(foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Laurent Blanc guided Al Ittihad to their 10th Saudi Pro League title, overcoming Al Raed 3-1 without Karim Benzema, who starred throughout the season with 21 goals and 9 assists.
Al Ittihad are the champions of Saudi Arabia once again. Under the leadership of Laurent Blanc, the Jeddah-based club claimed its 10th Saudi Pro League title after a decisive 3-1 win over Al Raed, capping off a season where they overcame the odds—even in the absence of Karim Benzema in the final fixture.
Al Ittihad’s title is their second league triumph in three years, reaffirming their status as a dominant force in Saudi football. Despite missing their talismanic striker Benzema for the decisive match, Blanc’s side powered through with the help of other star names like N’Golo Kanté, Danilo Pereira, Steven Bergwijn, Houssem Aouar, and Fabinho.
Benzema was instrumental throughout the campaign, finishing the season with 21 goals and 9 assists in 28 appearances, proving his enduring class in a new league. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn also made a major impact in key moments.
Laurent Blanc, who took charge last summer after a two-year break from coaching, has now revived his managerial reputation following underwhelming spells at Lyon and Al Rayyan. He becomes the architect of Al Ittihad’s latest triumph—adding to the club’s collection of nine cup titles, the last of which came in the 2017/18 season.
Elsewhere in the league, Al Hilal failed to convince this season, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr once again ended the campaign without silverware, highlighting the competitive balance in the Saudi top flight.
Looking ahead, Al Ittihad could further strengthen, with reports resurfacing about interest in Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who may be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.