Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on 3-year deal as Saudi Arabia entices another star player
1 year, 6 months ago

Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on 3-year deal as Saudi Arabia entices another star player

Associated Press  

N’Golo Kante won pretty much everything in European soccer. Kante completed his widely expected move to Saudi champion Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal Wednesday after six years at Chelsea, with his new club opening its doors to the 32-year-old midfielder with a series of tweets containing the hashtag “WelcomeBox2Box” — referring to his hard-running style of play. One of Kante’s biggest fans is already at Al-Ittihad — Karim Benzema, the reigning world player of the year and a former teammate with France’s national team. “It is part of the club’s efforts to establish itself as a top choice for world-class players in the Saudi Professional League,” Al-Ittihad said. The big names — albeit players nearing the end of their careers — are being enticed to the Saudi league, where spending is being fueled by a move by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund to take a majority ownership stake in four of the country’s top clubs, including Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.

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History of this topic

Benzema stars in return from injury in Saudi league
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Benzema stars in return from injury in Saudi league

Associated Press  

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia — Karim Benzema starred on his return from injury with a goal and two assists as Saudi Pro League leader Al-Ittihad won at Ettifaq 4-0 on Saturday. Benzema, in Jeddah since June 2023, netted after 27 minutes following a fine pass from N’Golo Kante but was adjudged by VAR to have been offside. Early in the second …

'Humble' N'Golo Kante praised as ex-Chelsea star cleans up scarves after Al-Ittihad fans tossed them on the pitch in Jeddah derby - while his team-mates stood and watched!
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'Humble' N'Golo Kante praised as ex-Chelsea star cleans up scarves after Al-Ittihad fans tossed them on the pitch in Jeddah derby - while his team-mates stood and watched!

Daily Mail  

N'Golo Kante has once again been hailed for his humility after cleaning up the pitch during a Saudi Pro League match - while his team-mates stood by and watched. The Al-Ittihad star was clearing up scarves that his own supporters had tossed on the pitch as a delaying tactic while they led Al-Ahli 1-0 in the Jeddah derby. Kante's team-mates …

Kante: French hero back in business
6 months ago

Kante: French hero back in business

Hindustan Times  

Nine minutes in, William Saliba had checked Memphis Depay by preventing the Dutch striker from turning but the ball remained in an area goalkeeper Mike Maignan could not reach. When he moved to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, it looked like a wonderful career in which Kante won the Champions League, Premier League and the World Cup – in Russia, the French …

'Disappointed' Karim Benzema Looking For Al Ittihad Exit: Report
7 months ago

'Disappointed' Karim Benzema Looking For Al Ittihad Exit: Report

News 18  

After capping off his illustrious European career, Karim Benzema joined Saudi side Al Ittihad last year. In 2023, Karim Benzema completed his switch to Al Ittihad just two days after playing his last game for his former side Real Madrid. It was learnt that Karim Benzema’s former side Real Madrid were helping the French international in treating a recurring injury. …

Karim Benzema storms out of training session as feud with Al Ittihad manager continues to simmer
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Karim Benzema storms out of training session as feud with Al Ittihad manager continues to simmer

Hindustan Times  

Karim Benzema's arrival in Saudi Arabia was expected to be a fairytale swansong for the Frenchman, but it has turned into a nightmare. The former Real Madrid striker reportedly stormed out of Al Ittihad's training after he refused to train alone, further continuing his ongoing feud with manager Marcelo Gallardo. {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} Spanish media outlet Marca reported that …

Karim Benzema wants to leave Al-Ittihad after bust-up: Report
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Karim Benzema wants to leave Al-Ittihad after bust-up: Report

Firstpost  

Karim Benzema wants to leave his Saudi club Al-Ittihad after a bust-up with management, a source close to the club told AFP on Tuesday. The 36-year-old former Real Madrid striker held a “raging” meeting with the club and its Argentinian coach Marcelo Gallardo last Friday, the source said. Explained | Al-Ittihad offered to loan the French striker to another Saudi …

