Devansh Mathur

Look: Benzema Celebrates Bergkamp with a £249 Vintage Arsenal Home Kit

Arsenal, Football Kits, Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema, aged 36, is now in the twilight of his career, playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Even in the latter stages of his career, he continues to show his goal-scoring abilities. He has 13 goals and 5 assists in just 15 games this season.

While Benzema continues to shine on the pitch, he also maintains a presence off the pitch. Recently, Benzema shared a montage video that has gotten Arsenal fans talking.

The video was posted on his official X account with the caption “Pop corn pour tout le monde” which translates to “Popcorn for everyone” and is a glimpse into his life, a short vlog of sorts.

It begins with Benzema wearing a striking yellow/gold Versace shirt before transitioning into a mix of training and match highlights from Al-Ittihad this season. Mixed with these football clips are moments from his daily life, showcasing his fashion sense more than anything.

However, one particular moment caught the eye of football fans—Benzema sporting a retro Arsenal 1997/98 home kit with “Gunners” emblazoned on the back and the name of club legend Dennis Bergkamp.

Snap of Benzema wearing the retro Arsenal kit

The kit itself is a classic and one of Arsenal’s gems. Designed by Nike the 96-98 home shirt featured the traditional red base with white sleeves and striped sleeve and collar. On the red base was a beautiful design with the Arsenal logo worked in, camouflaging with the red.

Additionally, the one Benzema wore had the word Gunners stylishly written on the back as well, along with Bergkamp’s name and number, making it a player version kit. The Dutch forward, regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players, played 422 times for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals and helping lead the team to titles.

While fans online fell in love with the kit and Benzema styling it, some saw it from another perspective.

“Come join us on a free transfer bro we could do with your help,” said one desperate Arsenal fan.

“The most Arsenal player to never play for us, we could of acc won leagues in 2014-17” said one user on X, while another said: “just imagined peak ozil with benzema instead of giroud and fell to my knees.”

This sentiment of longing isn’t without basis. Benzema was once close to joining the Gunners during Arsene Wenger’s reign.

Back in 2008, Wenger was highly interested in bringing the then-Lyon star to north London, publicly calling him “one of the best talents in European football.”

However, the move never materialized, and Benzema instead went on to join Real Madrid.

“I remember when Wenger used to try to sign you every other transfer window,” said one user, reminiscing about Wenger’s transfer antics.

Another fan wondering what could have been had some words for the ex-Arsenal gaffer, “Wenger, I won’t forget how you sat on this potential signing when he was at Lyon. My God, what could’ve been.”

While Benzema signing for Arsenal seems unlikely, could his choice of jersey hint at a hidden admiration for the Gunners?

For fans who want to channel Benzema’s style, the same retro 97/98 Arsenal home kit with Bergkamp’s name on the back is available for purchase on Classic Football Shirts for £249. Whether or not Benzema ever wears Arsenal’s colors again can’t be said, but it certainly sparked a discussion amongst fans.