As the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League season nears its conclusion, both the title race and the Golden Boot chase are heating up. Currently sitting atop the league with Al Ittihad, star striker Karim Benzema has addressed his stance on the scoring race with Cristiano Ronaldo—and his focus is clearly elsewhere.
Al Ittihad took a major step toward the league title with a thrilling 3–2 win over Al Ettifaq on Sunday. Benzema once again made his mark by scoring his team’s second goal, but appeared visibly frustrated after the final whistle. When asked about his postgame demeanor, the Frenchman didn’t hold back.
“Because we didn’t finished the game that good, we didn’t control the game, but it’s ok. We have to be happy that we won the game. But in the pitch of course sometimes I’m not happy because I want more. Everyone wants more, me being the first one, but it’s ok,” Benzema stated in the mixed zone.
When asked about the possibility of overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race, Benzema made his priorities crystal clear. “I don’t care about this my friend. The most important thing is the (SPL) trophy,” he candidly said.
With 68 points, Al Ittihad sit ahead of Al Hilal (62 points) and Al Nassr (58) in the league standings. As the title comes into view, Benzema has brushed aside individual accolades in favor of team success.
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The 2024–25 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot race
Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads the scoring charts with 23 goals, but several challengers are still in the mix. Ivan Toney of Al Ahli and Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Shabab are close behind with 19 goals each, while Benzema sits fourth with 18.
With five games remaining in the season, the race for the Golden Boot is far from over—but for Benzema, lifting the league trophy takes precedence over chasing personal milestones.
