Karim Benzema has officially ended his 14-year association with Real Madrid, joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad on a lucrative deal. The 35-year-old French striker, who served as captain last season, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Announcement
Real Madrid made the announcement on June 4, 2023, confirming that Benzema would be saying goodbye to the club after 14 seasons. In an official statement, the club thanked Benzema for his contributions and recognized his right to decide his own future. President Florentino Pérez attempted to convince the striker to stay, but the allure of a record-breaking offer proved too strong.
Benzema will be formally bid farewell on June 6 at the Ciudad Real Madrid training complex, with a ceremony attended by Pérez and other club dignitaries. A press conference is expected to follow.
Move to Al-Ittihad
Benzema's new destination is the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, based in Jeddah. According to multiple reports, the contract runs until 2025 and is worth an astonishing €200 million net, tax-free. The financial package dwarfs even the largest salaries in European football and convinced Benzema to leave the club he had repeatedly stated he would finish his career at.
The speed of the transfer closely mirrors Casemiro's sudden departure to Manchester United in August 2022. In both cases, only a few days passed between initial rumors and the official confirmation.
Benzema's Legacy at Real Madrid
Karim Benzema arrived at Real Madrid from Olympique Lyonnais in July 2009 for a fee of €35 million. Over 14 seasons, he made 647 official appearances, scoring 353 goals and providing 165 assists. He is the club's second-highest all-time scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo (450 goals).
Individually, his crowning achievement came in 2022 when he won the Ballon d'Or after a stunning season in which he scored 44 goals. His 10 goals in the knockout stages of the 2021/22 Champions League—including hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and a brace against Manchester City—cemented his legendary status.
In terms of team honors, Benzema won 25 trophies with Real Madrid, sharing the record for the most decorated player in club history with Marcelo. His collection includes 5 Champions League titles, 4 La Liga championships, 3 Copa del Rey trophies, and numerous UEFA Super Cups and FIFA Club World Cups.
Timing and Impact
The decision came as a shock to the club, which had expected Benzema to extend his contract for another year. However, injuries and minor issues had limited him to 42 appearances in the 2022/23 season, in which he scored 30 goals—respectable but a decline from his peak.
Real Madrid had pushed for a quick resolution to allow Benzema a proper farewell at the final home game of the season against Athletic Club on June 4. The club also wanted clarity to pursue a replacement without delay.
The departure creates a massive void. Benzema was not only the goal scorer but also the creative pivot in attack, known for his ability to link play and bring teammates into the action. Replacing his all-around contribution will be difficult.
Successor Search
Real Madrid immediately accelerated their search for a new striker. Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane emerged as the primary target. At 29, Kane is a proven Premier League scorer and fits the profile of a world-class center-forward. Manager Carlo Ancelotti publicly acknowledged Kane's quality while respecting his contract with Tottenham.
Additionally, the club moved to sign Joselu from Espanyol as a backup option, with Mariano Díaz expected to leave. Other names linked include Kai Havertz and Kylian Mbappé, though Mbappé is primarily a winger and his future remains uncertain.
Benzema's Early Career and Rise
Born in Lyon, France, on December 19, 1987, Benzema began his career at Olympique Lyonnais, where he quickly established himself as one of Europe's most promising young strikers. He won two Ligue 1 titles with Lyon before his big move to Madrid.
At Real Madrid, he initially played a supporting role to Cristiano Ronaldo, but over time he evolved into the team's focal point. After Ronaldo's departure in 2018, Benzema assumed the role of main goalscorer, winning the Pichichi Trophy (La Liga top scorer) in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
For France, Benzema had a complicated career. He won the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and had an impressive Euro 2020, scoring four goals. However, his international career was marred by long suspensions and controversies, leading to his exclusion from the 2018 World Cup-winning squad. He returned for the 2022 World Cup, scoring a goal in the final against Argentina, but later announced his retirement from international football in early 2023.
Statistical Overview
Benzema's Real Madrid stats speak for themselves: 647 games, 353 goals, 165 assists; 25 trophies; Ballon d'Or 2022; La Liga Best Player 2022; UEFA Champions League top scorer 2021/22; Club World Cup Golden Ball 2022; and many more individual awards. He also scored 4 goals in a single Champions League match (vs. Espanyol in 2012) and is the only player to score in three different Champions League finals (2014, 2016, 2018).
His departure marks the end of an era. Real Madrid now enters a transition phase, relying on younger talents like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, while seeking a new number nine to lead the line. The legacy of Karim Benzema will be remembered not only for his goals but for his elegance, intelligence, and loyalty over 14 years.
Source: REAL TOTAL News