Saudi Pro League: Benzema returns to ‘furious’ Saudi club 17 days late
11 months ago

Saudi Pro League: Benzema returns to ‘furious’ Saudi club 17 days late

The Hindu  

French forward Karim Benzema has returned to Saudi Arabia 17 days after he was supposed to check back in with his club Al Ittihad, a source close to the club told AFP on Friday. Club officials were “furious” with the former Real Madrid star’s behaviour but there is no chance of him ending his contract this month despite speculation linking …

Former Spurs manager Nuno Espírito Santo gets SACKED by Al-Ittihad after 'reportedly falling out with star player Karim Benzema'
1 year, 1 month ago

Former Spurs manager Nuno Espírito Santo gets SACKED by Al-Ittihad after 'reportedly falling out with star player Karim Benzema'

Daily Mail  

Al-Ittihad boast players such as Benzema and former Chelsea midfielder Kante The Portuguese manager has endured a dire run of defeats in his last five games Former Tottenham coach Nuno Espírito Santo has been sacked by Al-Ittihad after he reportedly clashed with their star player Karim Benzema following a string of defeats in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese coach …

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project
1 year, 2 months ago

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project

The Hindu  

Karim Benzema was lured by Saudi Arabia’s “huge project” and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday. Benzema became one of many big names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title

News 18  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title

Associated Press  

SEOUL — Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion …

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides
1 year, 3 months ago

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This marks the first time since 2016 that another international league has …

From Neymar to Ballon d'Or winner Benzema: 5 crazy Saudi Pro League transfers as window closes after $1bn spending spree
1 year, 3 months ago

From Neymar to Ballon d'Or winner Benzema: 5 crazy Saudi Pro League transfers as window closes after $1bn spending spree

Hindustan Times  

The Saudi Pro League, thanks to their big-money spending, triggered a buzz in the transfer market over the past few months. Since then, several big names, including former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and his fellow countryman N’Golo Kante, have moved to Saudi Arabia. Neymar signed for Al Hilal; Karim Benzema in action for Al-Ittihad With the Saudi transfer window …

Hernandez returns to France squad for Euro 2024 qualifier, friendly; Kante, Pogba left out
1 year, 3 months ago

Hernandez returns to France squad for Euro 2024 qualifier, friendly; Kante, Pogba left out

The Hindu  

Defender Lucas Hernandez has been recalled to the France squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ireland and a friendly against Germany, while midfielders N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba miss out. Hernandez was sidelined for several months last season after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture at the World Cup, but he has played three Ligue 1 games for Paris …

Kante set to become new owner of Belgian third division club
1 year, 5 months ago

Kante set to become new owner of Belgian third division club

The Hindu  

N’Golo Kante may have moved to Saudi Arabian champion Al-Ittihad but he will still have a link to club football in Europe after he agreed on a deal to buy Belgian third-division side Royal Excelsior Virton. “Flavio is obviously extremely happy to be able to hand over the keys of the club to N’Golo Kante, a player of great class, …

Kalidou Koulibaly aims dig at ex-club Chelsea following his £20m transfer to Al-Hilal
1 year, 5 months ago

Kalidou Koulibaly aims dig at ex-club Chelsea following his £20m transfer to Al-Hilal

Daily Mail  

He cited a lack of guaranteed playing time in remarks about his Chelsea career Kalidou Koulibaly, 32, spent just 12-months at Chelsea after joining from Napoli Kalidou Koulibaly wasted no time in firing shots at his former club after completing a £20million transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Following his hurried Stamford Bridge exit, the ex-Napoli defender was quick to …

