’ playing in front of tiny crowds

    Benzema disagrees with Saudi stars ‘hating’ playing in front of tiny crowds

    Karim Benzema has insisted that he’s “happy” in Saudi Arabia – despite other players regretting the decision to quit European football.

    It’s claimed several superstars are hating every minute of their Saudi Pro League adventure and want to secure a return to European football in the near future. Countless players were recruited by the mega-rich division during the summer, including Benzema.

    Liverpool icons Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum joined Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq but have since been humbled by playing in front of tiny crowds. Fewer than 1,000 fans turned up to watch Al-Ettifaq’s win against Abha last month.

    Although the statistics are embarrassing for the likes of Henderson, Benzema has defended Saudi Arabia’s league in an interview with their media team. The reigning Ballon d’Or holder claims the standard is good – insisting he’s “pleased and surprised” by it.

    “I’m really surprised and pleased about the level of the game here,” said Benzema. “(I’m) really surprised because in Europe we don’t watch much football from here. Nowadays we are watching more and more because of the big names they signed.”

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    The likes of Aleksandr Mitrovic, Sadio Mane, Neymar, Ruben Neves, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kante, Edourard Mendy, Aymeric Laporte, Fabinho, Allan Saint-Maximin and Marcelo Brozovic all joined the Saudi Pro League during the summer.

    Benzema’s comments come after The Sun claimed several players and managers are regretting moving to Saudi Arabia. Attendances are poor in the league, with 11 clubs averaging below 5,000 spectators at home games. Two of those clubs average below 2,000.

    Yet Benzema’s testimony is a boost for the Saudi Pro League. He added: “What made me come here? Well, with everything I’ve made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was a good moment for me to try a new challenge.

    “For a really long time even before football, I always wanted to come here. And the football project came in. It was a project just starting to burst from everywhere, so on my side I really wanted to be part of the story. I really wanted to help Saudi football grow.

    “That’s the reason why I wanted to come here. But it’s also a Muslim country (Benzema is Muslim) and they welcomed me with their arms wide open. Straight away I felt this love for me… when you travel there (to Mecca), you’re in the truth. In the truth for a Muslim.

    “You feel good and pure, it’s simply exceptional. It’s something I wish all Muslims could go to one day. That’s where the truth is. It does a lot of good. On and off the pitch I feel good… I feel the love of the people here, so obviously that makes me happy.”

  • Neymar, Benzema set for Asian Champions League

    Neymar, Benzema set for Asian Champions League

    Saudi Pro League superstar Neymar will get his first taste of Asian Champions League football after last season’s runners-up Al-Hilal were drawn against Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran FC, Mumbai City FC of India and Uzbekistan’s Navbahor in the group stage yesterday.

    Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema will also debut in the group stage of Asia’s premier club football competition, where they will seek to power their clubs to victory against sides from central to east Asia.

    With billions of dollars in oil wealth, Saudi Arabia has been on a buying spree of sports assets as part of plans to diversify its economy and attract tourism and investment.

    Al-Hilal leads the AFC Champions League for most title wins, with four to its name.

    With the flamboyant Brazilian playmaker in their ranks for the 2023/2024 season; Al-Hilal hoped to win the title for a record fifth time.

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    Al-Nassr, semi-finalists in the 2020 and 2021 editions, will play Iran’s Persepolis FC, Al-Duhail SC of Qatar and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol.

    Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad will have their sights set on a first Asian Champions League title since winning back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 after securing the services of French stars Benzema and N’Golo Kante.

    They will take on Iran’s Sepahan SC, Air Force Club of Iraq and Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC.

    Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, bidding for the title from the competition’s eastern division, will face China’s Wuhan Three Towns FC, Pohang Steelers of South Korea and Vietnam’s Hanoi FC.

    After the draw at the Asian Football Confederation headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, secretary-general Windsor John said all of the qualified teams faced tough ties across the competition.

