Christian Benteke picks Al-Wahda for his final Gulf challenge
At thirty‑five years old, Christian Benteke left D.C. United this year to join Al‑Wahda in Abu Dhabi, swapping Major League Soccer where he had scored forty‑nine goals in one hundred appearances for a new challenge under the Gulf sun.
After hammering the defenses of Major League Soccer, Benteke amassed forty‑nine goals in one hundred matches wearing the D.C. United shirt. This output placed him among the league’s most prolific forwards. Tired of limited prospects, he chose to seek a new challenge.
A new start in the Emirates
He realized he was not getting more opportunities with the Red Devils, whether under the guidance of Domenico Tedesco or Rudi Garcia. Faced with this situation, he opted for a lucrative move to the United Arab Emirates. Thus, he joined Al‑Wahda and settled in Abu Dhabi rather than returning to Europe.
In an interview with Gulf News, Benteke said life in Abu Dhabi was “extraordinary” and very different from that in Dubai, where his children had lived for a time. He added that the calm daily rhythm suited him perfectly. The player recalled having fulfilled his dream of playing in the Premier League, but that his current aim was to seize this new challenge with both hands.
The level of the local league initially surprised him, admits the former Red Devil, who had only watched a few matches as a spectator. He acknowledges the presence of many good players and notes that the weather makes matches tough, even though the quality of football remains high. He jokes, however, that he does not miss the English climate.
Early successes at Al‑Wahda
Sportingly, the adaptation is going well: Benteke has already scored four goals in nine matches across all competitions with Al‑Wahda. Three of those came in the last two league games. These performances show that he is quickly finding his place in the setup.
He states that, despite the ease of play in England, he is having a lot of fun in his new setting. He says he is perfectly adapted to Abu Dhabi’s climate and does not miss the English weather. This satisfaction reflects his desire to finish his career in an environment that suits him.
The contrast between a prolific MLS career and a new chapter under the Gulf sun illustrates Benteke’s ability to reinvent his path. His testimony shows that, even at thirty‑five, he remains open to unexpected challenges while enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.