After Karim Benzema’s departure from Al Ittihad to join Al Hilal, the Jeddah giants have been searching for a new figurehead to carry the team on and off the pitch.
The question now being asked is whether Algerian star Houssem Aouar can take up that mantle and become the new standard-bearer for the club.
In the build-up to the decisive Asian Elite clash against Al Gharafa, Aouar posted a passionate message urging fans to keep believing and promising that he and his teammates would fight for them until the end.
Coming after a turbulent spell marked by poor results and the exits of Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, his words resonated strongly with supporters. Aouar backed them up in stunning fashion, producing the first hat-trick of his career and driving Al Ittihad to a historic 7-0 win that sealed a place in the last 16.
Against Al Gharafa, Aouar showed what a true leader looks like. He dictated the tempo, dropped deep to start moves, broke lines with his dribbling and constantly organised his teammates’ positioning. Even without the armband, he took responsibility in difficult moments and dealt with the referee, echoing the influence Benzema once had.
For many Al Ittihad fans, that night felt like the moment the leadership baton quietly passed from the French legend to the Algerian playmaker.