Kalidou Koulibaly completes move to Al Hilal from Chelsea
1 year, 5 months ago

Kalidou Koulibaly completes move to Al Hilal from Chelsea

New York Times  

Kalidou Koulibaly has completed his move from Chelsea to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. He will team up with Ruben Neves at the Saudi Pro League club, after the midfielder’s move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al Hilal was confirmed this week. Koulibaly will join former Chelsea team-mate N’Golo Kante in Saudi Arabia after the midfielder’s move to Al Ittihad was …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up …

N’Golo Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad as Saudi clubs continue transfer spree
1 year, 6 months ago

N’Golo Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad as Saudi clubs continue transfer spree

The Hindu  

N'Golo Kante won pretty much everything in European football. Kante completed his widely expected move to Saudi champion Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal Wednesday after six years at Chelsea, with his new club opening its doors to the 32-year-old midfielder with a series of tweets containing the hashtag “WelcomeBox2Box” — referring to his hard-running style of play. One of Kante's …

N'Golo Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on three-year deal as Saudi Arabia entices another star player
1 year, 6 months ago

N'Golo Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on three-year deal as Saudi Arabia entices another star player

Firstpost  

N’Golo Kante won pretty much everything in European football. Kante completed his widely expected move to Saudi champion Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal Wednesday after six years at Chelsea, with his new club opening its doors to the 32-year-old midfielder with a series of tweets containing the hashtag “WelcomeBox2Box” — referring to his hard-running style of play. One of Kante’s …

Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on 3-year deal as Saudi Arabia entices another star player
1 year, 6 months ago

Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on 3-year deal as Saudi Arabia entices another star player

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabian soccer champion Al-Ittihad has another high-profile French player to accompany Karim Benzema at the team next season. N'Golo Kante playing for Chelsea during the 2022-23 Premier League N'Golo Kante completed his move on a three-year deal on Wednesday after leaving Chelsea, with Al-Ittihad welcoming the 32-year-old midfielder with a series of tweets containing the hashtag “WelcomeBox2Box” — referring …

Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on three-year deal, leaves Chelsea
1 year, 6 months ago

Kante joins Benzema at Al-Ittihad on three-year deal, leaves Chelsea

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabian football champion Al-Ittihad has another high-profile French player to accompany Karim Benzema at the team next season. N’Golo Kante completed his move on a three-year deal on Wednesday after leaving Chelsea, with Al-Ittihad welcoming the 32-year-old midfielder with a series of tweets containing the hashtag “WelcomeBox2Box” — referring to his hard-running style of play. The big names — …

Benzema fever hits Jeddah ahead of Al-Ittihad presentation
1 year, 6 months ago

Benzema fever hits Jeddah ahead of Al-Ittihad presentation

The Hindu  

Saudi champion Al-Ittihad sold more than 56,000 tickets for Karim Benzema’s presentation at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium only a few hours after sales were announced on Wednesday. The France striker and Ballon d’Or winner signed a three-season contract with the Saudi Pro League club on Tuesday for a total of $165 million, according to local media. Benzema, 35, …

N’Golo Kante set to sign with Al Ittihad, claims report
1 year, 6 months ago

N’Golo Kante set to sign with Al Ittihad, claims report

The Hindu  

World Cup-winning French midfielder N’Golo Kante has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, a club source told AFP on Wednesday, a day after Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema also joined the team. The club source did not divulge the size of the deal, which comes as the oil-rich Gulf monarchy buys up a swathe of players for its …

Karim Benzema becomes the Saudi league's latest star after signing with Al-Ittihad
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema becomes the Saudi league's latest star after signing with Al-Ittihad

The Hindu  

Karim Benzema has become the latest football star to move to Saudi Arabia after signing with the national champion Al-Ittihad on Tuesday. Benzema, who left Real Madrid after 14 years and 648 games, is set to play against his former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January. Decorated Madrid stint The 35-year-old Benzema had been with Madrid since …

Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: club source
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: club source

The Hindu  

Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has signed for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad for three years starting next season, a source in the Jeddah-based club told AFP on Tuesday. The announcement comes days after Real Madrid announced that the 35-year-old was leaving the club after 14 seasons, the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti had said there was “no doubt” Benzema’s …

