




<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a></strong> has made <strong>97 appearances</strong> for the French national team since 2007, scoring 37 goals. He is one of the top scorers in the team’s history.</p>



<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/france"><strong>France</strong></a> have a perfect record in the 2023 UEFA European Championship qualifiers, winning their four matches so far. They beat the Netherlands 4-0, Republic of Ireland 1-0, Gibraltar 3-0, and Greece 1-0.</p>



<p>Benzema developed his talent as a forward at <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a></strong>, where he spent 10+ seasons. He is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.</p>



<h2>Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Republic of Ireland?</h2>



<p>Unfortunately Karim Benzema will not be available for this game and likely no other 2024 Euro Qualifiers game as<strong> he retired from France’s national team international duty in December 2022</strong> one day after the 2022 World Cup Final.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="398" height="547" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230906_BUS_58225_Fabrizio-Romano-benzema-retirement-1.webp&amp;width=398&amp;height=547" alt="" class="wp-image-58167" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Fabrizio-Romano-benzema-retirement-1.jpg 398w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Fabrizio-Romano-benzema-retirement-1-218x300.jpg 218w" sizes="(max-width: 398px) 100vw, 398px"></figure></div></figure></div>





<p>France’s head coach Didier Deschamps has multiple options to replace Karim Benzema, among them are <strong>Mbappe, Thuram, Coman, Griezmann, among others.</strong></p>


Why was Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema excluded from France's Euro 2024 squad?

Why was Pedri Gonzalez not called up by Spain for the 2024 Euro Qualifiers?

Why was Raphael Varane not called up by France for the 2024 Euro Qualifiers?

Why was Karim Benzema not called up by France for the 2024 Euro Qualifiers? - Bolavip US

Why was Karim Benzema not called up by France for the 2024 Euro Qualifiers?

miniaturas


<p>The wait will be over soon. <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ea-sports-fc">EA Sports FC 24</a></strong> will launch this month, and fans are already looking forward to trying it. With the likes of <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/neymar">Neymar</a></strong>, the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a></strong> will probably be one of the most used competitions.</p>



<p>In the wake of the Portuguese striker’s move to Al-Nassr in January, many other stars started to consider the Saudi Arabian league as a serious option. This summer, countless world-renowned players <strong>moved to the Gulf State</strong>.</p>



<p>Neymar to Al-Hilal is without any doubt the biggest signing of this transfer window, but there were other notable moves as well. In fact, <strong>there’s another star</strong> with higher rating than Ronaldo and Ney.</p>



<h2>Karim Benzema expected to have higher rating than Ronaldo, Neymar in EAFC 24</h2>



<p>Though the developer has yet to reveal the official ratings, <strong>Karim Benzema is expected to be the highest-rated player in the Saudi Pro League with 90</strong>. Neymar would be second with 88, while Ronaldo is believed to be at 86. This would be top 10 rated players:</p>



<ol><li>Karim Benzema – 90</li><li>Neymar – 88</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo – 86</li><li>N’Golo Kanté – 86</li><li>Riyad Mahrez – 86</li><li>Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 86</li><li>Marcelo Brozovic – 86</li><li>Sadio Mané – 85</li><li>Kalidou Koulibaly – 85</li><li>Aymeric Laporte – 85</li></ol>



<h2>How much does Ronaldo make in Saudi Arabia?</h2>



<p>Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported annual salary in Saudi Arabia is <strong>200 million euros</strong>.</p>


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<h2>What’s Neymar’s contract at Al-Hilal?</h2>



<p>Neymar reportedly signed a <strong>two-year, €320 million</strong> deal with Al-Hilal.</p>


Neither Ronaldo nor Neymar: The highest-rated Saudi Pro League player in EAFC 24

Neither Ronaldo nor Neymar: The highest-rated Saudi Pro League player in EAFC 24 - Bolavip US

Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Neymar: The highest-rated Saudi Pro League player in EA Sports FC 24