     “No easy matches,” he told AFP, adding that “a video assistant referee (VAR) system will be introduced from the group stage”.

    The group stage will run from September 18 to December 13, with the knockout stage to kick off on February 12 while the two-leg final will be played on May 11 and 18, 2024.

  • Madrid through to third UEFA Champions League final

    Title-holders Real Madrid reached the UEFA Champions League final for a third year in a row after drawing 2-2 in their semi-final second leg match on Tuesday.

    Real Madrid took advantage of Bayern Munich’s carelessness in attack and defence, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

    Bayern Munich defender Joshua Kimmich put them in front in the third minute at the Santiago Bernabeu but Karim Benzema levelled with a free header in the 11th minute.

    A goalkeeping howler from Bayern Munich’s Sven Ulreich then allowed Benzema to tap in Madrid’s second at the start of the second half.

    James Rodriguez, on loan from Real Madrid, hit a deserved equaliser for Bayern in the 63rd minute to set up a gripping finale.

    However,  the Spaniards clung on in spite of waves of pressure from the visitors.

    It enabled them to become the first team since Juventus in 1998 to reach the final for three years in succession.

    They will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final match in Kiev on May 26.

    There, they will bid to become the first side since Bayern Munich in 1976 to win the competition three years in a row.

    Real Madrid had ridden their luck to win the first leg in Munich 2-1.

    This was after Bayern Munich had missed a slew of chances and Zinedine Zidane’s side made the most of their few opportunities.

    Real Madrid fans unfurled a giant banner before kick-off stating “we will defend the throne, we will capture glory”.

    However it was Bayern who launched an early assault on their kingdom as David Alaba came rushing forward only to pass into the hands of goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

    Bayern Munich came back down the other flank and landed their first punch when Sergio Ramos failed to clear a cross and Kimmich gleefully knocked home from close range.

    It was the third consecutive home game in the knockout stages that Real Madrid had fallen behind, but they kept their composure and soon found an equaliser.

    A superb crossfield ball from Luka Modric was controlled by Marcelo who delivered the perfect cross for Benzema to nod calmly in at the back post.

    An end-to-end game ensued, with midfield frequently being bypassed by long balls up to the forwards.

    Bayern could have re-taken the lead when striker Robert Lewandowski was foiled by Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas and Rodriguez sent the rebound flying over the bar from close range.

    The German side finished the half strongly but were left fuming at a failed penalty kick appeal when a shot from Kimmich struck Marcelo’s arm.

    They sealed their own demise, though, when Ulreich lost his footing as he tried to control a back pass from Corentin Tolisso.

    His error allowed Real Madrid’s much-maligned striker Benzema to tap in what proved to be the killer blow.

    Bayern Munich still created chances before and after Rodriguez’s goal.

    Navas denied the Colombian and Mats Hummels headed wide from a corner in stoppage time.

    The result sealed Bayern’s fifth consecutive UEFA Champions League exit to a Spanish side, and their third to Real Madrid in that time. (Reuters/NAN)

     

  • Ronaldo, Benzema seal title for Madrid

    Ronaldo, Benzema seal title for Madrid

    Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema gave Real Madrid a 2-0 victory away at Malaga and secured the La Liga title.

    Going into the final day Real’s job was simple, avoid defeat at Malaga and they would be crowned champions.

    They got off to the best possible start when Ronaldo rounded Carlos Kameni in the Malaga goal to open the scoring within the first two minutes.

    Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo scores during the Spanish league football match Malaga CF vs Real Madrid CF at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga on May 21, 2017

    Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo scores during the Spanish league football match Malaga CF vs Real Madrid CF at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga on May 21, 2017Getty Images

    Benzema doubled their lead after the break and despite some good chances for Malaga the leaders weren’t overly stretched.

    In the other title match Barcelona came from behind to beat Eibar 3-2 but they finish three points behind the champions.

    Real can now turn their attention to the Champions League final against Juventus.

