Karim Benzema’s return to Al-Ittihad training didn’t take long to become a global talking point. A video shared by the club itself sparked viral reactions — not for goals or assists, but for a noticeable change in his appearance that fueled endless commentary.
At 37, the former Real Madrid star showed up with a new hairstyle: longer, curly, and exposing his receding hairline. The beard? Untouched. But what really stood out was his face — more rugged, aged, and clearly marked by time. Within hours, the images were everywhere.
Comparisons were inevitable. On X, users were quick to contrast Benzema with Cristiano Ronaldo, pointing out the Portuguese star’s seemingly ageless physique versus Benzema’s visible aging. Comments like “What happened to him?” or “Did the Saudi league do this?” spread fast. Harsh takes for a player who may not look the same, but continues to perform at a top level.
Last season, Benzema scored 25 goals and delivered 9 assists in 33 matches, leading Al-Ittihad to a league and cup double in Saudi Arabia. The numbers speak louder than the noise.
Maybe the curls are new, the gray is showing, and the face has changed. But Karim Benzema remains a respected icon on and off the pitch. What some see as decline, others view as evolution.
Because at the end of the day, trophies aren’t won with six-packs — they’re earned with vision, class, and leadership. And Benzema still has all three.