Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner, made his mark on his final appearance for Real Madrid by scoring a goal, just hours after the club confirmed his departure as a free agent at the end of the season. After an illustrious 14-year tenure, Real Madrid announced that the striker would be moving on, with rumors linking him to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad. However, before bidding adieu, Benzema found the back of the net in Real’s 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabéu.
The match saw Thibaut Courtois making an impressive save from a Mikel Vesga penalty early in the first half, but Bilbao took the lead in the 49th minute through Oihan Sancet’s goal. Real Madrid later equalized in the 72nd minute, with Éder Militão winning a penalty after receiving an elbow to the face from Yuri Berchiche. Benzema confidently converted the spot-kick, earning a standing ovation from the fans.
Benzema’s decision to leave surprised many, as it was believed he would stay at the Spanish club for another year. However, a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, reportedly exceeding €100 million ($107.05 million), has made him reconsider his future. The Frenchman opted to void the one-year extension clause in his contract. Throughout his time at Real Madrid, Benzema won an impressive total of 25 major trophies, making him one of the most successful players in the club’s history.
Real Madrid acknowledged Benzema’s exceptional contributions, stating, “Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, representing the values of our club. He has earned the right to decide his future. Madridistas and fans worldwide have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great legends of our club and world football.”
Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, expressed his understanding of Benzema’s departure, emphasizing the player’s excellence and character. Ancelotti said, “It has been legendary, something unforgettable, and it will remain forever in the memory of this club.” Benzema’s potential move to Saudi Arabia would follow in the footsteps of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December on a contract estimated to be worth over €200 million.
Having joined Real Madrid in 2009, Benzema became the focal point of the club’s attack and the primary goal-scoring threat after Ronaldo’s departure in 2018. With over 350 goals for Real Madrid, Benzema had a remarkable 2021-22 season, scoring 44 times in all competitions, leading the team to their 14th European title and the La Liga crown.
In addition to Benzema’s departure, Real Madrid will also bid farewell to forward Marco Asensio, who has secured a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Asensio, the 27-year-old Spanish international, spent nine years at Real Madrid and has chosen to join PSG on a free transfer, signing a four-year deal with the club after declining an offer from Aston Villa.
The club will hold a farewell press conference for Benzema on Tuesday as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career.