Benzema and Nacho recall Real Madrid memories ahead of RSL reunion

Twelve years at the Bernabeu. It might as well be the title of a documentary series, for all the success, trophies and memories created by the past two Real Madrid captains between 2011 and 2023.

On Saturday, Karim Benzema and Nacho walk out onto the pitch at King Abdullah Sports City wearing the armband for their respective Roshn Saudi League sides.

Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, arrived to the Kingdom a year before his former Los Blancos teammates, in the summer of 2023, growing into an influential figure at the Jeddah club. He is enjoying a productive season so far, with Benzema  sitting second in the 2024-25 RSL scoring charts with seven goals in six matches.

Twelve months later, a born-and-bred Madridista arrived to the opposite coast of Saudi Arabia, joining newly promoted Al Qadsiah after winning an historic UEFA Champions League and European Championship double in his final season at the Santiago Bernabeu. In Al Khobar, Nacho was instantly made captain as the club looks to establish a winning mentality under another former Real Madrid great, head coach Michel.

“We won titles, we won matches together, we trained very hard, and we are going to have a special match because we knew each other for a very long time,” Benzema tells the RSL, recalling memories of representing the Spanish powerhouse alongside Nacho.

Reflecting on his first title alongside Nacho, three years his junior, in the Real Madrid set-up, Benzema says: "I think it was under [Jose] Mourinho. I think the 2011-12 season, he was very very young,” Benzema r

Making his initial steps in the first team at Real Madrid, then 22-year-old Nacho was named on the bench as Real Madrid welcomed their eternal rivals Barcelona to the Bernabeu for the second leg of the 2012 Spanish Super Cup final.

Los Merengues had come up just short in the reverse fixture, losing 3-2 in Camp Nou, but early goals from Gonzalo Higuain and current Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo meant even a Lionel Messi goal late in the first half could not deny Madrid the title. Ultimately, they won on away goals to secure Nacho’s first piece of silverware as a Madridista.

“When I joined the first team, Karim was already there; we won the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona” Nacho says in a sit-down with the RSL. “I shared unique experiences with him; we won many trophies. If I have to remember a specific moment, I want to remember my entire career at Real Madrid alongside Benzema.

“We lived some beautiful moments together. But now playing against him will be special and it will be an extra motivation to win the match.”

The two sides are separated by five points in the RSL table going into their Matchweek 7 clash, with Al Ittihad second with 15 points having dropped points only in the Saudi Clasico against Al Hilal. Meanwhile, Nacho’s Al Qadsiah are sixth with seven points having most recently lost 2-1 away to Al Riyadh.