### Zinedine Zidane’s Struggles in Saudi Arabia: Benzema's Goal Record for Al Nassr
In the tumultuous landscape of football, particularly in the Saudi Arabian league, Zinedine Zidane has faced significant challenges both on and off the pitch. His struggles have not only impacted his career but also the team he leads, as evidenced by the goal record of Al Nassr FC.
#### Early Challenges
The first major setback for Zidane came when Al Nassr suffered a humiliating defeat to Al Ahly at home during their season opener in 2011. The win was crucial as it marked the beginning of Zidane's tenure with the club, setting the stage for his future success. However, this victory was short-lived; Al Nassr lost the next two games, including a tense clash against Al Wada in April 2012 that saw the team lose 4-1. Despite these setbacks, Zidane continued to impress, earning a place on the national team at age 25 in 2013.
#### Persistent Challenges
As Zidane's career progressed, so too did the pressure on him to prove himself. In 2016, Al Nassr secured the second-place finish in the league after winning the group stage of the Saudi Cup. This achievement marked a turning point, and Zidane's confidence grew. However, the following year saw a more challenging situation, as Al Nassr lost their first round match against Al Ajan in November 2017, ultimately securing the third-place finish in the league. This defeat highlighted the club's resilience but also underscored the difficulties they faced.
#### The Impact of Benzema
The most pivotal moment for Al Nassr came in June 2018, when Benzema scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Al Hazzan. This goal set the tone for the rest of the season, cementing Benzema's status as one of the top goalscorers in the league. It was a significant boost for the young player, who had struggled since joining the club in 2016. However, the impact of this performance was limited compared to the club's overall results. For Al Nassr, which finished second in the league that season, the focus remained on maintaining their position rather than chasing the goalscoring records set earlier.
#### The Future Outlook
Despite the initial setbacks, Al Nassr remains a strong contender for promotion to the Premier League. The club has shown resilience under pressure, with Zidane's leadership and the team's consistent performances allowing them to maintain their position in the league. However, the recent decline in their goal-scoring rate suggests that there may be room for improvement if they want to challenge for further titles.
#### Conclusion
Zinedine Zidane's journey from youth idol to the world's best player is a testament to perseverance and talent. While the early successes were bittersweet, the consistent performance and the belief in Zidane's abilities have contributed to Al Nassr's current position in the Saudi Arabian league. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Zidane's team adapts to the new challenges they face, whether through continued growth or a return to form.