<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a></strong> made his debut with <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Ittihad</a></strong>, and it was what everybody expected it to be. The <strong>French forward</strong> shone in his team’s <strong>victory against ES Tunis</strong> by scoring an <strong>incredible goal</strong> and <strong>assisting </strong>in another one.</p>



<p><strong>Al Ittihad</strong> fans are thrilled for what the team’s front office has been doing this year. They signed <strong>several stars</strong> during this summer, but of course Karim Benzema is seen as the biggest of them all.</p>


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<p>The <strong>former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> player</strong> arrived with high expectations on him. Now, in his first game with his new club, Benzema proved his value by being a key piece in his team’s victory against ES Tunis in the <strong>2023 Arab Club Champions Cup</strong>.</p>



<h2>Watch: Karim Benzema assists to tie the game</h2>



<p>During the first half of the game against ES Tunis and with the <strong>score 1-0 against</strong> Al Ittihad, <strong>Benzema assisted Abderrazak Hamdallah</strong>, who scored the equalizer with a very good header.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Benzema with an assist on his Al Ittihad debut! He 100% meant that btw 😂😂<a href="https://t.co/oH7o6jASgt">pic.twitter.com/oH7o6jASgt</a></p>— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) <a href="https://twitter.com/vini_ball/status/1684653987570528256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Watch: Karim Benzema scores an amazing goal to turn the game around</h2>



<p>In the second half, the French striker received the ball on the <strong>left side</strong> of the pitch, <strong>ran towards the center</strong>, and shot to <strong>score </strong>an <strong>incredible goal</strong>, securing the <strong>final 1-2 victory for Al Ittihad</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BENZEMA TURNS THE GAME AROUND FOR AL ITTIHAD!!! WHAT A GOAL!!!<a href="https://t.co/vGiYKRdwxU">pic.twitter.com/vGiYKRdwxU</a></p>— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) <a href="https://twitter.com/vini_ball/status/1684660241286217728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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It\&#039;s not money: Karim Benzema explains key motivation for joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia

The stars who have joined Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia

Video: Karim Benzema shines with goal and assist in his debut with Al Ittihad - Bolavip US

Karim Benzema debuts with amazing goal and assist for Al Ittihad

Video: Karim Benzema shines with goal and assist in his debut with Al Ittihad


<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong>‘s decision to join <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al-Nassr</a></strong> in January was a game-changer for soccer in <strong>Saudi Arabia</strong>. Shortly after the Portuguese star’s shocking move, <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a></strong> and other superstars followed suit.</p>



<p>The Gulf state has become a realistic landing spot for many big name players, who get paid much better than in Europe to boost the <strong>Saudi Pro League</strong>. This summer, more world-renowned stars are taking their talents to the Middle East.</p>



<p>But who are the highest-paid players in the Asian country? Here, we’ll take a look at the top 10 based on annual salary. Needless to say, <strong>the former Real Madrid duo lead this ranking.</strong></p>



<h2>The top 10 highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League</h2>



<p>According to <em>90min</em>, Al-Nassr have three of the top earners in the Saudi league, just like <strong>Al-Ittihad</strong>. <strong>Al-Ahli</strong>, meanwhile, have two of the most expensive players while two <strong>Al-Hilal</strong> stars complete the list.</p>



<ol><li>Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) – €200m a year</li><li>Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) – €200m a year</li><li>N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad) – €100m a year</li><li>Marcelo Brozovic (Al-Nassr) – €25m a year</li><li>Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Ahli) – €25m a year</li><li>Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli) – €22m a year</li><li>Sergej Milinkovic Savic (Al-Hilal) – €20m a year</li><li>Jota (Al-Ittihad) – €15m a year</li><li>Seko Fofana (Al-Nassr) – €15m a year</li><li>Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal) – €14m a year</li></ol>


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<p>Saudi Arabian clubs are certainly investing heavily to increase their league’s popularity and level. The transfer window is still open, so <strong>more superstars could be on their way</strong> to the Gulf state this summer.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and the 10 highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia - Bolavip US

