Karim Benzema Plays Down Cristiano Ronaldo Golden Boot Talk as Al-Ittihad Chase Saudi Pro League Title Glory

“I don’t care, my friend” – Benzema’s cool reply to Cristiano Ronaldo Golden Boot question echoes team-first mentality as Al-Ittihad close in on SPL crown

Karim Benzema has never been one to crave the spotlight. Even in his Real Madrid days—amidst the glitz of Galácticos and Champions League triumphs—he often preferred letting his football do the talking. Now, in the heat and hustle of the Saudi Pro League, that trademark unbothered composure is still alive and well.

This past Sunday, Benzema was once again on the scoresheet for Al-Ittihad, helping his side edge out Al-Ettifaq 3-2 in a nervy encounter that solidified their grip on the SPL title race. But it wasn’t just his goal that made headlines—it was his ice-cold, no-nonsense response to a question about his Golden Boot ambitions in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo.

When asked post-match whether he had one eye on the top scorer prize—a battle inevitably tied to Ronaldo’s prolific presence at Al-Nassr—Benzema smiled and dismissed it with a wave of calm:
“I don’t care about this, my friend. The most important thing is the trophy.”

And just like that, the internet had its new viral soundbite.

Benzema vs Ronaldo: A tale of two strikers, one focus

Karim Benzema Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Ittihad Al Nassr

Ever since Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, the comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo—his former teammate and longtime Real attacking partner—have been impossible to ignore.

While Ronaldo lit up the SPL in his first full season with Al-Nassr, bagging goals and headlines in equal measure, Benzema has taken a more measured approach. His numbers are strong—he’s contributed vital goals in big moments—but the Frenchman has never been about personal accolades.

And in that simple, understated post-match comment, he reminded everyone of exactly that. For Benzema, the team triumphs come first.

With Al-Ittihad now on 68 points from 29 matches, they lead the SPL standings, holding a six-point cushion over Al-Hilal in second. Al-Nassr, who trail in third on 58, are running out of road to catch the leaders.

While Ronaldo’s individual brilliance continues to dazzle, it’s Benzema’s team that looks more likely to lift the trophy come the season’s end. And, as it stands, that’s the only Golden prize the Frenchman is concerned about.

A defining clash on the horizon

Of course, the universe loves a dramatic twist—and it just so happens that Benzema’s Al-Ittihad and Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will face off on May 7 in a showdown that could decide the fate of both the Saudi Pro League title and the Golden Boot.

It’s a fixture that promises fireworks: the seasoned Champions League warriors turned SPL icons going head-to-head in a league that’s rapidly gaining global attention.

For Al-Ittihad, the stakes are clear. A win over Al-Nassr could all but secure the title, depending on how other results unfold. For Ronaldo’s side, it’s a chance to reignite a faltering title bid—and perhaps put their Portuguese talisman in pole position for the top scorer award.

But if Benzema’s words are anything to go by, he’s not fussed. While the world obsesses over personal rivalries, he’s focused on keeping his teammates grounded, focused, and ready for the finish line.

The numbers behind the noise

While Benzema shrugs off the Golden Boot race, there’s no denying the numbers make for fascinating reading. Ronaldo remains among the top scorers in the league, having found the net with his usual relentlessness. Benzema, meanwhile, has quietly kept pace with crucial goals in key matches, showing the kind of consistency and composure that made him a Ballon d’Or winner just two seasons ago.

Both players bring immense pedigree, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. Ronaldo thrives on proving doubters wrong—he lives for individual accolades and big moments. Benzema? He’d rather win the league and let someone else take the personal glory.

That contrast is what makes this rivalry so compelling—and it’s why fans worldwide will be tuning in when the two cross paths in a few short weeks.

Before the clash: business as usual

While the May 7 clash looms large, both teams still have business to take care of. For Ronaldo, that means shifting focus to the AFC Champions League, where Al-Nassr face Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos this coming Sunday. It’s another high-stakes fixture for the Portuguese forward, whose impact in Asia’s premier club competition remains critical to his legacy at Al-Nassr.

Benzema and Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, will continue their domestic charge, looking to maintain their momentum and avoid any slip-ups in what has been a remarkably competitive SPL season.

A changing league, a growing spotlight

The Saudi Pro League is evolving, and fast. What was once viewed as a final destination for ageing European stars is now a battleground of ambition, talent, and global intrigue. With names like Benzema, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Kante now sprinkled throughout the competition, the SPL has shifted the narrative entirely.

These players bring more than just name value—they bring professionalism, winning mentalities, and global audiences. Benzema’s understated approach, contrasted with Ronaldo’s ever-burning drive, offers a fascinating lens through which to view the league’s growth.

The fact that the Golden Boot discussion even exists in Saudi Arabia now, involving two of the greatest forwards of their generation, speaks volumes about the SPL’s transformation.

Final thoughts: Respect the legacy, admire the humility

Karim Benzema’s response to the Cristiano Ronaldo Golden Boot question may have gone viral, but its true value lies in what it reveals about him as a player and a leader. In an era where social media soundbites and personal milestones dominate the discourse, his calm deflection reminds us what football is really about—team success, trophies, and doing your job with humility.

Whether or not he finishes as the top scorer, Benzema is already winning where it matters most: on the table, and in the hearts of Al-Ittihad fans.

The next chapter, set for May 7, promises to be unforgettable. But until then, expect more goals, more class, and more moments of quiet brilliance from a man who continues to let his football do the talking.