Karim Benzema left Real Madrid and signed
a three-year contract with a Saudi club
One of Real Madrid’s greatest legends has taken his leave. After 14 years at the White House, Karim Benzema has turned the most beautiful page in his career. The French international has left an indelible mark on the history of Los Merengues, scoring 354 goals in 648 matches. During this glorious period, KB9 won a staggering number of trophies, the Ballon d’Or 2022 title, and, above all, the hearts of betting lovers who chose the best betting agent. The Frenchman is heading for new horizons, with Saudi Arabia as his destination, the “new place to be”.
An example of behavior and professionalism
Benzema was 21 when he joined Madrid from Lyon. Since he arrived at Madrid, the club has won 25 titles, including five Champions League titles. In all competitions, Karim Benzema has played 648 matches for Real Madrid. This makes him the most-capped foreign player in the club’s history, and the fifth most-capped player of any nationality. Benzema is ahead of four Spaniards: Raul (741 matches), Iker Casillas (725 matches), Manuel Sanchis (710 matches), and Sergio Ramos (671 matches).
The KB9 has scored 354 goals in official competitions for Real Madrid. He is the second-highest scorer in the club’s history behind Cristiano Ronaldo (450 goals). The podium is completed by Raul with 323 goals. Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, as he has perfectly represented the values of the club. El Gato has certainly earned the right to decide his future, and he chose not to extend his contract.
Longing for elsewhere
Seeing Benzema leave Madrid so abruptly nevertheless remains a surprise, given his recent declarations and a clause in his contract allowing him, thanks to the Ballon d’Or, to automatically renew his commitment for another year.
The striker’s future was subsequently decided, and Real organized a tribute to their player on Tuesday, June 6, in the presence of their president Florentino Perez. The French international footballer bid farewell to the and took to the stage to explain the reasons for his departure. Although his first wish when he joined the Spanish club was to stay until he retired, he felt that the time was right to leave and live another story. It was an emotional ceremony that brought to a close 14 years of experience and glory between KB9 and his beloved club Real Madrid, as he moved on to new horizons.
Saudi Arabia in his sights
For several days now, his name has been linked with Saudi Arabia, where he has been promised a golden bridge to end his career. This time, it’s official: Karim Benzema and European soccer are over. On Tuesday, Saudi club Al-Ittihad announced the signing of the French striker, who has committed himself until 2026. The reliable Fabrizio Romano reports that the contract is for two years plus an option for a further year, but the destination will come as no surprise, given that it has been widely rumored in recent times. The salary promised to the former Lyon man, in the region of €200 million net per season, was obviously a major factor. Everything will have happened very quickly since his departure from Real Madrid was announced on Sunday.
In the Saudi league, the French striker will be reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he played for Real Madrid for 9 years. But Karim Benzema has no intention of doing his former team-mate any favors at Al-Nassr. He sees this new life as a new challenge and is already promising to do his utmost to win trophies, score goals, showcase his talent, and please everyone. The duels are already shaping up to be intense in the Saudi leagues, and will no doubt attract a maximum number of betting fans. Get ahead now and open a betting account with a broker.