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and the 10 highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia


<p>Now in Saudi Arabia, <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a></strong> is enjoying another aspect of his career after scoring 354 goals for <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a></strong>. At 35 and now at Al-Ittihad, the French super star is now looking back fondly at his career and some past teammates.</p>



<p>In an interview with Canal Football Club, Benzema made reference to one of his former French national team youth teammates, <strong>Hatem Ben Arfa</strong>, who Benzema believed had the talent of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>.</p>


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<p><strong><em>“Ben Arfa is someone with enormous talent, at the level of Messi, no kidding”</em></strong>, is what Benzema stated in that interview, so what became of the life of Hatem Ben Arfa?</p>



<h2>Who is Hatem Ben Arfa?</h2>



<p>Hatem Ben Arfa was a winger attacking midfielder that played for a number of clubs during his career, never reaching his full potential in any of them. Ben Arfa played for Lyon, Marseille, PSG, and Newcastle United among others.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230714_BUS_28865_Hatem-Ben-Arfa-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-28868" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Hatem-Ben-Arfa-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Hatem-Ben-Arfa-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Hatem-Ben-Arfa-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Hatem-Ben-Arfa.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Hatem Ben Arfa (Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>



<p>In 2022 he played all of 7 games for Lille. The main issue with Ben Arfa was his inconsistency at the highest level, nonetheless the Clamart, France native played 15 times and scored 2 goals for France.</p>


Karim Benzema reveals which teammate he had could have been another Lionel Messi - Bolavip US

Karim Benzema reveals which teammate he had could have been another Lionel Messi


<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo’s</a> arrival</strong> to <strong>Saudi Arabia</strong> changed everything for the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saudi Pro League</a></strong>. The competition is <strong>interested </strong>in adding more <strong>stars </strong>like <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a> and N’Golo Kante</strong>, and it seems like <strong>clubs won’t stop there</strong> and will sign other top players soon.</p>



<p>During the <strong>2022 FIFA World Cup</strong>, <strong>Manchester United announced that Cristiano Ronaldo was no longer part of the team</strong>. The striker tried to stay in Europe, but <strong>Al-Nassr</strong>, Saudi Arabian team, <strong>offered him a lucrative deal he couldn’t reject</strong> and de forward decided to join their cause this year.</p>


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<p><strong>Ronaldo’s impact</strong> has been significant, as the <strong>Saudi Pro League has garnered considerable attention</strong> from his fans. As a result, the entire league has been making efforts to <strong>persuade elite players to join them</strong>, offering <strong>juicy contracts </strong>that are unmatched elsewhere.</p>



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and the stars of the Saudi Pro League</h2>



<p>It appears that the <strong>Saudi Pro League</strong> is relentless in its <strong>pursuit of the best available</strong> stars in the market. <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong> joined the competition earlier this year, and his <strong>impact </strong>has been so significant that all teams <strong>aspire to emulate Al-Nassr’s move</strong>.</p>



<p>According to reports, <strong>Al-Hilal</strong> was interested in signing another huge star this summer. <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a></strong> was their main target, but the Argentinian forward rejected their offer and decided to continue his career in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-confirms-hell-join-inter-miami-some-people-at-barcelona-probably-dont-want-me-to-return-20230607-BUS-7094.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS to play for <strong>Inter Miami</strong></a>.</p>



<p>However, other stars have already accepted lucrative contracts coming from Saudi Arabia. <strong>Karim Benzema left <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> to sign a 3-year, $643 million deal with Al-Ittihad</strong>, in a blockbuster move for the reigning champions.</p>



<p>The French striker is not the only signing made by <strong>Al-Ittihad</strong> this summer. In addition to Benzema, <strong>N’Golo Kante</strong>, <strong>former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea</a> player</strong>, has also joined the team. The midfielder signed a<strong> 2-year deal worth approximately $100 million per season.</strong></p>


