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A host of football fans have taken to social media to slam ex-Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema for his below-par goalscoring record for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
After joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer last summer, the Frenchman has struggled to replicate his usual form. He guided his current team, who lifted the league title in the 2022-23 term, to fifth place in the domestic standings after scoring nine league goals last season.
After realizing Benzema's recent record, a supporter posted on X:
"He has NINE goals in 21 [league] games for Al-Ittihad. The most overrated athlete in sports history."
Another football fan claimed that Inter Miami star and Barcelona great Luis Suarez is a better footballer than the Al-Ittihad man. He wrote:
"Suarez is unquestionably a better player."
A fan jumped to the ex-Real Madrid striker's defence, commenting:
"He's not serious now. He's 36. 2021/22 is one of the greatest club campaigns from a striker ever."
Another supporter compared the Frenchman with Suarez, writing:
"He's there just for the bag lil bro. Btw, Norwich Suarez has 20 non-penalty goals in 78 games in [the UEFA Champions League].
A fan pointed out how Benzema performed for Real Madrid, posting:
"He is past his prime, genius 💀 It's the same guy who scored hattricks in and out in his last [UEFA Champions League] campaign 🤷♂️"
In his final two campaigns at Real Madrid, the 36-year-old scored 75 goals and laid out 21 assists in just 89 matches across competitions.
Karim Benzema excited about starting new season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad
After ex-France gaffer Laurent Blanc's appointment as Al-Ittihad's new boss, Karim Benzema opened up on his plans (h/t Tribal Football):
"I know what I have to do. That's why I'm preparing well, to be fit and be able to help my teammates and hopefully be able to win trophies this season. This is my goal and that of all my colleagues. There is football and fun. I'm doing well, I'm happy, content and eager to do great things with the team."
He asserted that he is in good shape ahead of the next campaign:
"We started the pre-season in the best possible way in terms of work, with new players, a new coach and, of course, with other prospects in terms of competition. Now we are working for the season, that's what counts. There is a lot of motivation to do things well, a good team is being created, stronger every day and I feel much better."
So far, Benzema has found the back of the net 13 times and recorded eight assists in 29 games across all competitions for his current club.
In comparison, Luis Suarez has netted 15 goals and registered seven assists in 23 matches since joining Inter Miami on a Bosman move.
