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French superstar Karim Benzema has come out on top of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi Pro League's MVP this season
Karim Benzema has been crowned the Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season, edging out his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in a decision that has sparked plenty of debate.
Despite Ronaldo winning the Golden Boot, it was Benzema’s all-around impact and title-winning influence at Al-Ittihad that ultimately earned him the accolade.
Benzema clinches individual crown
Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored more goals, 25 in the league, but Benzema’s season was about more than just finding the net.
The French striker bagged 21 league goals and chipped in with nine assists in just 29 league appearances, leading Al-Ittihad to the title ahead of Al Hilal and Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
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That championship triumph was key in the final decision, although Benzema recorded 23 goals and nine assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
Benzema’s leadership, creativity, and clutch moments made him indispensable to Al-Ittihad’s success, tipping the scale in the eyes of the judges.
Ronaldo’s goals not enough for Player of the Year award
Even at 40 years old, Ronaldo's scoring instincts remain razor-sharp, helping the Portuguese legend score 35 goals in all competitions, but in the end, football is a team sport, and trophies matter.
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Al-Nassr ended the campaign empty-handed, trailing 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. Despite claiming his second consecutive Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance once again could not compensate for his team’s underachievement.
It gets worse for Al Nassr, as the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United star’s cryptic social media posts have only fueled speculation that he may be set to leave this summer as his contract winds down.
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