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<p>According to rumors, other players such as <strong>Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech</strong>, among others, are rumored to be close to joining the Saudi Pro League. The competition aims to <strong>attract more stars </strong>who may <strong>not be finding opportunities in European leagues</strong>, offering them consistent playing time and substantial financial incentives to persuade them to join their cause.</p>






Massive wages scandal rocks Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema\&#039;s clubs implicated

Benzema, Kante, and the stars who have joined Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia - Bolavip US

Benzema, Kante, and the stars who have joined Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia


<p>When<strong> <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong> proclaimed that the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saudi Pro League</a></strong> had the potential to rank among the world’s top five leagues, it is possible that more people should have paid attention. Instead, his remarks were met with scoffs and skeptical glances.</p>



<p>After the Portuguese veteran had transferred to <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Nassr</a></strong> in January, a flurry of other A-list players was expected to follow suit. Current Ballon d’Or winner <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a> </strong>is now getting ready to make his debut for <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Ittihad</a></strong>, who won the Saudi Pro League league this season. </p>



<p>The Frenchman spent more than a decade with <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a></strong>, where he finished second in scoring all-time behind Ronaldo during his 14 seasons at Santiago Bernabeu. The five-time UEFA Champions League champion is certainly a huge loss for Los Blancos, as coach Carlo Ancelotti will struggle to find a replacement.</p>



<h2>What did Karim Benzema do on Instagram?</h2>



<p>It seems like Karim Benzema has already moved on from Real Madrid and doesn’t appear too fazed by the situation he has left behind. Fans with keen eyes have noted that two weeks after signing for Al-Ittihad, the 35-year-old has <strong>unfollowed his former side on Instagram.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">📲❌ Karim Benzema unfollows Real Madrid on IG. <a href="https://t.co/Wl1jSwVHWd">pic.twitter.com/Wl1jSwVHWd</a></p>— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/theMadridZone/status/1670481409633398784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Various supporters of the La Liga giants have resorted to social media to voice their outrage, calling the decision ‘shocking and absurd’. They further claim that the Frenchman, despite having left Lyon in 2009, continues to follow the team on Instagram.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Karim Benzema unfollowing Real Madrid is low key hurting me. I mean even Ronaldo doesn’t follow Real Madrid on Instagram but still, this feels shocking and absurd for me considering he still follows Lyon.</p>— Ashish اشيش (@RMadridEngineer) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMadridEngineer/status/1670475387606900737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>According to the Whites’ fan base, the club’s policy of only following active squad members on social media led Madrid to unfollow the superstar first. It has thus been argued, however, that legendary players like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sergio-ramos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sergio Ramos</a>, Gareth Bale, Casemiro, and Marcelo<strong> continue to follow</strong> the Real Madrid official account despite this.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes I do understand this but Ramos, Bale, Casemiro, Marcelo like players continue to follow.</p>— Ashish اشيش (@RMadridEngineer) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMadridEngineer/status/1670481103910576129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Social media storm: Karim Benzema's controversial Instagram move leaves Real Madrid fans fuming - Bolavip US

Social media storm: Karim Benzema's controversial Instagram move leaves Real Madrid fans fuming


<p>After <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong>‘s switch to <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Nassr</a></strong> in January, Saudi Arabia has found itself suddenly attracting the world’s biggest celebrities. The Portuguese veteran signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi Pro League team with a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldos-salary-It-takes-Messi-and-two-other-PSG-superstars-to-surpass-CR7s-wage-20230118-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salary of over €200 million.</a></p>



<p>Famous athletes that will be joining new teams soon include<strong> <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/n%27golo-kante" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">N’Golo Kante</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a></strong>, both of which will become new Al-Ittihad reinforcements. Additionally, a plethora of additional top-tier A-listers are expected to move to the Middle East soon.</p>



