Karim Benzema joins Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad

French star Karim Benzema has joined the Saudi Arabia football club Al-Ittihad as a free agent for a period of three years.

The current Ballan d'Or holder in a surprise move left Real Madrid after 14 years and signed a contract with Al Ittihad who won the Saudi Pro League 2022-23.

Announcing the news, the club wrote on a social media post, 'Benzema is here, a new tiger will roar. Welcome to Ittehad'

Benzema had been with Madrid since 2009, playing 14 seasons with the club. He helped Madrid win 25 titles, a record for any player with the Spanish powerhouse.

Among his titles were five Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups and four Spanish leagues.

Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo had joined Al Nassr to play in the Saudi Pro League and if reports are to be believed, Lionel Messi is also pondering over joining a Saudi club after leaving Paris Saint Germain.