Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid striker, has made headlines by performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This comes after he recently joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal to stay until 2025-26 in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema’s move to the league follows in the footsteps of Ronaldo and other notable players.
Benzema, who is 35 years old, shared a video on social media showing him performing Umrah in Makkah. In the video, he is seen wearing the Ihram, a special garment for the pilgrimage. The caption of the post read, “God willing, Praise be to God” in Arabic.
It’s worth noting that Sadio Mane, the newly signed Al Nassr player, also performed Umrah after joining the Saudi Pro League, as did Seko Fofana.
However, the move of players like Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Arabian League has sparked discussions.
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke expressed concerns about these transfers, particularly considering the age of the players.
Yorke pointed out that players like Ronaldo, N’Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema were at the peak of their careers in Europe, and now, in their mid-thirties, they have chosen to play in the Saudi Arabian league.
Benzema’s Umrah pilgrimage adds another dimension to his new journey in Saudi Arabia’s football scene.