<p>Even Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Ramos, Romelu Lukaku, and many more are being discussed as possible targets for the Saudi top sides right now. Meanwhile, <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a></strong> was rumored to be joining Al-Hilal before ultimately signing with Inter Miami of the Major League Soccer.</p>



<h2>Who does Cristiano Ronaldo want him to join at Al-Nassr?</h2>



<p>The signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad has been <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/its-not-money-karim-benzema-explains-key-motivation-for-joining-cristiano-ronaldo-in-saudi-arabia-20230609-BUS-8028.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">credited in part to Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, and the Portuguese forward is apparently set to bring yet another top-tier player to Saudi Arabia this summer. His international teammate midfielder <strong>William Carvalho</strong> seems to be on his way to Al-Nassr.</p>



<p>The 31-year-old Portuguese player is now an important cog for <strong>Real Betis </strong>and has a contract with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/la-liga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Liga</a> club until 2026. In preparation for the next season, CR7 reportedly requested that the team sign William Carvalho. It is also said in the article that the two are very close friends.</p>


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<p>Carvalho was linked to a number of other top European teams for quite some time, and a transfer to the Premier League seemed imminent while he was playing for Sporting CP.  While it never came to fruition, he has had a successful La Liga career over the previous five years.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo persuades Al-Nassr to bring his 'best friend' after luring Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia - Bolavip US

Cristiano Ronaldo persuades Al-Nassr to bring his 'best friend' after luring Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia


<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a></strong>‘s recent transfer from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> to Saudi Arabian champions <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Ittihad</a></strong> is the latest example of the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saudi Pro League</a></strong> creating headlines with massive statement acquisitions. When<strong> <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> </strong>left Europe for <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al-Nass</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r</a></strong> last winter, he brought international attention to the sport in Saudi Arabia.</p>



<p>What is interesting is that more A-list players are expected to go to the Middle East. There have also been <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/former-french-teammate-would-join-karim-benzema-at-al-ittihad-with-e100m-salary-report-20230606-BUS-6811.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extensive rumors</a> involving superstars like Kalidou Koulibaly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/n%27golo-kante" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">N’Golo Kante</a>, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.</p>



<p>Four of the biggest football teams in the kingdom, including Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, are rumored to be acquired by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Since Saudi clubs are not restricted by UEFA’s spending limits, the PIF may give <strong>whatever wages they see necessary</strong> to attract the world’s best players to the Middle East, unlike other European teams.</p>



<h2>What were Saudi Arabian clubs found guilty of?</h2>



<p>The <strong>International Federation of Professional Football Players (FIFPRO)</strong>, which represents 65,000 players throughout the globe, has issued a warning to its members to avoid playing for Saudi Arabian teams. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have been accused of <strong>not paying their players fairly </strong>after a stinging report was released by FIFPRO.</p>



<p><em>The Athletic</em> has published details from the investigation that illustrate many concerning situations. For example, there have been several situations when Saudi Arabian teams were involved in a<strong> salary dispute.</strong> Forward Lewis Grabban, formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, spent just three months at Al-Ahli before departing.</p>



<p>After not receiving a signing bonus or two months’ pay, Grabban allegedly asked for £2.2 million in damages. An arbitrator ruled that Al-Ahli should pay Grabban <strong>$500,000 in back wages and $700,000 in damages </strong>for breach of contract, and the club was also barred from registering new players for<strong> “two entire and consecutive registration periods.”</strong></p>


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<p>Not only are they not alone among clubs, but they also contributed to the scandal. A similar issue in November resulted in a $2.5 million payout to Brazilian player Petros, who played for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s side.</p>


Massive wages scandal rocks Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema's clubs implicated - Bolavip US

Massive wages scandal rocks Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema's clubs implicated






<p>Fireworks show and 60,000 spectators greeted <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a></strong> at <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Ittihad</a></strong>, where he immediately made an impact in his new role as a player. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner opted for a mega-deal in Saudi Arabia over <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a></strong>.</p>



