Benzema and Al-Ittihad… a relationship that began 14 years ago at Real Madrid

French international star Karim Benzema’s relationship with Real Madrid began as a player in a friendly match between his Spanish team and its counterpart, Al-Ittihad, in July 2009.

Days passed, and the French player achieved great achievements with Real Madrid, then returned after 13 years and 11 months to join the ranks of Al-Ittihad.

Benzema joined the ranks of Real Madrid from Lyon, France, as part of a strong summer transfer season concluded by the club’s chairman, Florentino Perez; Where he signed at the time with the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, and the Brazilian Ricardo Kaka from Milan, Italy.

And Al-Ittihad Club announced, on Tuesday evening, that it had officially signed Benzema, with a contract that extends until 2026.