Karim Benzema starred with a goal as reigning champions Al-Ittihad reached the quarter-final of the Saudi King's Cup of Champions after edging out Pro League leaders Al-Nassr 2-1 on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix had a night to forget as they failed to deliver in front of the goal despite dominating proceedings for the majority of the game with an extra player on the pitch.
Karim Benzema could be set for a surprise return to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce making the ex-Real Madrid striker their top January target. After a slow start to the season and a lack of goals, the Istanbul club are reportedly ready to test the waters for the 2022 Ballon dâOr winner, who remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026.
N'Golo Kante went viral after he appeared to snub Cristiano Ronaldo for a handshake before the start of the Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr last week. Sadio Mane and Ronaldo were on target for Jorge Jesus' side, as they maintained their 100 per cent win record in the Pro League and extended their lead to three points at the top of the table.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a top target for Saudi giants Al-Ittihad after they parted ways with Manchester United legend Laurent Blanc after just four matches in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. Blanc was relieved of his duties a day after Al-Ittihad suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Al-Nassr, with Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo on target.
Former Manchester United star and France's World Cup-winning defender Laurent Blanc has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad. The decision came only a day after the reigning Saudi champions suffered a 2-0 defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr. It was Al-Ittihad's third defeat in the 2025-26 campaign, which led to Blanc's sacking.
Karim Benzema and coach Laurent Blanc admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were just too "strong" for Al-Ittihad. Saudi footballâs early-season blockbuster lived up to the hype, but it ended in utter domination from the Riyadh giants as Ronaldo and Sadio Mane got on the scoresheet to beat the reigning champions in their own backyard.
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a defiant message on social media after Al-Nassr's statement win against Al-Ittihad. The clash between two of Saudi footballâs heavyweights was billed as a showdown for early supremacy, and it was Ronaldo and Sadio Mane who delivered the knockout blows.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, once a prolific duo at Real Madrid, were reunited in Saudi Arabia on Friday night as Al Nassr faced Al Ittihad in a top-of-the-table clash. The two legendary strikers, who spent nearly a decade together in Spain, shared a light-hearted exchange on the pitch, reminding fans of their long-lasting bond despite now playing as rivals.
Sadio Mane was able to show off his absolute skill as he led Al Nassr to a 2-0 win over Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad in a top of the table clash. Cristaino Ronaldo also got onto the scoresheet while his former Real Madrid teammate, Benzema, failed to turn up to the event. Al Nassr have now drawn out a three-point lead atop the Saudi Pro League standings.
Benfica's new boss Jose Mourinho has shut down speculation linking Karim Benzema with a sensational return to Europe. While rumours swirled over a January reunion, Mourinho insisted the 37-year-old striker is happy at Al-Ittihad, thriving financially, and unlikely to leave Saudi Arabia, despite his illustrious Real Madrid past and recent form.
Benfica might expect a reunion between newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho and one of his former players at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema. While the former French international is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, his contract expires next year, and the club are ready to let him go if the Portuguese side pay a small transfer fee.
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho reminisced about his time at Anfield, while spilling details on his painful exit from the club, as he joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad in 2023. The Brazilian spent five years at the Merseyside club, where he won multiple trophies, including the Champions League in his maiden campaign and the Premier League title in the subsequent season.
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Al Ittihad
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