<p>His former teammate <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Rona</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">do</a></strong> was the first superstar to make the move to the Middle East, but now the Frenchman has joined him. When the 35-year-old striker was finally introduced to the sold-out crowd, they erupted in applause.</p>



<p>Benzema was concealed in the shadows until his dramatic reveal. The moment the lights went down, everyone saw him decked up in Al-Ittihad colors and sporting a <strong>No. 9 jersey</strong> on his back.</p>



<h2>Why did Karim Benzema accept Al-Ittihad move?</h2>



<p>While Karim Benzema is projected to make up to <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/karim-benzemas-salary-at-al-ittihad-how-much-he-makes-per-hour-day-week-month-and-year-20230606-BUS-6714.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">€200 million each season</a></strong> in Jeddah, he insists that financial considerations were not the only factor in his choice. The France international explained his decision to play in Saudi Arabia to the club’s media outlet.</p>



<p><em><strong>“I am a Muslim and it is a Muslim country. </strong>I have always wanted to live there. I have already been to Saudi Arabia and I feel good there. The most important thing is that it is a Muslim country, dear and beautiful. When I spoke to my family about my move to Saudi Arabia, they were all very happy and here I am, for me, it’s where I want to be”, </em>he said.</p>


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<p>Benzema said Cristiano Ronaldo, his former colleague in Spain, was a major factor in his choice to leave Europe and move to the Middle East: <em>“It is also important that Cristiano Ronaldo is in Saudi Arabia because <strong>he is a very important player. </strong>He brings a lot to football in this country and that will raise his level of play even more. So it’s important to show that Saudi football can have a global impact because it’s not about playing in Saudi Arabia or not.”</em></p>


Real Madrid shake things up: Unveiling shocking plan to secure unexpected Karim Benzema\&#039;s successor

Former French teammate would join Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad with €100m salary – report

It's not money: Karim Benzema explains key motivation for joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia - Bolavip US

It's not money: Karim Benzema explains key motivation for joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia


<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a></strong>&nbsp;was a legend for <strong>Real Madrid</strong>. After 14 seasons, the number of titles conquered is just incredible. 5&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions League</a></strong>, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 5 FIFA Club World Cups, 4 La Liga, 3 Spanish Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups.</p>



<p>Benzema left the team as the second best scorer in club’s history just behind&nbsp;<strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong>&nbsp;(451). His 354 goals put him ahead of names such as Raul Gonzalez (323) and&nbsp;<strong>Alfredo Di Stefano</strong>&nbsp;(308). He also won the&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/ballon-dor-2022-trophy-weight-size-material-and-value-20221016-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ballon d’Or</a></strong>&nbsp;in 2022.</p>


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<p>However, the French striker decided to play at <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Lionel-Messi-gets-outrageous-welcome-from-PSG-fans-after-trip-to-Saudi-Arabia-20230503-0030.html">Saudi Arabia</a></strong> with an amazing $600 million offer from <strong>Al Ittihad</strong>. In an extraordinary turn of events, a comparison with the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nfl">NFL</a></strong> became viral. It made a lot of fans scratch their heads. </p>



<h2>Karim Benzema is almost worth the entire NFL salary cap</h2>



<p>Believe it or not, the contract of <strong>Karim Benzema</strong> is almost worth the latest approved budget for any team in football. Let that sink in. In 2023, <strong>the NFL salary cap for a team will be $225 million</strong>.</p>







<p>So, in an unbelievable number, Benzema would make <strong>$215 million annually</strong> just $10 million shy of the NFL limit. By the way, the French striker’s agreement could extend up to three seasons and a total of almost <strong>$650 million</strong>.</p>


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<p>Of course, this staggering comparison left many <strong>NFL fans</strong> wondering about the economic development of salaries in different sports. How is it possible that one soccer player could earn the total of an entire football roster? Just ask <strong>Karim Benzema. </strong></p>


Karim Benzema