  • Hammer for Benzema over iguana show

    Hammer for Benzema over iguana show

     

    Karim Benzema has had a disappointing season for Real Madrid so far, scoring only five goals in 16 league appearances.

    And the France international has problems off the pitch as well as on it – Benzema could be in hot water holding an iguana at the Martinique National Park in December.

    The iguana is an endangered species in Martinique and should not be picked up or photographed with.

    Benzema has therefore been handed a fine by the official prosecutor in Martinique, according to reports in France and the Caribbean island.

    Can the striker do anything right at the moment? A goal against Valencia on Wednesday night might help.

  • Tianjin forced to scrap moves for Costa, Benzema, Cavani and Falcao

    Tianjin forced to scrap moves for Costa, Benzema, Cavani and Falcao

    Tianjin Quanjian owner Shu Yuhui confirmed the cashed-up Chinese Super League outfit had plans to sign Diego Costa, Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao until China’s Football Association made changes to the limit of foreigners.

    Having already lured Belgium international Axel Witsel to the CSL, Tianjin – coached by former Real Madrid and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro – have been linked with further moves for Chelsea’s Costa and Co.

    And Shu revealed Tianjin had been in talks with Costa, Real Madrid striker Benzema, Paris Saint-Germain’s Cavani and Monaco hitman Falcao before the Chinese Football Association announced new rules regarding foreign players, with teams in the CSL forced to name only three of their imports in starting XIs from this season.

    “Our club had a massive investment plan for the new season but it was tightened up by the new rules,” Shu told Tianjin Sports Channel.

    “We need an out-and-out striker so we made a bid for Benzema. We also made an attempt for Falcao.

    “As a matter of fact, the club had even prepared the contracts for Falcao and [Benfica striker] Raul Jimenez. We have already reached agreement with them on wages and bonus. The pair was expected to sign the contracts, but the new rules forced us to give up on them.”

    Delving deeper into Tianjin’s transfer plans, Shu revealed meetings with Jorge Mendes, whose clients include Cristiano Ronaldo among others.

    “I made an appointment with Mendes and he came to my hometown to visit me. At that time, we were interested in signing Costa,” he added.

    “PSG have told us Cavani would only be allowed to leave in June, even though the player himself was willing to join us. The same can be said for Costa because Chelsea also only let him leave in June. However, the new season of CSL will almost reach the halfway stage in June, we can’t wait so long.”

    While the arrivals of Costa and Co. appear unlikely, Fiorentina star Nikola Kalinic is nearing a move to Haihe Educational Football Stadium in Tianjin.

    “We are currently discussing whether to hold onto [former Brazil international] Luis Fabiano,” Shu said. “But Cannavaro told us he preferred Kalinic who would perfectly fit into the team’s style of play.”

    Tianjin are set to play in China’s top flight in 2017 after Cannavaro guided the club to promotion last season.

  • Pogba will be one of the world’s best — Benzema

    Pogba will be one of the world’s best — Benzema

    France striker believes his 21-year-old team-mate will develop into an elite player, while his midfield partner, Blaise Matuidi, was also full of praise after win over Nigeria

    Paul Pogba will develop into one of the world’s best players, according to France team-mate Karim Benzema.

    Although the 21-year-old has been criticised for periods of inconsistency in recent months, he is viewed as arguably the best young player in Europe, having starred for Juventus and France over the last two years.

    The midfielder put in an excellent display for Les Bleus in their World Cup second round meeting with Nigeria, scoring the first goal in their 2-0 victory with just over 10 minutes left.

    Benzema feels the youngster has shown that he will continue to grow in stature and become one of the world’s elite players.

    “He was criticised? We don’t watch the same games,” the Real Madrid striker said.

    “He is a great player. He will be one of the best players in the world.”

    Pogba’s midfield partner Blaise Matuidi also leapt to his defence, saying: “He is a young player, you tend to forget. [His goal] was a great responce in the big moments. Congratulations to him.”