Eyebrows were raised when France recalled N'Golo Kante after two years in the international wilderness but coach Didier Deschamps knew what he was doing and the midfielder looked as if he had never been away in Monday's 1-0 win over Austria at Euro 2024.

World Cup-winning French midfielder N'Golo Kante has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, a club source told AFP on Wednesday, a day after Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema also joined the team.

Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, N'Golo Kante, Angel Di Maria and Roberto Firmino are also among the seasoned World Cup and Champions League winners being lined up for the Saudi Pro League, the source said.

Karim Benzema became the latest big-name player to miss out on Qatar World Cup following an injury.

The 29-year-old striker took the award as a clear winner ahead of teammates Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante.