Benzema signs with Al Ittihad for $200 million over two seasons

Karim Benzema has officially signed with Saudi’s Arabian team Al Ittihad, as confirmed by the team on social media.

The French striker has signed his new contract with the Saudi Arabian league champions: two seasons plus an optional for a third for around $100 million each. In addition, Benzema will receive a financial bonus of around $20 million for being the ambassador of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 World Cup, according to Spanish sports site Marca.

Benzema's arrival marks the second signing of a major soccer star by a Saudi team, following Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022. It may not be the last to be completed in the coming days. The Saudi royals, through the Public Investment Fund, are behind the landing of the French striker in their league.

Hours after saying goodbye to Real Madrid

The announcement of Benzema's signing for Al Ittihad comes just a few hours after bidding farewell to his team of 14 seasons, Real Madrid. At a press conference where he posed with the 25 trophies he won with the team. His family, his teammates and club President Florentino Pérez were all present.