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Karim Benzema has completed his move to Al Ittihad on a free transfer, departing from Real Madrid at the end of the season. After a remarkable 14-year tenure at the Bernabeu, during which he amassed numerous accolades and trophies for the club, the French striker decided it was time for a new challenge.
Al Ittihad, a Saudi Arabian team, secured Benzema's signature by offering him an enticing salary package. According to reports from Marca, the renowned footballer will earn €100 million per season in salary, along with a €20 million bonus for his role as an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is vying to host. The agreement also includes additional incentives, potentially elevating his earnings to a staggering €320 million overall. Esteemed journalist Romano Fabrizio further affirmed that Benzema's net salary, including commercial deals, will amount to approximately €200 million per season.
Comparatively, Benzema had been earning €28 million per season at Real Madrid, signifying a substantial increase in his remuneration as he joins Al Ittihad. Furthermore, his new salary will be free from tax obligations.
To provide a breakdown of his salary at Al Ittihad, here are the approximate conversions in Euro:
- Per Month: €16,666,666
- Per Week: €4,166,666
- Per Day: €595,238
- Per Hour: €24,802
- Per Minute: €413
- Per Second: €6.9
Now, turning our attention to Al Ittihad, let's explore some interesting facts about the club. Recently, they emerged victorious in the Arab League, defeating Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. Managed by former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, the team was established in 1927 and competes in professional football. Al Ittihad is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has consistently participated in the country's top-tier league, the Saudi Professional League.
The club's home ground is the King Abdullah Sports City, which boasts a capacity of 62,345 spectators, making it the second-largest stadium in Saudi Arabia. This stadium serves as Jeddah's primary sports venue.
Al Ittihad has an illustrious history, having secured a total of 35 trophies. Their remarkable haul includes nine league titles, nine King's Cups, eight Prince's Cups, three Federation Cups, one Super Cup, five AFC Championships, one Cup Winners' Cup, one Arab Champions League triumph, and one Gulf Club Cup victory.
Notably, Al Ittihad shares a fierce and enduring rivalry with Al-Hilal, often referred to as the Saudi El Clasico. This highly anticipated annual fixture garners widespread attention within Saudi football circles.
On the continental stage, Al Ittihad has achieved notable success, clinching the AFC Champions League title twice consecutively. Additionally, they have triumphed in the Asian Cup Winners' Cup, the GCC Champions League, and the Arab Champions League. The club is widely regarded as one of the most successful in Asia, both domestically and on a continental scale.
Having won a total of nine league championships, five King's Cups, eight Crown Prince Cups, three Saudi Federation Cups, and one Saudi Super Cup, Al-Ittihad stands as the second-most successful club in Saudi Arabian football domestically