The 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season delivered high-stakes drama, with Al Ittihad emerging as champions, securing their 10th league title. Led by Karim Benzema, the Jeddah-based club outperformed rivals Al Nassr and Al Hilal, who fell short in the title race. Despite strong individual performances from Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, their respective teams couldn’t keep pace with Al Ittihad’s dominance.
Al Ittihad’s Triumph: Benzema’s Impact
Al Ittihad’s resurgence under Laurent Blanc was remarkable. After finishing fifth last season, they bounced back to claim the title with 83 points, nine ahead of second-placed Al Hilal. Benzema played a pivotal role, contributing 21 goals and 9 assists in 29 matches, proving his worth as the team’s talisman.
His ability to deliver in crucial moments was evident, scoring match-winning goals against Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Shabab. Without his 30 goal contributions, Al Ittihad would have been 20 points worse off, highlighting his immense influence.
Al Hilal’s Struggles: Falling Short in the Final Stretch
Al Hilal, last season’s champions, started strong but faltered in the final weeks. Despite boasting a squad featuring Sergej Milinković-Savić and Neymar(who left), they couldn’t maintain consistency. Their 75 points secured second place, but their inability to defeat Al Ittihad in key matches proved costly.
Al Nassr’s Disappointment: Ronaldo’s Golden Boot, But No Title
Cristiano Ronaldo secured his second consecutive Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, finishing with 25 goals, two ahead of Ivan Toney. However, Al Nassr’s defensive frailties and inconsistent performances saw them finish third with 66 points. Their 3-2 loss to Al Fateh on the final day sealed their fate, denying them a shot at the title.
Sadio Mané and Al Nassr’s Missed Opportunity
Sadio Mané had a promising season, contributing 14 goals and 8 assists, but Al Nassr’s inability to capitalize on key moments cost them dearly. Their mid-season slump, including losses to Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, left them playing catch-up.
Final Standings: Saudi Pro League 2024/25
| Team | Points | Top Scorer |
| Al Ittihad | 83 | Karim Benzema (21 goals) |
| Al Hilal | 75 | Aleksandar Mitrović (19 goals) |
| Al Nassr | 70 | Cristiano Ronaldo (25 goals) |
| Al Ahli | 68 | Ivan Toney (23 goals) |
Conclusion
Karim Benzema’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess propelled Al Ittihad to their 10th Saudi Pro League title, overcoming fierce competition from Al Hilal and Al Nassr. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané delivered standout performances, their teams fell short in the title race. As the dust settles, Al Ittihad will now focus on their King’s Cup final, aiming for a historic domestic double.
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