During the Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh, Karim Benzema made a significant decision by relinquishing penalty-taking duties to one of his Al Ittihad teammates.
The prominent French forward, who stands out as one of the summer’s marquee signings in the division, had previously secured a 1-0 lead for Al Ittihad with his inaugural Saudi Pro League goal.
Later in the game, Al Ittihad was awarded a penalty after Abderrazak Hamdallah was fouled by a defender while preparing to take a shot.
Despite being the designated penalty taker for the club, Benzema, displaying selflessness, handed the ball to Hamdallah. The Moroccan striker calmly converted the penalty, placing it into the top left corner, and notching his third goal in as many games.
You can see the clip below.
🟠 قائد #الاتحاد ( كريم بنزيما ) يمنح الكرة لـ عبدالرزاق حمدالله لتسديد ركلة الجزاء #الاتحاد_الرياض pic.twitter.com/kWvMvzKbo2
— علاء سعيد (@alaa_saeed88) August 24, 2023
احتفال قائد #الاتحاد ( #كريم_بنزيما ) بهدفه مع زملاءه اللاعبين وتحفيزهم .. وتحية جماهير #العميد#الاتحاد_الرياض pic.twitter.com/Z47K5yMi4a
— علاء سعيد (@alaa_saeed88) August 24, 2023
Benzema’s goal came on 17 minutes – and the build-up largely involved good work from the 35-year-old himself.
Initiating the play from his own half, he embarked on a determined run past the Al Riyadh midfield.
Subsequently, he executed a precise pass to Brazilian midfielder Romarinho inside the penalty area, who then engaged in a quick one-two exchange with Benzema.
Displaying his trademark calm and composure, the former Real Madrid star adeptly controlled the ball, causing the Al Riyadh defender to commit to a challenge. Seizing the opportunity, he skillfully placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Martin Campana from a distance of 10 yards.
Amidst these actions, explosive claims from Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat emerged, suggesting that manager Nuno Espirito Santo had expressed to the Al Ittihad board that Benzema’s playing style didn’t align with his tactics, and that he hadn’t advocated for the player’s signing. The newspaper also alleged that Benzema was feeling ‘uncomfortable’ at the club.
However, Al Ittihad later countered these claims by sharing a video of the forward on social media with the caption “KB9 always happy,” seemingly refuting the allegations. The video was subsequently reposted by Benzema’s official account.