In Pictures: Saudi Al Ittihad welcomes iconic footballer Karim Benzema with unveiling

Saudi football club Al Ittihad welcomed iconic Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema with a massive unveiling ceremony at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday.

Welcome ceremony for Karim Benzema after joining Al-Ittihad – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

More than 60,000 fans, dressed in the club’s colors, gathered in the stadium to watch the historic moment when the champion club presented the star footballer.

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Fans watch the welcome ceremony for Karim Benzema after joining Al-Ittihad – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Twitter)

Al Ittihad sold more than 56,000 tickets for Benzema’s presentation in just a few hours after sales were announced. Pricing for tickets at the 62,000-seat arena – known locally as ‘The Shining Jewel’ – started from just nine riyals ($2.40).

The connection between Al-Ittihad fans and their club is more than just a bond – it's a symphony of passion, loyalty, and pure magic! 🎶#Benzema2Ittihad pic.twitter.com/3YjFUgBkQq

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 8, 2023

The event rundown included a press conference, signing ceremony, a light show, a firework show, and a laser show.

Fans watch the welcome ceremony for Karim Benzema after joining Al-Ittihad – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Twitter)

The best selfie in the world 🤳 #Benzema2Ittihad pic.twitter.com/AaBNLokiEk

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 8, 2023

“Thank you, Jeddah, from the bottom of my heart. Tonight was a very special moment that I will never forget,” the Frenchman said in a social media post after the ceremony.

Thank you Jeddah, from the bottom of my heart. Tonight was a very special moment that i will never forget 💛🇸🇦#alhamdulillah #benzema2ittihad #here2inspireKSA #nueve pic.twitter.com/y0Prde6rDM

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) June 8, 2023

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