Al Ittihad captain and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has been having a great season in Saudi Po League and enjoying his time in the kingdom. The star player, who is also a devout Muslim, shared a video early Monday while performing Umrah in Makkah.
While sharing the video on his Instagram and X platforms, the former Real Madrid footballer said: “Mashallah, the best of the best. Alhamdulillah [praise be to God].”
Draping himself in an ihram (white clothing), Benzema recorded the video while circumambulating or performing Tawaf (to perform seven anti-clockwise circuits of the Kaaba). He captioned the post in French, which translates to “very happy.” The video generated millions of views.
The French striker joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad in June on a three-year contract after leaving Real Madrid after 14 years.
He made his debut with the club late last month during the King Salman Club Cup games.
Benzema is among the high-profile football figures that have recently joined Saudi Arabian clubs following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined the ranks of Al Nassr.
Also Newly-signed Al Nassr footballer, Sadio Mane also performed Umrah pilgrimage just hours after his debut for the club on Thursday, August 3.
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Mane was captured in a viral video, alongside some of his Muslim teammates, including former RC Lens captain Seko Fofana, embarking on this journey.
Football clubs in Saudi Arabia have signed a host of major stars beginning with Cristiano Ronaldo last year and continuing with Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, and Sadio Mane this year, though overtures to Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been unsuccessful.
The Saudi Pro League is “determined to be a success” and will keep attracting some of the biggest names in football, according to one of its top executives.
