Karim Benzema Flaunts Ballon d’Or Prize at Al Ittihad Unveiling in Heartwarming Footage

• Karim Benzema is officially a player for Al-Ittihad
• Benzema is Al-Ittihad’s first signing since winning the Saudi League title for the first time since 2009
• He was treated to a kingly welcome at his presentation by the club

Karim Benzema showcased his Ballon d'Or prize to the 60,000-capacity crowd gathered at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday, June 8.

Benzema officially inked a three-season deal with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, securing a staggering $165 million in total.

The Frenchman, who will don his favourite No.9 shirt, was officially presented to the teeming supporters in a colourful ceremony befitting of Benzema's status as an A-list footballer, per Alarabiya News.

During the presentation, the 35-year-old flaunted his Ballon d'Or award at the ceremony.

Here is the video:

He is the club's first signing since winning the Saudi top flight and is likely to be joined by compatriot N'Golo Kante as the Tigers seek to bolster their squad for their upcoming participation in the Asian Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

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Benzema lands in Saudi

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Karim Benzema has finally landed in Saudi Arabia ahead of his official unveiling as a player for Al-Ittihad.

Benzema was confirmed as a player of the Jeddah-based club on Tuesday after bringing his 14-year stint with Real Madrid to an end.

On Wednesday, June 7, Benzema touched down in Jeddah amid a rapturous reception as Al-Ittihad continue to bolster their squad for the new season.

Why Benzema chose Saudi Arabia

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Karim Benzema has disclosed why he chose to move to Saudi Arabia after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The Frenchman's future in the Middle East looks exceedingly lucrative, as reports suggest he is poised to earn a staggering sum of around €200 million (£172m/$213m) per season.

Nevertheless, he was swift to emphasize that his choice to exchange Spain for the oil-rich nation was driven not solely by financial motives, but by a profound religious connection.