JEDDAH: Karim Benzema is calling on Al-Ittihad to “achieve even more” as the Roshn Saudi League champions begin their title defense when the 2025-26 season gets underway this week.
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Al-Ittihad were the dominant domestic team last season, winning the RSL trophy by eight points to reclaim the title they last won in 2023, before claiming a historic double by defeating Al-Qadsiah in the Kings Cup final with a 3-1 victory.
Benzema scored twice in that final to conclude a phenomenal second season in Saudi football. The French forward scored 25 goals across both competitions, including 21 goals and a further nine assists in the RSL. In addition to the team trophies, Benzema picked up the ultimate individual accolade by being named the Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season.
Reflecting on the success of last season, Benzema said: “I’m very happy finally to have won the league and the cup, which were very important. For me the most important thing is collective trophies. Then, to win an individual award, as I always say, it’s thanks to all my teammates at the club. So, thank you to them, and thank you to the fans as well.