Karim Benzema signs 3-year deal with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema signs 3-year deal with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad

Al Jazeera  

‘I am excited to experience a new football league,’ Benzema said after signing with the club for an undisclosed fee. Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has signed a deal to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad football club on a three-year deal, according to the club. He joins his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League after …

Saudi Arabian soccer league to get more state funding from policy backed by crown prince MBS
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabian soccer league to get more state funding from policy backed by crown prince MBS

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Cristiano Ronaldo is already in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s push to attract the world’s best players entered another phase Monday when the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund took a majority ownership stake in four of the country’s top clubs, including Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Monday’s announcements seemed to effectively nationalize the top level of domestic soccer as a state …

Karim Benzema joins former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, signs 2-year deal with Saudi Pro League club: Report
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema joins former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, signs 2-year deal with Saudi Pro League club: Report

Hindustan Times  

Having departed Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has reportedly signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al Itthad. Al Itthad are the reigning Saudi Pro League champions and the move will The Frenchman ended his 14-year stint in La Liga as Real Madrid didn't activate the one-year extension clause in his contract. Benzema won four La Liga titles with Real Madrid, …

Saudi Arabia privatises football clubs, eyes big-name signings
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia privatises football clubs, eyes big-name signings

Al Jazeera  

Saudi Arabia aims to increase the revenue of its football league and bring it up to ‘top 10 in the world’. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund will take control of four of the kingdom’s top football clubs including Al Nassr, which Cristiano Ronaldo plays for, as the government revives a plan to privatise several state-owned sports clubs. The Public Investment …

Striker Karim Benzema will not return to Real Madrid next season
1 year, 6 months ago

Striker Karim Benzema will not return to Real Madrid next season

Associated Press  

MADRID — Karim Benzema will not stay with Real Madrid next season, the club said Sunday. Real Madrid said it reached an agreement with the French striker to “to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.” Benzema scored with a second-half penalty kick in his final game with Madrid later Sunday — …

BREAKING NEWS Real Madrid announce Karim Benzema is LEAVING the club
1 year, 6 months ago

BREAKING NEWS Real Madrid announce Karim Benzema is LEAVING the club

Daily Mail  

The 35-year-old departs as Los Blancos' second highest goalscorer of all time Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid this summer after 14 years in the Spanish capital to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. Al-Ittihad are currently managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo and won the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League, finishing five points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's …

Karim Benzema Takes Dig at France Boss Didier Deschamps With Cryptic Tweet
1 year, 11 months ago

Karim Benzema Takes Dig at France Boss Didier Deschamps With Cryptic Tweet

News 18  

Karim Benzema posted a cryptic tweet with the caption ‘Cause once you look at it, you know!’ after his agent, Karim Djaziri shared information about Benzema’s medical tests. I have written my story and ours is ending.” Karim Benzema was part of the World cup squad that travelled to Qatar but was ruled off with a thigh injury before the …

Kante not accepting Chelsea contract offer, Rashford parts with agency ally, UEFA knew of Russia friendly
2 years, 3 months ago

Kante not accepting Chelsea contract offer, Rashford parts with agency ally, UEFA knew of Russia friendly

New York Times  

The new ownership at Chelsea made their most contentious decision to date last week when Thomas Tuchel was relieved of his duties as head coach and quickly replaced by Graham Potter. Since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2016, Kante has continued to achieve extraordinary success — for club and country — and established himself among the world’s best in …

Kante even better than two years back: Louis Saha
3 years, 6 months ago

Kante even better than two years back: Louis Saha

Hindustan Times  

Calling for compatriot N’Golo Kante to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or award after his Champions League exploits, former France and Manchester United forward Louis Saha said the Chelsea midfielder is an even better player now than he was a couple of years back. Mbappe still a “baby” The former United and Everton forward lauded PSG star Kylian Mbappe for …

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